Several studies and researches have shown that constant practice enables efficient learning with a considerably high retention rate. These are why textbooks and other learning materials, even in the face-to-face setup, contain activities after activities; likewise for the modules published today. Therefore, giving homework is unquestionably effective in many aspects of education However, there is only a tiny gap between maximum learning and distress where teachers should be wary.
The overload of homework and take-home assignments was an effective way to reinforce and evaluate the learning of older generations of learners. But with the difference in characteristics, set of skills and competencies, and learning styles between the previous generations and the one today, giving the same amount of assignments might not be as effective nor child-friendly anymore. Since Gen Z learners are more inclined towards experiential learning, experimental and hands-on take-home activities work better for them instead of tons of essay works and question-and-answer sheets.
A study published in the High School Journal claimed that after subjecting students to different types of take-home activities for 30 to 90 minutes a day, a significant increase in the SAT-Mathematics subtest result was found. The students who participated in the experiment even scored 40 points higher than those who didn’t. The same article claimed that these students aced 69% of those who weren’t subject to the same treatment. Moreover, Britannica ProCon.org cited two different meta-studies, saying that homework implicates students’ learning by a 64% and 75% increase. It was also claimed that students who enjoy the learning process through assignments could extend the study sessions for up to three hours and easily cope with the study progression as they step into higher education because of a well-built study schedule. On another note, giving homework doesn’t only benefit the students in terms of learning because it also allows parents to get involved with their children’s education at home, which is necessary, especially with the modalities today.
Among the studies mentioned, only with the adequate amount of appropriate and stimulating homework could the students experience a positive impact. Thus, assignment is practical even in today’s education, yet it can only bear fruit with the right amount of the right materials.
For instance, instead of 500-word long essays, let the students ponder and come up with their own quotation or principle, then they can design a bookmark with the quote in it or add a bit of a twist on identification and multiple-choice activities by turning them into crossword puzzles or making their mnemonics. There are several more ways to make assignments more engaging, stimulating, and even more fruitful. This way, there would be no need to pile up tons of take-home activities, students wouldn’t have to stay late every night, nor would they have poor time management.
Gen Z students require more time comprehending the lessons and less on the requirements they need to accomplish because their characteristics as learners need them to do so. Therefore, Gen Z teachers need to be creative and critical when assigning homework, so the threshold is met without crossing the tiny gap towards distress.
When it comes to assigning homework, choose efficiency over work overload, choose quality over quantity.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.procon.org/headlines/is-homework-beneficial-top-3-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.idtech.com/blog/is-homework-beneficial-the-pros-and-cons-for-kids
- https://time.com/4466390/homework-debate-research/
