Say the word “homework” to a group of students and eyes start to roll, shoulders slump and sighs will be heard. It is not just students who have this reaction towards homework. Parents also resent the role of playing the enforcer when it comes to homework. However, other educators and parents still believe in the tradition of homework, due to its many benefits.
There are many educators and parents who still believe that homework is extremely beneficial to students. Many feel homework is beneficial because it involves literacy activities, such as reading, writing and abstract thinking to solve problems. Homework also requires cognitive organization of procedures, materials, and events helping the student to use important learning skills.
Students who do academic work outside of school are more likely to become acclimated to the academic rigor. These students develop an aptitude for academic work through extra practice and reinforcement of homework. They are also more inclined to engage in future academic work due to the reinforcement of homework. When students experience a flow in doing homework, they persist long enough to become able learners and reach academic expertise.
Many parents use homework as an indication that their children are taking their education seriously. They also see homework as tangible evidence that their children are receiving a good education. The majority of parents believe that homework enhances learning and is necessary for building good work habits.
As a teacher, I feel that homework needs to be given to reinforce what was taught in class, give the students extra practice, and even to prepare students for the next day’s lesson. I do not feel that homework should be excessive. It has been proven that students who complete 30-60 minutes of homework a night perform better in school. I really see this in my classroom. My students that do not do their homework are performing badly. The students who complete their homework every night are performing very well. The amount of homework given should be based on grade level-10 minutes per grade level. For example a first grader should have ten minutes of homework while a sixth grader should have 60 minutes of homework. Based on this time allowance I do not feel that a sixth grader should sit down for 60 minutes straight after school and do their homework. After school students should unwind, eat a snack and then start on their homework. After every assignment is completed or every 20 minutes the child should take a break as to not get frustrated.
By: Jasmin N. Barbosa, Tomas Pinpin Memorial Elem School
