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Jay Caspian Kang

The movement to end homework is wrong.

By Jay Caspian Kang

Opinion Writer

Do students really need to do their homework?

As a parent and a former teacher, I have been pondering this question for quite a long time. The teacher side of me can acknowledge that there were assignments I gave out to my students that probably had little to no academic value. But I also imagine that some of my students never would have done their basic reading if they hadn’t been trained to complete expected assignments, which would have made the task of teaching an English class nearly impossible. As a parent, I would rather my daughter not get stuck doing the sort of pointless homework I would occasionally assign, but I also think there’s a lot of value in saying, “Hey, a lot of work you’re going to end up doing in your life is pointless, so why not just get used to it?”

I certainly am not the only person wondering about the value of homework. Recently, the sociologist Jessica McCrory Calarco and the mathematics education scholars Ilana Horn and Grace Chen published a paper, “ You Need to Be More Responsible: The Myth of Meritocracy and Teachers’ Accounts of Homework Inequalities .” They argued that while there’s some evidence that homework might help students learn, it also exacerbates inequalities and reinforces what they call the “meritocratic” narrative that says kids who do well in school do so because of “individual competence, effort and responsibility.”

The authors believe this meritocratic narrative is a myth and that homework — math homework in particular — further entrenches the myth in the minds of teachers and their students. Calarco, Horn and Chen write, “Research has highlighted inequalities in students’ homework production and linked those inequalities to differences in students’ home lives and in the support students’ families can provide.”

Put a bit more simply: The quality of students’ homework production is linked to their socioeconomic status. This alone doesn’t seem particularly controversial. As I’ve discussed in this newsletter, many measures of academic achievement wind up being linked to wealth. The authors go on to argue that since this is the case, teachers should “interpret differences in students’ homework production through a structural inequalities frame.” What they have found, however, is that teachers don’t think of homework this way. Instead, they tend to rely on the “myth of meritocracy” to explain “homework inequalities.”

Calarco, Horn and Chen are all respected scholars at top-tier universities. Their paper was published in Educational Researcher, a journal of the American Educational Research Association, one of the pre-eminent research organizations in the education space. Homework reduction, or abolition, is part of an emerging educational movement. And while the authors acknowledge that eliminating homework would be difficult in the short term, given how rooted it is in American pedagogy, I imagine that many public schools over the next decade or so will start to de-emphasize homework as these ideas start to make their way to school boards and curriculum writers.

Trying to assess the value of homework, reduce it or at least make less of it busywork might very well be a useful endeavor. But Calarco, Horn and Chen are questioning something much more fundamental to the American educational system than homework. Whether they intend to or not, they are, in effect, reframing the purpose of schooling itself. Is school a place where a select group of children can distinguish themselves from their peers through diligence, talent and the pursuit of upward mobility? Is it a place where everyone should have equal access to learning and opportunity, whatever that might mean? And are these two ideals mutually exclusive?

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Should homework be banned?

Social media has sparked into life about whether children should be given homework - should students be freed from this daily chore? Dr Gerald Letendre, a professor of education at Pennsylvania State University, investigates.

We’ve all done it: pretended to leave an essay at home, or stayed up until 2am to finish a piece of coursework we’ve been ignoring for weeks. Homework, for some people, is seen as a chore that’s ‘wrecking kids’ or ‘killing parents’, while others think it is an essential part of a well-rounded education. The problem is far from new: public debates about homework have been raging since at least the early-1900s, and recently spilled over into a Twitter feud between Gary Lineker and Piers Morgan.

Ironically, the conversation surrounding homework often ignores the scientific ‘homework’ that researchers have carried out. Many detailed studies have been conducted, and can guide parents, teachers and administrators to make sensible decisions about how much work should be completed by students outside of the classroom.

So why does homework stir up such strong emotions? One reason is that, by its very nature, it is an intrusion of schoolwork into family life. I carried out a study in 2005, and found that the amount of time that children and adolescents spend in school, from nursery right up to the end of compulsory education, has greatly increased over the last century . This means that more of a child’s time is taken up with education, so family time is reduced. This increases pressure on the boundary between the family and the school.

Plus, the amount of homework that students receive appears to be increasing, especially in the early years when parents are keen for their children to play with friends and spend time with the family.

Finally, success in school has become increasingly important to success in life. Parents can use homework to promote, or exercise control over, their child’s academic trajectory, and hopefully ensure their future educational success. But this often leaves parents conflicted – they want their children to be successful in school, but they don’t want them to be stressed or upset because of an unmanageable workload.

However, the issue isn’t simply down to the opinions of parents, children and their teachers – governments also like to get involved. In the autumn of 2012, French president François Hollande hit world headlines after making a comment about banning homework, ostensibly because it promoted inequality. The Chinese government has also toyed with a ban, because of concerns about excessive academic pressure being put on children.

The problem is, some politicians and national administrators regard regulatory policy in education as a solution for a wide array of social, economic and political issues, perhaps without considering the consequences for students and parents.

Does homework work?

Homework seems to generally have a positive effect for high school students, according to an extensive range of empirical literature. For example, Duke University’s Prof Harris Cooper carried out a meta-analysis using data from US schools, covering a period from 1987 to 2003. He found that homework offered a general beneficial impact on test scores and improvements in attitude, with a greater effect seen in older students. But dig deeper into the issue and a complex set of factors quickly emerges, related to how much homework students do, and exactly how they feel about it.

In 2009, Prof Ulrich Trautwein and his team at the University of Tübingen found that in order to establish whether homework is having any effect, researchers must take into account the differences both between and within classes . For example, a teacher may assign a good deal of homework to a lower-level class, producing an association between more homework and lower levels of achievement. Yet, within the same class, individual students may vary significantly in how much homework improves their baseline performance. Plus, there is the fact that some students are simply more efficient at completing their homework than others, and it becomes quite difficult to pinpoint just what type of homework, and how much of it, will affect overall academic performance.

Over the last century, the amount of time that children and adolescents spend in school has greatly increased

Gender is also a major factor. For example, a study of US high school students carried out by Prof Gary Natriello in the 1980s revealed that girls devote more time to homework than boys, while a follow-up study found that US girls tend to spend more time on mathematics homework than boys. Another study, this time of African-American students in the US, found that eighth grade (ages 13-14) girls were more likely to successfully manage both their tasks and emotions around schoolwork, and were more likely to finish homework.

