Cayetano wants thorough study of no-homework policy
MANILA, Philippines — “It cannot be homework or no homework only.”
This was the pronouncement of Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday as she called for a thorough study of the no-homework proposal for students.
“I repeat that I am all for studying the effect of homework. But I would like to ask this body to approach this not in isolation. Let us look into what we need to do to provide our children with a holistic learning environment,” Cayetano said in her privilege speech.
Cayetano’s stand came after several measures proposing a no-homework policy were filed at the House of Representatives and the Senate.
‘Homework reinforces inequalities’
Citing studies, Cayetano said that “homework reinforces inequalities in socio-economic classes in some countries.”
The senator said that in several countries, those in the upper socio-economic class are enrolled in private schools have a heavier homework load compared to those in public schools.
Cayetano said that those in private schools who have more homework end up doing better.
“So if you look at that study in isolation, you will conclude that more homework is better. I am not prepared to make that conclusion. I’m just pointing out studies that show in a country, there are these inequities that are brought about [by] the different kinds of education that children can avail of,” Cayetano clarified.
The senator then explained that those enrolled in private schools have access to after-school academic or non-academic programs in and outside of school.
“That is not so in many public schools,” Cayetano said.
“Many children coming from an upper class would be able to go home and either quietly study in their dining table or quietly study in their own bedroom, or some would even have a study room,” Cayetano said.
“Most people who send their children to public schools do not have that. Salo-salo na ho yung dining table, yung living room, nanonood ng kung anuman pinapanood, wala hong opportunity to concentrate. And that has been identified as a major problem in making homework effective,” she added.
Lastly, Cayetano also pointed out the availability of a private tutor or a member of the family who can assist a student at home with their studies.
“Those who come from a lower economic bracket have more difficulty because probably the working mom and dad cannot afford to get a tutor. Baka wala rin naman tita o lola na magtuturo. So wala na ngang magandang environment, wala rin hong support na naibibigay,” Cayetano explained.
Situations of teachers
Likewise, Cayetano also pointed out the situation of teachers in the country, saying that the government could do better in “trying to pull the best and the brightest into the teaching profession.”
“Now, why is it so important to have a good teacher? Well, a good teacher will not just go by the books. A good teacher will identify the strengths and weaknesses of their students,” Cayetano said.
“And this is where the correlation to homework comes in. To dictate upon a teacher a blanket prohibition against assignments or a mandate of exactly how much time to give a student in terms of homework would restrain his or her ability to provide for the needs of his or her students,” she added.
Cayetano underscored that she is not necessarily against homework, but providing the best environment for students should be given attention. /gsg
