Research studies in education, he says, are mostly made to suit some kind of an agenda, forcing the policymakers to defend teaching policies and practices by citing this research studies.
Kohn cites the need, or in this case the lack of need, to do homework for school children as a perfect example of these policies and practices. Kohn argues that homework is not “value-free” and that it lacks subjectivity. He is skeptic about the effect, if any, of homework to students. He questions why students need “additional assignments to be completed at home after they've spent most of the day in school”. He points out that “homework should not be assigned unless there are good data to demonstrate its value for most students”.
Kohn further stated that at this point there are no studies that can prove either the positive or negative effects of homework. Using the homework case, Kohn is able to prove his point that research studies if not carried out well could be used to support practices or policies that do not really benefit students.
Personally I believe that homework do prove Kohn's statements. Teachers test and grade students on homework that are completed in class or at home. This could mean that the yardstick used in academic achievement could be flawed.
But, I do not think that homework is totally useless. I believe there is a possibility that homework does help students. What I am referring to are the “nonacademic” benefits brought about by doing homework such as “responsibility, time management skills, perseverance, self-discipline, and independence,” which Kohn mentions in the book.
If only for these effects on personality then homework does serve its purpose. Also, the huge volume of curriculum that teachers need to teach students can have a more lasting impression if homework is implemented. Homework does help in proper management inside the classroom particularly when discussions, lectures and activities are in conflict with each other. Homework provides a happy medium to accommodate all these three.