So why do girls seem to respond more positively to homework? One possible answer proposed by Eunsook Hong of the University of Nevada in 2011 is that teachers tend to rate girls’ habits and attitudes towards work more favourably than boys’. This perception could potentially set up a positive feedback loop between teacher expectations and the children’s capacity for academic work based on gender, resulting in girls outperforming boys. All of this makes it particularly difficult to determine the extent to which homework is helping, though it is clear that simply increasing the time spent on assignments does not directly correspond to a universal increase in learning.

Can homework cause damage?

The lack of empirical data supporting homework in the early years of education, along with an emerging trend to assign more work to this age range, appears to be fuelling parental concerns about potential negative effects. But, aside from anecdotes of increased tension in the household, is there any evidence of this? Can doing too much homework actually damage children?

Evidence suggests extreme amounts of homework can indeed have serious effects on students’ health and well-being. A Chinese study carried out in 2010 found a link between excessive homework and sleep disruption: children who had less homework had better routines and more stable sleep schedules. A Canadian study carried out in 2015 by Isabelle Michaud found that high levels of homework were associated with a greater risk of obesity among boys, if they were already feeling stressed about school in general.

For useful revision guides and video clips to assist with learning, visit BBC Bitesize . This is a free online study resource for UK students from early years up to GCSEs and Scottish Highers.

It is also worth noting that too much homework can create negative effects that may undermine any positives. These negative consequences may not only affect the child, but also could also pile on the stress for the whole family, according to a recent study by Robert Pressman of the New England Centre for Pediatric Psychology. Parents were particularly affected when their perception of their own capacity to assist their children decreased.

What then, is the tipping point, and when does homework simply become too much for parents and children? Guidelines typically suggest that children in the first grade (six years old) should have no more that 10 minutes per night, and that this amount should increase by 10 minutes per school year. However, cultural norms may greatly affect what constitutes too much.

A study of children aged between 8 and 10 in Quebec defined high levels of homework as more than 30 minutes a night, but a study in China of children aged 5 to 11 deemed that two or more hours per night was excessive. It is therefore difficult to create a clear standard for what constitutes as too much homework, because cultural differences, school-related stress, and negative emotions within the family all appear to interact with how homework affects children.

Should we stop setting homework?

In my opinion, even though there are potential risks of negative effects, homework should not be banned. Small amounts, assigned with specific learning goals in mind and with proper parental support, can help to improve students’ performance. While some studies have generally found little evidence that homework has a positive effect on young children overall, a 2008 study by Norwegian researcher Marte Rønning found that even some very young children do receive some benefit. So simply banning homework would mean that any particularly gifted or motivated pupils would not be able to benefit from increased study. However, at the earliest ages, very little homework should be assigned. The decisions about how much and what type are best left to teachers and parents.

As a parent, it is important to clarify what goals your child’s teacher has for homework assignments. Teachers can assign work for different reasons – as an academic drill to foster better study habits, and unfortunately, as a punishment. The goals for each assignment should be made clear, and should encourage positive engagement with academic routines.

Parents should inform the teachers of how long the homework is taking, as teachers often incorrectly estimate the amount of time needed to complete an assignment, and how it is affecting household routines. For young children, positive teacher support and feedback is critical in establishing a student’s positive perception of homework and other academic routines. Teachers and parents need to be vigilant and ensure that homework routines do not start to generate patterns of negative interaction that erode students’ motivation.

Likewise, any positive effects of homework are dependent on several complex interactive factors, including the child’s personal motivation, the type of assignment, parental support and teacher goals. Creating an overarching policy to address every single situation is not realistic, and so homework policies tend to be fixated on the time the homework takes to complete. But rather than focusing on this, everyone would be better off if schools worked on fostering stronger communication between parents, teachers and students, allowing them to respond more sensitively to the child’s emotional and academic needs.

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Why homework matters

Homework is the perennial bogeyman of K–12 education. Any given year, you’ll find people arguing that students, especially those in elementary school, should have far less homework—or none at all . I have the opposite opinion. The longer I run schools—and it has now been more than sixteen years—the more convinced I am that homework is not only necessary, but a linchpin to effective K–12 education.

It is important to remember that kids only spend a fraction of their time in school. The learning that does or does not take place in the many hours outside of school has a monumental effect on children’s academic success and is a root cause of educational inequity.

The pandemic gave us a stark demonstration of this reality. Achievement gaps widened between affluent and low-income children not only because low-income students received less in-person or high-quality online instruction during the years of disrupted school, but also because children of college-educated and affluent parents were already less dependent on schools for learning. Affluent children are far more likely to have the privilege of tutors or other types of supplementary instruction, as well as a family culture of reading, and opportunities to travel, visit museums, and more. Homework is a powerful tool to help narrow these inequities, giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to keep learning when they are not in school.

At Success Academy, the charter school network I founded and lead, we seek to develop students as lifelong learners who have the confidence and curiosity to pursue and build knowledge in all facets of their lives. Homework cultivates these mindsets and habits. Indeed, when teachers don’t assign homework, it reflects an unconscious conviction that kids can’t learn without adults. Kids internalize this message and come to believe they need their teacher to gain knowledge. In reality, they are more than capable of learning all sorts of things on their own. Discovering this fact can be both incredibly exciting and deeply empowering for them.

We also know that none of these benefits accrue when homework is mere busywork. Low-quality homework is likely what drives the mixed research evidence on the impact of homework on student achievement. It also sends the message to kids that doing it is simply an exercise in compliance and not worth their time. Homework must be challenging and purposeful for kids to recognize its value.

For this reason, at Success, we take great care with the design of our homework assignments, ensuring they are engaging and relevant to what takes place in class the next day. When done well, homework can be a form of the “flipped classroom”—a model developed by ed tech innovators to make large college lecture classes more engaging. In flipped classrooms, students learn everything they can on their own at home (in the original conception, via recorded lectures); class time builds on what they learned to address confusion and elevate their thinking to a more sophisticated level. It’s an approach that both respects kids’ capacity to learn independently, and assumes that out-of-class learning will drive the content and pace of the in-person lesson. 

Students always need a “why” for the things we ask them to do, and designing homework this way is motivating for them because it gives them that clear why. Class is engaging and interesting when they are prepared; when they aren’t, they won’t have the satisfaction of participating.

