Perspectives of teachers, students, and parents on homework assigned in primary Turkish classes (Grades 1-4)

Homework is a significant component of the educational process. It offers students opportunities for learning outside the classroom while aiming to develop their independent study habits. The primary purpose of homework is to help students reinforce classroom learning, explore new knowledge, and enhance their self-discipline skills. This study seeks to explore the perspectives of primary school teachers, students, and parents regarding homework assigned in Turkish classes. The research employs a qualitative case study design. The study sample includes participants selected through purposive sampling from state primary schools in the Burdur city center during the 2021-2022 academic year. The participants consist of 15 classroom teachers, 15 primary school students, and 15 parents. Data were collected through semi-structured interview forms and analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that teachers aim to use homework to reinforce writing, grammar, reading, and comprehension skills. Teachers tend to focus on writing, grammar, and reading-comprehension tasks by emphasizing that assignments should be level-appropriate, comprehensible, and motivating. They prefer short to medium-term homework and utilize long-term assignments only in specific cases. Teachers also strive to make homework enjoyable and stress-relieving by ensuring that it not only aligns with students' well-being but also fosters motivation. Collaboration with parents is also deemed essential in this process. Primary school students reported encountering various types of homework, including writing, reading, photocopies, tests, and fill-in-the-blank exercises. While some students noted difficulties in understanding and completing assignments and expressed feelings of fatigue, they also acknowledged that homework is generally educational and developmental. Parents evaluated the variety and quality of assignments positively by stating that these tasks contribute to their children's language development. However, differing opinions emerged regarding the frequency and duration of homework, with some suggesting that assignments should be tailored to individual needs. Parents expressed satisfaction in actively participating in the homework process but noted that time constraints could pose challenges.