Holiday Homework Assignment has raised heated debate over its necessity, quantum, nature and objectivity. Educators insist that holiday homework is essential to maintain learning continuum and keeping the children engaged constructively. They also argue that in the absence of school-assigned homework children’s only engagement is with TV, Computer-based games, oversleeping and boredom. On the other hand, critics supported by a section of the parents oppose the move citing that children don’t get adequate time to explore the world and construct their learning in an environment outside the school campus.
Some also accuse the teachers that the nature of homework is very uninspiring, difficult for the children to do it themselves and some of the projects could simply be bought in the market. The answer perhaps lies in between, holiday homework yes. But it has to be creative, inspiring and engaging. It should allow children to discover and explore. Some projects could be collaborative in nature, not only inviting friends but also families to complete the project. In the recent holiday homework exhibition I was struck by the enthusiasm exhibited by the children in explaining their work and how much they enjoyed working on it. It was heartening to listen to their vision of the world.
They were unanimous in having a world free from hunger, poverty, disease and conflict. A lot of concern was also shown about the environment and climate changes. Growing plants, reuse of waste material, designing earthquake-resistant houses, rain harvesting, solar and wind energy were other topics that were popular among the students to work on.
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