At this point, some teachers may be saying, “I can’t get my kids to hand in a worksheet, let alone rely on them to learn on their own.” And of course, effective use of homework in class relies on creating a strong system of accountability for getting kids to do it. This can be hard for teachers. It’s uncomfortable to lean into students’ lives outside of school, and many educators feel they don’t have that right. But getting over that discomfort is best for kids.

Educators should embrace setting an exacting norm for completing homework. This should include a schoolwide grading policy—at Success schools, missing and incomplete homework assignments receive a zero; students can get partial credit for work handed in late; and middle and high schoolers can revise their homework for a better grade—as well as consistently and explicitly noticing when kids are or are not prepared and offering praise and consequences. Enlisting parents’ help in this area is also highly effective. I guarantee they will be grateful to be kept informed of how well their children are meeting their responsibilities!

Ultimately, minimizing homework or getting rid of it entirely denies children autonomy and prevents them from discovering what they are capable of. As we work to repair the academic damage from the last two-plus years, I encourage educators to focus not on the quantity of homework, but instead on its quality—and on using it effectively in class. By doing so, they will accelerate kids’ engagement with school, and propel them as assured, autonomous learners and thinkers who can thrive in college and beyond.

Eva Moskowitz is the CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools .

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The Pros and Cons of Homework

Updated: June 5, 2024

Published: January 23, 2020

Homework is a word that most students dread hearing. After hours upon hours of sitting in class , the last thing we want is more schoolwork over our precious weekends. While it’s known to be a staple of traditional schooling, homework has also become a rather divise topic. Some feel as though homework is a necessary part of school, while others believe that the time could be better invested. Should students have homework? Have a closer look into the arguments on both sides to decide for yourself.

Photo by  energepic.com  from  Pexels

Why should students have homework.

Homework has been a long-standing part of the education system. It helps reinforce what students learn in the classroom, encourages good study habits, and promotes a deeper understanding of subjects. Studies have shown that homework can improve students’ grades and skills. Here are some reasons why homework is important:

1. Homework Encourages Practice

Many people believe that one of the positive effects of homework is that it encourages the discipline of practice. While it may be time consuming and boring compared to other activities, repetition is needed to get better at skills. Homework helps make concepts more clear, and gives students more opportunities when starting their career .

2. Homework Gets Parents Involved

Homework can be something that gets parents involved in their children’s lives if the environment is a healthy one. A parent helping their child with homework makes them take part in their academic success, and allows for the parent to keep up with what the child is doing in school. It can also be a chance to connect together.

3. Homework Teaches Time Management

Homework is much more than just completing the assigned tasks. Homework can develop time management skills , forcing students to plan their time and make sure that all of their homework assignments are done on time. By learning to manage their time, students also practice their problem-solving skills and independent thinking. One of the positive effects of homework is that it forces decision making and compromises to be made.

4. Homework Opens A Bridge Of Communication

Homework creates a connection between the student, the teacher, the school, and the parents. It allows everyone to get to know each other better, and parents can see where their children are struggling. In the same sense, parents can also see where their children are excelling. Homework in turn can allow for a better, more targeted educational plan for the student.

5. Homework Allows For More Learning Time

Homework allows for more time to complete the learning process. School hours are not always enough time for students to really understand core concepts, and homework can counter the effects of time shortages, benefiting students in the long run, even if they can’t see it in the moment.

6. Homework Reduces Screen Time

Many students in North America spend far too many hours watching TV. If they weren’t in school, these numbers would likely increase even more. Although homework is usually undesired, it encourages better study habits and discourages spending time in front of the TV. Homework can be seen as another extracurricular activity, and many families already invest a lot of time and money in different clubs and lessons to fill up their children’s extra time. Just like extracurricular activities, homework can be fit into one’s schedule.

The Other Side: Why Homework Is Bad

While homework has its benefits, there are also many arguments against it. Some believe that homework can cause increased stress, limit time for extracurricular activities, and reduce family time. Studies and expert opinions highlight the drawbacks of too much homework, showing how it can negatively affect students’ well-being and academic experience. Here are some reasons why homework might be bad:

1. Homework Encourages A Sedentary Lifestyle

Should students have homework? Well, that depends on where you stand. There are arguments both for the advantages and the disadvantages of homework.

While classroom time is important, playground time is just as important. If children are given too much homework, they won’t have enough playtime, which can impact their social development and learning. Studies have found that those who get more play get better grades in school , as it can help them pay closer attention in the classroom.

Children are already sitting long hours in the classroom, and homework assignments only add to these hours. Sedentary lifestyles can be dangerous and can cause health problems such as obesity. Homework takes away from time that could be spent investing in physical activity.

2. Homework Isn’t Healthy In Every Home

While many people that think homes are a beneficial environment for children to learn, not all homes provide a healthy environment, and there may be very little investment from parents. Some parents do not provide any kind of support or homework help, and even if they would like to, due to personal barriers, they sometimes cannot. Homework can create friction between children and their parents, which is one of the reasons why homework is bad .

3. Homework Adds To An Already Full-Time Job

School is already a full-time job for students, as they generally spend over 6 hours each day in class. Students also often have extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or art that are just as important as their traditional courses. Adding on extra hours to all of these demands is a lot for children to manage, and prevents students from having extra time to themselves for a variety of creative endeavors. Homework prevents self discovery and having the time to learn new skills outside of the school system. This is one of the main disadvantages of homework.

4. Homework Has Not Been Proven To Provide Results

Endless surveys have found that homework creates a negative attitude towards school, and homework has not been found to be linked to a higher level of academic success.

The positive effects of homework have not been backed up enough. While homework may help some students improve in specific subjects, if they have outside help there is no real proof that homework makes for improvements.

It can be a challenge to really enforce the completion of homework, and students can still get decent grades without doing their homework. Extra school time does not necessarily mean better grades — quality must always come before quantity.

Accurate practice when it comes to homework simply isn’t reliable. Homework could even cause opposite effects if misunderstood, especially since the reliance is placed on the student and their parents — one of the major reasons as to why homework is bad. Many students would rather cheat in class to avoid doing their homework at home, and children often just copy off of each other or from what they read on the internet.

5. Homework Assignments Are Overdone

The general agreement is that students should not be given more than 10 minutes a day per grade level. What this means is that a first grader should be given a maximum of 10 minutes of homework, while a second grader receives 20 minutes, etc. Many students are given a lot more homework than the recommended amount, however.

