DepEd drafting additional guidelines on homework policy
By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
The Department of Education (DepEd) said it is currently drafting additional guidelines on students’ homework policy in the wake of proposal to pass a law on “no-homework” policy.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that additional guidelines “will soon be issued” by the DepEd to have a “clearer understanding” of its existing policy.
Briones said the additional guidelines will be more precise on whatever homework teachers might impose during weekdays and on what subjects.
“The existing policy is no homework on weekends,” said Briones in a recent press conference. However, homework is still allowed on weekdays.
Despite this policy, she said DepEd is “also encouraging our teachers to limit the homework during weekdays, especially on particular subjects.”
Under current guidelines, as stated in DepEd Memo No. 392 s. of 2010 issued by former Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, “no homework/assignments shall be given on weekends for pupils to enjoy their childhood, and spend quality time with their parents without being burdened by the thought of doing lots of homework.” It the same memo, teachers were also “advised to limit the giving of homework/assignments to a reasonable quantity to give their pupils ample time to rest and relax at home for the rest of the day.”
The DepEd has already expressed support to the “no-homework” bills proposed by legislators. “By ensuring that they complete all assignments and projects in school, the no-homework policy enables our learners to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family,” DepEd said.
But Briones said there are also other issues to be considered when it comes to the “no-homework” policy. “We have to look at the Philippine practice of homework and have a clear idea of the homework practice in both public and private schools,” she said.
Citing various research works, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said younger pupils “should have lesser homework” compared to older students.
“The literature is saying that younger kids should have less and the kids in the higher grades like senior high school may be given more homework,” he added. This will be included in the guidelines the agency will release, he said.
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