STORY PREVIEW

2023

Optimizing homework for better learning

Fajr Academy

Sindh

MENTOR

Hira Hanif

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

The following is the list of worries identified by 5- to 6-year-olds: I get upset when my siblings snatch my toys. Taking a bath bores me. My siblings bother me/hit me. There’s lots of homework.

State the problem chosen to work and why.

When our students voted for their primary worry, an overwhelming 70% expressed concern about having too much homework. This outcome highlights the importance of addressing this issue in their lives, as it affects their ability to balance schoolwork with playtime and relaxation. They want to work on reducing their homework load to have more time for other activities and to alleviate the stress associated with excessive assignments.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

Usually, students aged 5 to 6 years were the most affected by this problem. The transition from pre-primary to primary school overwhelmed them due to the significant increase in homework. Their primary concerns included managing their time effectively, balancing schoolwork with playtime, and coping with the stress and pressure of completing more assignments. This adjustment period highlighted their struggle to adapt to the new academic demands, making it essential to find a solution that would ease their burden and help them manage their responsibilities better.

Step 2 IMAGINE

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

The following is the list of solutions imagined by the students: Do a little homework at school and a little at home. Stay away from distractions. Have one homework-free day. Take help from someone. Do homework before playtime.

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

Initially, they chose to have one homework-free day. They submitted an application and discussed this idea with their teachers and headmistress. Through these discussions, they came to understand the importance of homework for their learning and development. Consequently, they decided to vote again and chose to implement the solution of doing a little homework at school and a little at home. This approach helped them manage their time better and reduced the pressure of completing all their homework at home, allowing them to balance schoolwork with other activities.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

To implement their solutions, the students adopted practical approaches. For Class 1A, they balanced their homework by completing part of it at school and the remainder at home, optimizing their time and reducing their overall workload.

What was the result or impact of your project?

The result of the Class 1A project was very positive. By implementing their solution of dividing homework between school and home, students found a better balance in their daily routines. This approach not only made homework less overwhelming but also helped them manage their time more effectively. The students became more organized and learned to use their free time at school productively. Additionally, their presentations inspired other classes to think creatively about solving everyday challenges, demonstrating the value of collaboration and practical problem-solving.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

The impacted people, including the students, teachers, and parents, had very positive feedback about Class 1A's project. The students appreciated the new approach, saying it made homework less stressful and more manageable. Teachers noted an improvement in the students' organizational skills and time management. Parents were pleased to see their children adopting a more balanced and proactive attitude towards homework. Overall, the project was well-received and praised for effectively addressing a common challenge while fostering valuable skills and promoting a sense of accomplishment among the students.

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

Class 1A encountered several challenges while implementing their homework management project. One major challenge was initially convincing the teachers and the headmistress of their request for a homework-free day. This was overcome through constructive discussions, where the students learned about the importance of homework and shifted their focus to a more feasible solution. Another challenge was maintaining consistency in doing part of their homework at school, especially when class schedules were tight. To address this, students were encouraged to use any available free time at school efficiently. Additionally, some students found it hard to resist distractions while doing homework at home. They overcame this by setting up quiet, dedicated spaces for homework and sticking to a regular schedule. These obstacles, though challenging, provided valuable learning experiences and helped refine their approach to managing homework effectively.

How long did it take to implement your solution?

7-15 Days

Which global goals does your story align with?

Quality Education

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

I believe the project of Grade 1A addresses the global challenge of "quality education" because it focuses on optimizing homework management, which is a crucial aspect of effective learning. By balancing homework between school and home, students are able to reduce stress, improve time management, and enhance their overall learning experience. This approach not only fosters better academic performance but also teaches valuable life skills, contributing to a more holistic and quality education.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

We shared our project with other classes and during the school assembly too. The students presented their journey and findings through detailed posters and engaging presentations. They explained the steps they took to address their homework concerns and the positive outcomes of their efforts. The response from both students and teachers was very positive. Other classes found the project inspiring and appreciated the practical approach to managing homework. Teachers praised the students for their initiative and effective problem-solving, recognizing the project's contribution to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

To sustain the impact of our project, we plan to continue integrating the balanced homework approach into daily routines, encouraging students to regularly do part of their homework at school and part at home. We will also promote this method to new classes each year, sharing our experiences and strategies. Additionally, we’ll create a guide for teachers and students on effective time management and maintaining productive study habits. By keeping the conversation ongoing and involving the broader school community, we aim to ensure that our approach to managing homework becomes a lasting practice that benefits future students.

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