On average, college students spend as much as 3 hours per night on homework . By giving too much homework, it can increase stress levels and lead to burn out. This in turn provides an opposite effect when it comes to academic success.

The pros and cons of homework are both valid, and it seems as though the question of ‘‘should students have homework?’ is not a simple, straightforward one. Parents and teachers often are found to be clashing heads, while the student is left in the middle without much say.

It’s important to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of homework, taking both perspectives into conversation to find a common ground. At the end of the day, everyone’s goal is the success of the student.

FAQ Section

What are the benefits of assigning homework to students.

Homework reinforces what students learn in the classroom, helps develop good study habits, and promotes a deeper understanding of subjects. It also encourages practice, improves time management skills, and encourages parents to participate in their children’s education.

How much homework is too much for students?

Generally, it is recommended that students receive no more than 10 minutes of homework per grade level per day. For example, a first grader should have no more than 10 minutes of homework, while a fifth grader should have no more than 50 minutes.

What are the potential drawbacks of excessive homework assignments?

Excessive homework can lead to increased stress, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of free time for extracurricular activities, and diminished family time. It can also create a negative attitude towards school and learning.

How does homework impact students’ stress levels and well-being?

Too much homework can significantly increase stress levels and negatively affect students’ well-being. It can lead to anxiety, burnout, and reduced time for physical activity and relaxation.

Does homework promote independent thinking and problem-solving skills?

Yes, homework can promote independent thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging students to tackle assignments on their own, manage their time effectively, and find solutions to problems without immediate assistance from teachers.

Are there any long-term effects of excessive homework on students?

Excessive homework over long periods can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a negative attitude towards education. It can also hinder the development of social skills and reduce opportunities for self-discovery and creative pursuits.

How can technology enhance or supplement traditional homework practices?

Technology can provide interactive and engaging ways to complete homework, such as educational apps, online resources, and virtual collaboration tools. It can also offer personalized learning experiences and immediate feedback.

Are there any innovative approaches to homework that schools are adopting?

Some schools are adopting innovative approaches like flipped classrooms, where students watch lectures at home and do hands-on classroom activities. Project-based learning and personalized assignments tailored to individual student needs are also becoming more popular.

How do educators balance the workload with diverse student needs?

Educators can balance the workload by differentiating assignments, considering the individual needs and abilities of students, and providing flexible deadlines. Communication with students and parents helps to ensure that homework is manageable and effective for everyone.

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Are You Down With or Done With Homework?

• Posted January 17, 2012
• By Lory Hough

The debate over how much schoolwork students should be doing at home has flared again, with one side saying it's too much, the other side saying in our competitive world, it's just not enough.

It was a move that doesn't happen very often in American public schools: The principal got rid of homework.

This past September, Stephanie Brant, principal of Gaithersburg Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Md., decided that instead of teachers sending kids home with math worksheets and spelling flash cards, students would instead go home and read. Every day for 30 minutes, more if they had time or the inclination, with parents or on their own.

"I knew this would be a big shift for my community," she says. But she also strongly believed it was a necessary one. Twenty-first-century learners, especially those in elementary school, need to think critically and understand their own learning — not spend night after night doing rote homework drills.

Brant's move may not be common, but she isn't alone in her questioning. The value of doing schoolwork at home has gone in and out of fashion in the United States among educators, policymakers, the media, and, more recently, parents. As far back as the late 1800s, with the rise of the Progressive Era, doctors such as Joseph Mayer Rice began pushing for a limit on what he called "mechanical homework," saying it caused childhood nervous conditions and eyestrain. Around that time, the then-influential Ladies Home Journal began publishing a series of anti-homework articles, stating that five hours of brain work a day was "the most we should ask of our children," and that homework was an intrusion on family life. In response, states like California passed laws abolishing homework for students under a certain age.

But, as is often the case with education, the tide eventually turned. After the Russians launched the Sputnik satellite in 1957, a space race emerged, and, writes Brian Gill in the journal Theory Into Practice, "The homework problem was reconceived as part of a national crisis; the U.S. was losing the Cold War because Russian children were smarter." Many earlier laws limiting homework were abolished, and the longterm trend toward less homework came to an end.

The debate re-emerged a decade later when parents of the late '60s and '70s argued that children should be free to play and explore — similar anti-homework wellness arguments echoed nearly a century earlier. By the early-1980s, however, the pendulum swung again with the publication of A Nation at Risk , which blamed poor education for a "rising tide of mediocrity." Students needed to work harder, the report said, and one way to do this was more homework.

For the most part, this pro-homework sentiment is still going strong today, in part because of mandatory testing and continued economic concerns about the nation's competitiveness. Many believe that today's students are falling behind their peers in places like Korea and Finland and are paying more attention to Angry Birds than to ancient Babylonia.

But there are also a growing number of Stephanie Brants out there, educators and parents who believe that students are stressed and missing out on valuable family time. Students, they say, particularly younger students who have seen a rise in the amount of take-home work and already put in a six- to nine-hour "work" day, need less, not more homework.

Who is right? Are students not working hard enough or is homework not working for them? Here's where the story gets a little tricky: It depends on whom you ask and what research you're looking at. As Cathy Vatterott, the author of Rethinking Homework , points out, "Homework has generated enough research so that a study can be found to support almost any position, as long as conflicting studies are ignored." Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth and a strong believer in eliminating all homework, writes that, "The fact that there isn't anything close to unanimity among experts belies the widespread assumption that homework helps." At best, he says, homework shows only an association, not a causal relationship, with academic achievement. In other words, it's hard to tease out how homework is really affecting test scores and grades. Did one teacher give better homework than another? Was one teacher more effective in the classroom? Do certain students test better or just try harder?

"It is difficult to separate where the effect of classroom teaching ends," Vatterott writes, "and the effect of homework begins."

Putting research aside, however, much of the current debate over homework is focused less on how homework affects academic achievement and more on time. Parents in particular have been saying that the amount of time children spend in school, especially with afterschool programs, combined with the amount of homework given — as early as kindergarten — is leaving students with little time to run around, eat dinner with their families, or even get enough sleep.

Certainly, for some parents, homework is a way to stay connected to their children's learning. But for others, homework creates a tug-of-war between parents and children, says Liz Goodenough, M.A.T.'71, creator of a documentary called Where Do the Children Play?

