The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is one of the most prominent education boards in India, known for its comprehensive curriculum and commitment to quality education. As part of its academic framework, CBSE has established a homework policy to enhance students’ learning experiences, foster independent study habits, and reinforce classroom teachings. This policy aims to strike a balance between academic rigours and the holistic development of students. In this article, we will delve into the details of the CBSE homework policy, exploring its objectives, guidelines, and the role it plays in shaping a student’s academic journey.
Objectives of the CBSE Homework Policy
The CBSE homework policy is designed with several key objectives in mind, each contributing to the overall development of students:
1. Consolidation of Learning
Homework serves as a tool to reinforce and consolidate the concepts taught in the classroom. By engaging with the material at home, students can deepen their understanding of topics and develop a stronger foundation for future learning.
2. Skill Development
CBSE emphasises the development of various skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. Homework assignments are crafted to encourage students to think independently, analyse information, and apply their knowledge to solve problems.
3. Preparation for Exams
Homework plays a crucial role in preparing students for examinations. By regularly practising concepts through assignments, students can build confidence and competence, ensuring better performance in both formative and summative assessments.
4. Parental Involvement
The CBSE homework policy recognizes the importance of parental involvement in a student’s education. Homework assignments provide an opportunity for parents to actively participate in their child’s learning process, fostering a collaborative educational environment.
Findings Of National Curriculum Framework, India
It is reported in the findings from students that the hours of homework vary class-wise. In Classes I-II, the homework hours vary from 0 to 2 hours daily. Whereas, for Classes III onwards, it varies from 2 to 5 hrs daily. However, the responses received from the schools revealed that 92 per cent of schools have a homework policy, and either they do not give homework in Classes I and II or give homework of very short duration, say, 30 minutes
Based on the recommendation of NCF-2005 on homework, the Group recommends that—
Total study time that is expected from students in both face-to-face and self-study or homework needs to be accounted for while planning the syllabus or course of study for
students, especially as they are going to higher grades.
Total Homework time
- Primary: No homework up to Class II and a maximum of two hours a week from Classes III-V.
- Middle School (from Classes VI-VIII): A maximum of one hour a day (about five to six hours a week).
- Secondary and Higher Secondary: A maximum of two hours a day (about 10 to 12 hours a week). Teachers need to work together to plan and rationalise the amount of homework that they give.
Homework Policy 2020
According to directive published by the Department of School Education and Literacy Ministry of Education, Government of India – on the issue of Homework, school management/administration needs to issue an advisory for all the schools focusing on the following points:
Total Study time
The time that is expected from students in both face-to-face and self-study or homework needs to be accounted for while planning the syllabus or course of study, especially as they are going to higher classes.
Total Homework time
- For primary: No homework up to Class II and a maximum of two hours a week from Classes III-V.
- For middle school (from Classes VI-VIII): A maximum of one hour a day (about five to six hours a week).
- For secondary and higher Secondary: A maximum of two hours a day (about 10 to 12 hours a week). Teachers need to work together to plan and rationalise the amount of homework that they give children. (NCF 2005).
B. For Schools (Principals and Teachers)
Homework is also an issue, which makes both students and parents stressed because as a general practice, it needs to be completed by night and reported to the school the next morning. This practice snatches the playtime of the child, parents’ quality time with the child, and activities leading to socialising with the family. Moreover, it is often observed, that mechanical kinds of homework are being given to students. For example, copying answers from books, writing an essay, writing some project work, taking help from the internet, etc.
Children should be given an opportunity for creative work at home in which they can take an interest along with their family members. For example, creating a pattern of consumption of rice and sugar in the whole month, details of consumption of electricity in the last six months, recording an anecdote spoken by grandpa from his school days or days he worked as, a farmer, etc.
Children need to be encouraged to read books at home. There is a need to discuss some of these books in the school. This will improve the reading habits of children. Book clubs may be opened in the school so that children can get a variety of books free of cost in the school itself.
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Guidelines For Homework
- Clarity of Instructions: Teachers are advised to provide clear and concise instructions for each homework assignment. This ensures that students understand the expectations and can complete the tasks independently.
- Variety of Tasks: Homework assignments should encompass a variety of tasks, including written exercises, research projects, practical experiments, and more. This diversity helps cater to different learning styles and keeps students engaged.
- Feedback and Assessment: Teachers are encouraged to provide timely and constructive feedback on homework submissions. This feedback serves as a valuable tool for students to identify areas of improvement and enhances the learning process.
- Avoiding Repetition: The CBSE discourages the repetition of similar homework assignments. Teachers are urged to design varied tasks to maintain students’ interest and motivation.
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