Exploring the Effectiveness of Homework

Exploring the Effectiveness of Homework

Homework practice is still in use since today’s teachers and parents grew up doing them. Arguments pop up every time in every American household questioning the effectiveness or workability of homework. Many argue that homework causes unduly stress among kids making it banned in grades below seventh. All this happens in the mid-century, but today, students get heavy loads of homework. Students spend twice as much time on homework when you compare them to their predecessors back in the 90s. Little kids have to carry assignments with them as they go back home to add more to it. Researchers believe this should not be the case.

Little kids today spend an average of about 25 minutes doing their homework at night. Education centers, together with some parents, see this as a draining factor. They are planning to either reduce the load or completely do away with the issue of homework. Despite all these efforts, of course, they cannot lack pushbacks. Many institutions are reviewing the matter, stating that it is high time to revise the issue.

An excellent example is in Hillsborough, California. It is a district that is a suburb of San Fransisco, and it has varying measures. It hosts a middle school and three elementary schools works on a policy that allows kids to spend on play and family. They demand that homework should be at least “meaningful.” As for the due dates that fall after a break or a weekend, do not issue assignments.

At first, challenges arise in this kind of policy. Teachers who are familiar with the traditional methods have a hard time readjusting. It is something you have to expect when introducing new policies. People find it hard to adjust to the new policies. On the other hand, the expectations of the parents become an issue. On the bright side, as time goes by, you realize that it is okay for grade 2 learners not to have an hour of homework.

As you move to the second year, the policy begins to run smoothly as everybody is in line. Basing the research on conversations the teachers have with parents, they realize that the stress level among the students reduces. The students’ performance also improves as you notice this from the standardized test they do. 

Somerville district, Massachusetts, reduces the amount of homework they give both elementary and middle schoolers. Some parents argue that homework aids in strengthening their relationships with their children. Others may not feel the same since they already have a perfect connection with their kids. 

At this point, we should rethink once more the amount of homework necessary for our kids. In the same breath, we should know the kind of homework to give students. The quantity of work should not determine the effectiveness of the work. You may be asking what amount is enough. As a teacher, assign less of it regularly but not daily. Speak to the students regarding the importance of assignments and how they will boost their memory,

Students should not see homework as punishment. Take the work seriously; take a short time doing it before connecting back with siblings and parents. Make meaningful decisions!

 

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