"Ideally homework should be about taking something home, spending a few curious and interesting moments in which children might engage with parents, and then getting that project back to school — an organizational triumph," she says. "A nag-free activity could engage family time: Ask a parent about his or her own childhood. Interview siblings."

Instead, as the authors of The Case Against Homework write, "Homework overload is turning many of us into the types of parents we never wanted to be: nags, bribers, and taskmasters."

Leslie Butchko saw it happen a few years ago when her son started sixth grade in the Santa Monica-Malibu (Calif.) United School District. She remembers him getting two to four hours of homework a night, plus weekend and vacation projects. He was overwhelmed and struggled to finish assignments, especially on nights when he also had an extracurricular activity.

"Ultimately, we felt compelled to have Bobby quit karate — he's a black belt — to allow more time for homework," she says. And then, with all of their attention focused on Bobby's homework, she and her husband started sending their youngest to his room so that Bobby could focus. "One day, my younger son gave us 15-minute coupons as a present for us to use to send him to play in the back room. … It was then that we realized there had to be something wrong with the amount of homework we were facing."

Butchko joined forces with another mother who was having similar struggles and ultimately helped get the homework policy in her district changed, limiting homework on weekends and holidays, setting time guidelines for daily homework, and broadening the definition of homework to include projects and studying for tests. As she told the school board at one meeting when the policy was first being discussed, "In closing, I just want to say that I had more free time at Harvard Law School than my son has in middle school, and that is not in the best interests of our children."

One barrier that Butchko had to overcome initially was convincing many teachers and parents that more homework doesn't necessarily equal rigor.

"Most of the parents that were against the homework policy felt that students need a large quantity of homework to prepare them for the rigorous AP classes in high school and to get them into Harvard," she says.

Stephanie Conklin, Ed.M.'06, sees this at Another Course to College, the Boston pilot school where she teaches math. "When a student is not completing [his or her] homework, parents usually are frustrated by this and agree with me that homework is an important part of their child's learning," she says.

As Timothy Jarman, Ed.M.'10, a ninth-grade English teacher at Eugene Ashley High School in Wilmington, N.C., says, "Parents think it is strange when their children are not assigned a substantial amount of homework."

That's because, writes Vatterott, in her chapter, "The Cult(ure) of Homework," the concept of homework "has become so engrained in U.S. culture that the word homework is part of the common vernacular."

These days, nightly homework is a given in American schools, writes Kohn.

"Homework isn't limited to those occasions when it seems appropriate and important. Most teachers and administrators aren't saying, 'It may be useful to do this particular project at home,'" he writes. "Rather, the point of departure seems to be, 'We've decided ahead of time that children will have to do something every night (or several times a week). … This commitment to the idea of homework in the abstract is accepted by the overwhelming majority of schools — public and private, elementary and secondary."

Brant had to confront this when she cut homework at Gaithersburg Elementary.

"A lot of my parents have this idea that homework is part of life. This is what I had to do when I was young," she says, and so, too, will our kids. "So I had to shift their thinking." She did this slowly, first by asking her teachers last year to really think about what they were sending home. And this year, in addition to forming a parent advisory group around the issue, she also holds events to answer questions.

Still, not everyone is convinced that homework as a given is a bad thing. "Any pursuit of excellence, be it in sports, the arts, or academics, requires hard work. That our culture finds it okay for kids to spend hours a day in a sport but not equal time on academics is part of the problem," wrote one pro-homework parent on the blog for the documentary Race to Nowhere , which looks at the stress American students are under. "Homework has always been an issue for parents and children. It is now and it was 20 years ago. I think when people decide to have children that it is their responsibility to educate them," wrote another.

And part of educating them, some believe, is helping them develop skills they will eventually need in adulthood. "Homework can help students develop study skills that will be of value even after they leave school," reads a publication on the U.S. Department of Education website called Homework Tips for Parents. "It can teach them that learning takes place anywhere, not just in the classroom. … It can foster positive character traits such as independence and responsibility. Homework can teach children how to manage time."

Annie Brown, Ed.M.'01, feels this is particularly critical at less affluent schools like the ones she has worked at in Boston, Cambridge, Mass., and Los Angeles as a literacy coach.

"It feels important that my students do homework because they will ultimately be competing for college placement and jobs with students who have done homework and have developed a work ethic," she says. "Also it will get them ready for independently taking responsibility for their learning, which will need to happen for them to go to college."

The problem with this thinking, writes Vatterott, is that homework becomes a way to practice being a worker.

"Which begs the question," she writes. "Is our job as educators to produce learners or workers?"

Slate magazine editor Emily Bazelon, in a piece about homework, says this makes no sense for younger kids.

"Why should we think that practicing homework in first grade will make you better at doing it in middle school?" she writes. "Doesn't the opposite seem equally plausible: that it's counterproductive to ask children to sit down and work at night before they're developmentally ready because you'll just make them tired and cross?"

Kohn writes in the American School Board Journal that this "premature exposure" to practices like homework (and sit-and-listen lessons and tests) "are clearly a bad match for younger children and of questionable value at any age." He calls it BGUTI: Better Get Used to It. "The logic here is that we have to prepare you for the bad things that are going to be done to you later … by doing them to you now."

According to a recent University of Michigan study, daily homework for six- to eight-year-olds increased on average from about 8 minutes in 1981 to 22 minutes in 2003. A review of research by Duke University Professor Harris Cooper found that for elementary school students, "the average correlation between time spent on homework and achievement … hovered around zero."

So should homework be eliminated? Of course not, say many Ed School graduates who are teaching. Not only would students not have time for essays and long projects, but also teachers would not be able to get all students to grade level or to cover critical material, says Brett Pangburn, Ed.M.'06, a sixth-grade English teacher at Excel Academy Charter School in Boston. Still, he says, homework has to be relevant.

"Kids need to practice the skills being taught in class, especially where, like the kids I teach at Excel, they are behind and need to catch up," he says. "Our results at Excel have demonstrated that kids can catch up and view themselves as in control of their academic futures, but this requires hard work, and homework is a part of it."

Ed School Professor Howard Gardner basically agrees.

"America and Americans lurch between too little homework in many of our schools to an excess of homework in our most competitive environments — Li'l Abner vs. Tiger Mother," he says. "Neither approach makes sense. Homework should build on what happens in class, consolidating skills and helping students to answer new questions."

