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Seeing Both Sides: Homework, Yes or No

By Everett Reese

Homework is an issue many people have strong opinions about.

Let's look at arguments on both sides of the issue. Teachers have a

lot of material to cover during each school day. The allotted time for

a lesson may only allow students to explore the basics. With so

much to learn, there simply isn't enough time to do it all in the

classroom. Homework is necessary because it extends learning

beyond the school day.

In addition to giving you more time to learn, homework lets you

practice learning independently.

Without a teacher and classmates at home to help, you only have

yourself to rely on. Homework gives you an opportunity to discover

things that may not be covered in the classroom. It also lets you

practice using resources such as the public library and the Internet

to study a topic. Learning how to study is just as important as

studying a particular topic. Homework teaches you both the

material and how to learn on your own. Since every student learns

differently, homework puts you in charge.

Homework develops positive study skills. Because your studies

become more complex, or difficult, each year, you should begin

developing good study habits at an early age. Homework gives

students time to think more creatively and critically. A book report

may involve reading the book, researching the author, designing a

poster, and writing an essay. Completing each element gives you a

valuable experience you wouldn't have time to do if all of your work

had to be done in school.

Homework can help students develop important skills, which

include a variety of abilities that help people make decisions and

consider multiple solutions to problems. Taking plenty of time to

read, think, and discover outside of the classroom can improve

students' ability to think critically. Homework gives students a

chance to practice what they've learned in the classroom. If you join

a soccer team but never practice, you won't develop your skills as a

player. It's the same with learning anything new. Homework is

practice, and tests are the big games.

Homework assignments can show students what they do–and

don't–understand. If you perform poorly on a homework

assignment, you know you need to study more before a test. A bad

homework grade also lets your teacher know you need more help in

the classroom.

Some students think it is unfair to have assignments during summer

vacation. But what happens to your brain when you take two

months off from learning? Experts say all young people experience

learning losses if they don't participate in educational activities

during the summer. If you have homework after school and during

the summer, you don't have much time to get bored. Boredom can

lead to trouble.

There are many reasons teachers should not assign homework.

Students spend most of their day in a classroom, so their free time

should be spent doing what they want. Kids need time to relax. They

need time to participate in activities they enjoy, whether it's sports,

music, or just riding their bikes all over the neighborhood.

Homework can prevent students from discovering what they really

enjoy doing. There is no time for them to read about interesting

topics, or think about their own ideas, because they are too busy

trying to keep up with their homework. By the time they are

finished, they are too tired to do anything else.

Students spend most of their time at home studying and completing

assignments. This prevents them from spending time with family

and friends, which can make them feel isolated. Parents want to

spend time with their kids, but homework can interfere. Homework

causes stress for families when the student doesn't want to work on

an assignment. Parents may feel pressure to force the child to do the

homework, which can cause arguments, tears, and frustration.

Homework forces parents to sacrifice family time for homework

time. Some homework is given because schools have decided that

children must do some type of work every night.

Students often say they do not get enough sleep because they have

too much homework. They stay up late to finish it all rather than

going to bed at a reasonable time. When you are not getting enough

sleep because you stay up late to do homework, it may cause you to

be less focused when you are in school.

Some people say that homework teaches responsibility. But

students who have homework every night have less time to

contribute to their responsibilities at home.

Life experiences are important. Students can learn about money

management, personal responsibility, effective communication, and

time management by working at home for an allowance or at a part-

time job. What kind of homework can teach you all of that?

Students who spend time completing a homework assignment they

feel is meaningless may develop feelings of resentment toward

learning and going to school.

Proponents of homework say it makes students better learners and

helps them perform better on tests.

Homework should not be given to every student unless it will

benefit everyone in the class equally. It should provide value to the

student and help them succeed.