So how can schools come to a happy medium, a way that allows teachers to cover everything they need while not overwhelming students? Conklin says she often gives online math assignments that act as labs and students have two or three days to complete them, including some in-class time. Students at Pangburn's school have a 50-minute silent period during regular school hours where homework can be started, and where teachers pull individual or small groups of students aside for tutoring, often on that night's homework. Afterschool homework clubs can help.

Some schools and districts have adapted time limits rather than nix homework completely, with the 10-minute per grade rule being the standard — 10 minutes a night for first-graders, 30 minutes for third-graders, and so on. (This remedy, however, is often met with mixed results since not all students work at the same pace.) Other schools offer an extended day that allows teachers to cover more material in school, in turn requiring fewer take-home assignments. And for others, like Stephanie Brant's elementary school in Maryland, more reading with a few targeted project assignments has been the answer.

"The routine of reading is so much more important than the routine of homework," she says. "Let's have kids reflect. You can still have the routine and you can still have your workspace, but now it's for reading. I often say to parents, if we can put a man on the moon, we can put a man or woman on Mars and that person is now a second-grader. We don't know what skills that person will need. At the end of the day, we have to feel confident that we're giving them something they can use on Mars."

Read a January 2014 update.

Homework Policy Still Going Strong

Ed. Magazine

The magazine of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

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Top Reasons Why Homework Should Be Banned To Improve Student’s Life

In the modern education system, homework has long been a contentious topic, sparking debates among educators, parents, and students alike. While it is often viewed as an integral part of the learning process, there is growing evidence suggesting that homework may not be as beneficial as previously thought. This article explores the reasons why homework should be banned, shedding light on the potential negative effects it can have on students’ well-being and academic performance.

Why should ban homework?

Table of Contents

Exploring the reasons behind advocating for a ban on homework reveals various perspectives and concerns. Here are some common arguments put forth by those who believe homework should be banned:

Lack of Time for Other Activities

One of the primary reasons for banning homework is the belief that it consumes a significant portion of a student’s time, leaving little room for extracurricular activities, family time, or pursuing personal interests.

Critics argue that this imbalance can lead to stress, burnout, and an overall lack of well-rounded development.

Negative Impact on Mental Health

Excessive homework can have detrimental effects on students’ mental health. The pressure to complete assignments, coupled with high expectations and tight deadlines, can contribute to stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.

Critics argue that a ban on homework would alleviate these pressures and promote healthier well-being among students.

Inequality and Disadvantaged Students

Homework can exacerbate educational inequalities. Not all students have equal access to resources, such as a quiet study environment or parental assistance.

This discrepancy can widen the achievement gap and place disadvantaged students at a further disadvantage. Advocates for a ban argue that eliminating homework would help level the playing field and promote equity in education.

Questioning Effectiveness

Critics also question the effectiveness of homework in terms of enhancing learning outcomes. Some argue that the benefits of homework.

Such as increased academic achievement, can be achieved through alternative methods that are less burdensome and more engaging for students. They suggest that class time should be optimized for active learning and meaningful teacher-student interactions instead.

Encouraging Autonomy and Personalized Learning

Banning homework can allow students to have more autonomy over their learning and promote personalized approaches to education.

Advocates argue that students should have the freedom to explore their interests, engage in self-directed learning, and pursue projects that align with their passions and strengths.

It is important to note that opinions on banning homework can vary, and there are counterarguments supporting the value of homework. These counterarguments emphasize the reinforcement of learning, development of discipline and responsibility, and preparation for higher education.

What are 10 disadvantages of homework?

There are several perceived disadvantages of homework that critics often raise. Here are ten commonly mentioned drawbacks associated with homework:

Time Constraints

Homework can consume a significant amount of a student’s time, leaving little room for leisure activities, family time, or pursuing personal interests.

Increased Stress

The pressure to complete homework assignments within tight deadlines can lead to heightened stress levels, especially when students have multiple subjects to focus on simultaneously.

Lack of Balance

Excessive homework can disrupt the balance between academic commitments and other aspects of a student’s life, such as extracurricular activities, hobbies, and social interactions.

Heavy workloads and the associated stress can contribute to anxiety, sleep deprivation, and other mental health issues among students.

Limited Learning Autonomy

Homework often requires students to follow specific instructions and guidelines, limiting their ability to explore alternative approaches or pursue their own learning interests.

Potential for Inequality

Not all students have equal access to resources or support systems outside of school, which can create disparities in completing homework and lead to educational inequalities.

Loss of Interest and Engagement

Lengthy or repetitive homework tasks can result in a loss of interest, leading to decreased motivation, disengagement, and a negative attitude towards learning.

Negative Impact on Family Life

Excessive homework can strain family dynamics, as it may limit quality time spent together, disrupt meal times, or cause conflicts between parents and children.

Increased Pressure on Students

The need to perform well in homework assignments, coupled with the fear of negative consequences for incomplete or subpar work, can intensify academic pressure on students.

Potential for Burnout

Overwhelming workloads and constant deadlines can contribute to feelings of burnout among students, leading to exhaustion and a decline in overall well-being.

It is important to note that these perceived disadvantages may vary among individuals and are influenced by factors such as the educational system, workload distribution, and the specific practices implemented by teachers and schools.

Who invented homework 😡?

The invention of homework cannot be attributed to a single individual. The concept of assigning academic tasks to be completed outside of school has evolved over centuries. The origins of homework can be traced back to ancient civilizations where scholars and educators recognized the value of practice and independent study.

The practice of assigning homework as we know it today has its roots in the educational reforms of the 19th century. Influential figure.

Such as Horace Mann in the United States and Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi in Europe played significant roles in shaping modern education systems, including the incorporation of homework as a regular part of students’ academic routine.

However, it is worth noting that the implementation and practices of homework have evolved over time and vary across different educational systems and cultures. The purpose, amount, and approach to homework continue to be subject to ongoing research, debate, and adaptation in response to changing educational needs and goals.

Is homework a punishment for kids?

The perception of homework as a punishment for kids is a matter of perspective and can vary among individuals. While some may argue that homework is a form of punishment, it is important to consider the intention and purpose behind assigning homework.

Homework is primarily designed to reinforce learning, provide opportunities for independent practice, and extend the learning process beyond the classroom. It serves as a tool for students to review and apply what they have learned, develop skills, and prepare for assessments.

When used effectively, homework can contribute to academic growth and help students develop important habits such as responsibility, time management, and self-discipline.

Should homework be banned for kids?

The question of whether homework should be banned for kids is a topic of ongoing debate in the field of education. While there is no definitive answer that applies universally to all situations, it is important to consider the different perspectives and weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of homework.

Advocates for banning homework argue the following points:

Reduced Stress and Well-being

Banning homework can alleviate stress levels among students, allowing them to focus on their well-being, mental health, and other activities outside of school. It can promote a healthier balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.

Increased Engagement and Interest

Without the burden of homework, students may have more time and energy to engage in extracurricular activities, pursue their passions, and explore personal interests. This freedom can foster a love for learning and intrinsic motivation.

Equity and Access

Banning homework can help address educational inequalities. Not all students have equal access to resources and support systems outside of school, which can create disparities in completing homework assignments. Eliminating homework can level the playing field and promote fairness.

Enhanced Learning Strategies

Advocates argue that alternative approaches, such as project-based learning, experiential learning, and collaborative activities, can be more effective in promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity compared to traditional homework assignments.

On the other hand, opponents of banning homework raise the following arguments:

Reinforcement of Learning

Homework provides an opportunity for students to reinforce what they have learned in class, practice skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Responsibility and Time Management

Homework helps students develop important life skills such as responsibility, self-discipline, organization, and time management. These skills are crucial for success in higher education and the workforce.

Parental Involvement

Homework can promote parental involvement and engagement in a child’s education. It provides an opportunity for parents to understand their child’s learning progress and support their academic development.

Preparation for Higher Education

Homework is often seen as a preparation for the demands of higher education, where independent study and self-directed learning are essential.

Ultimately, the decision to ban or retain homework depends on various factors, including the educational context, the quality and quantity of assignments, and the specific needs and circumstances of the students. Striking a balance between academic requirements, student well-being, and promoting effective learning experiences is crucial to ensure a holistic and meaningful education.

Why homework should not be banned?

While the debate on whether homework should be banned continues, there are compelling arguments in favor of retaining homework as an integral part of the educational system. Here are some reasons why homework should not be banned:

Homework provides an opportunity for students to reinforce and consolidate what they have learned in class. Through independent practice, students can solidify their understanding of concepts, apply knowledge to new situations, and develop essential skills.

Preparation for Future Responsibilities

Homework helps students develop important skills such as time management, organization, self-discipline, and responsibility. These skills are essential for success not only in academics but also in future endeavors, including higher education and the workplace.

Extension of Learning Beyond the Classroom

Homework allows students to delve deeper into a subject, explore additional resources, and engage in independent research. It promotes self-directed learning and encourages students to take ownership of their education.

Practice and Mastery

Regular practice through homework enables students to master foundational concepts and skills. Repetition and reinforcement help solidify learning, improve retention, and build fluency in various subjects.

Individualized Learning

Homework assignments can be tailored to meet the individual needs and abilities of students. Teachers can provide differentiated tasks or additional challenges to cater to varying levels of understanding and promote personalized learning.

Parental Involvement and Support

Homework provides an avenue for parents to be involved in their child’s education. It allows parents to monitor their child’s progress, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and offer guidance and support when needed.

Accountability and Assessment

Homework assignments contribute to the assessment and evaluation of a student’s progress. They provide valuable feedback for both students and teachers, highlighting areas that require further attention or additional instruction.

Homework prepares students for the rigors of higher education, where independent study, research, and self-directed learning are essential components. By engaging in homework, students develop the necessary skills and work habits to succeed in advanced academic pursuits.

The Purpose of Homework

The purpose of homework extends beyond the completion of tasks and assignments outside of the classroom. Homework serves several important educational objectives that contribute to students’ learning and academic development.

Homework provides an opportunity for students to reinforce and apply the concepts, skills, and knowledge they have learned in class.

It allows them to practice and solidify their understanding through independent work, which can lead to better retention and mastery of the material.

Extension of Learning

Homework extends learning beyond the classroom, encouraging students to explore topics in greater depth and engage in independent research.

It promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent inquiry, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Skill Development

Homework helps students develop important skills such as time management, organization, self-discipline, and responsibility.

By completing assignments within designated time frames, students learn to prioritize tasks, manage their workload, and meet deadlines – skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Preparation for Assessments

Homework prepares students for assessments, such as tests, quizzes, and exams. It allows them to practice applying their knowledge, review concepts, and identify areas that require further clarification or study. This helps build confidence and improves performance in formal evaluations.

Engagement and Active Learning

Homework can promote active engagement in the learning process by involving students in activities that require reflection, analysis, and problem-solving. It encourages independent thinking, creativity, and self-expression, fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter.

Communication and Collaboration

Homework can serve as a means of communication between teachers, students, and parents. It provides an avenue for teachers to provide feedback, track progress, and identify areas of improvement.

It also enables parents to be involved in their child’s education and gain insight into their academic development.

Preparation for Real-World Responsibilities

Homework instills a sense of responsibility and accountability in students, mirroring the expectations they will encounter in higher education and future careers.

It prepares them for the demands of college or workplace environments, where self-directed learning and independent work are often required.

Why Homework Should Be Banned?

While homework has been a longstanding practice in education, it is important to acknowledge the negative effects it can have on students.

These effects should be taken into consideration when evaluating the overall impact of homework on students’ well-being, mental health, and academic performance.

Increased Stress and Pressure

Excessive homework assignments can lead to heightened stress levels among students. The pressure to complete numerous tasks within tight deadlines can cause anxiety, burnout, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

This can negatively affect students’ mental well-being and hinder their ability to perform at their best.

The time-consuming nature of homework can limit students’ opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, pursue hobbies, spend quality time with family and friends, and participate in physical exercise.

Balancing homework with other aspects of life is crucial for a well-rounded education and healthy development.

Reduced Sleep and Fatigue

Homework often extends into evenings and weekends, leaving students with inadequate time for rest and sleep. Insufficient sleep can result in fatigue, decreased concentration, and diminished cognitive functioning, ultimately impacting students’ ability to learn effectively and retain information.

Loss of Interest in Learning

When homework becomes monotonous, repetitive, or disconnected from students’ interests, it can lead to a loss of enthusiasm for learning.

Excessive or uninspiring homework assignments may cause students to view education as a chore rather than a source of curiosity and growth, potentially diminishing their intrinsic motivation.

Inequality and Academic Pressure

The burden of homework can disproportionately affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may lack access to resources or support systems outside of school.

Additionally, excessive homework can contribute to a competitive academic environment, fostering a culture of intense pressure and comparison among students.

Potential for Negative Parental Involvement

Excessive homework can strain parent-child relationships when parents feel compelled to assume the role of enforcer or tutor. This can lead to increased stress within the family and diminish the quality of parent-child interactions.

Limited Personalization and Creativity

Homework assignments often follow a standardized approach, leaving little room for personalization, creativity, and individual learning styles.

This can hinder students’ ability to explore their own interests, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills outside of the prescribed curriculum.

Inequality in Access and Support

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may face challenges in completing homework due to limited access to resources such as textbooks, computers, or internet connectivity.

This inequality in access can widen the achievement gap and contribute to educational disparities.

Limited Time for Self-Reflection and Creativity

Excessive homework can leave little room for self-reflection, introspection, and creative expression. Students may feel compelled to prioritize completing assignments over exploring their own interests, pursuing independent projects, or engaging in self-directed learning.

Impact on Physical Health

Prolonged periods of sitting and excessive mental exertion associated with homework can contribute to sedentary behaviors and physical health issues.

lack of writing of physical activity and prolonged screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, posture problems, eye strain, and musculoskeletal issues.

Loss of Autonomy and Personal Agency

Excessive homework can diminish students’ sense of autonomy and personal agency over their learning. When assignments are rigidly structured and dictate how, when, and what students must learn.

It limits their ability to explore topics of interest or pursue personalized learning pathways.

Negative Attitudes towards Learning

A heavy emphasis on homework can inadvertently foster negative attitudes towards learning. Students may associate education with stress, pressure, and repetitive tasks, leading to a disengagement from the learning process and a diminished desire to explore new ideas or develop a growth mindset.

Impact on Mental Health

The stress, anxiety, and pressure associated with homework can have a detrimental effect on students’ mental health. It can contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and overall emotional well-being.

Promoting a balanced approach to learning is crucial for safeguarding students’ mental health.

Overemphasis on Grades and Performance

Homework-centric education systems often prioritize grades and performance over holistic development and individual growth.

The focus on completing assignments for the sake of achieving high marks can overshadow the joy of learning, creativity, and the development of critical thinking skills.

Limitations for Multidimensional Assessment

Excessive homework may restrict teachers’ ability to assess students comprehensively. Relying heavily on homework as a primary mode of assessment can overlook other aspects of a student’s abilities, such as communication skills, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.

Alternative Approaches to Homework

In recent years, alternative approaches to learning have gained recognition for their potential to address the limitations and negative effects associated with traditional homework.

These approaches prioritize student well-being, engagement, and meaningful learning experiences. Here are some examples of alternative approaches that can enhance the educational landscape:

Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning involves students working on real-world projects or inquiries that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Instead of assigning repetitive homework, educators design projects that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Flipped Classroom

In a flipped classroom model, students access instructional materials, such as videos or readings, outside of class time. Classroom sessions are then dedicated to active learning, discussions, and hands-on activities.

This approach encourages students to engage with the content during class, receive immediate feedback, and collaborate with peers and teachers.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning focuses on providing students with firsthand experiences to explore and understand concepts. Field trips, simulations, role-playing activities, and hands-on experiments are examples of experiential learning methods.

By actively engaging with the subject matter, students develop a deeper understanding and retain knowledge more effectively.

Personalized Learning

Personalized learning recognizes that students have unique learning styles, interests, and paces of learning. This approach tailors instruction to individual students’ needs, allowing them to progress at their own pace and explore topics of interest.

Adaptive technology, differentiated instruction, and individualized projects are key components of personalized learning.

Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning emphasizes cooperation, teamwork, and peer interaction. Students work together in groups or pairs to solve problems, discuss ideas, and share knowledge.

This approach promotes social skills, communication, and the development of a supportive learning community.

Authentic Assessments

Authentic assessments go beyond traditional exams and quizzes. They assess students’ understanding and skills through real-world tasks and demonstrations of learning.

Portfolios , presentations, performances, and exhibitions are examples of authentic assessments that provide a more holistic view of students’ capabilities.

Mindfulness and Well-being Practices

Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises , meditation, and reflection, into the learning environment can help students manage stress, enhance focus, and promote overall well-being.

Creating a positive and nurturing classroom environment is essential for fostering healthy learning experiences.

By embracing these alternative approaches, educators can create engaging and meaningful learning opportunities that cater to students’ diverse needs and promote their overall development.

These approaches not only mitigate the negative effects associated with traditional homework but also cultivate a lifelong love for learning and empower students to become active participants in their education.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding whether homework should be banned is a complex and multifaceted issue. While homework has long been seen as a fundamental part of education.

It is important to consider the potential negative effects it can have on students’ well-being, mental health, and overall learning experience.

The arguments against homework being assigned to students are rooted in the belief that it can lead to increased stress levels, limited free time for other activities, and a lack of opportunity for students to explore their own interests and develop essential life skills.

Banning homework would allow students to have a better balance between their academic responsibilities and personal lives. It would provide them with the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, pursue hobbies, and spend quality time with family and friends.

Additionally, it could encourage students to take ownership of their learning by fostering a love for knowledge rather than treating education as a mere checklist of assignments.

However, it is important to note that eliminating homework entirely may not be the most effective solution. Homework, when designed thoughtfully and aligned with the learning objectives, can reinforce concepts, encourage independent thinking, and develop crucial skills such as time management and self-discipline.

Therefore, a more balanced approach is necessary, focusing on quality over quantity and considering the individual needs and abilities of students.

Ultimately, the decision of whether homework should be banned or not should be based on comprehensive research, open dialogue between educators, students, and parents, and a deep understanding of the educational goals and needs of each student.

Striking a balance between academic responsibilities and overall well-being is crucial in fostering a positive and effective learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will banning homework affect students’ academic performance negatively.

No, banning homework allows for alternative learning approaches that can enhance academic performance.

How can parents support their child’s education without homework?

Parents can engage in meaningful discussions about school topics, provide resources, and encourage active learning beyond the classroom.

What are the potential benefits of project-based learning?

Project-based learning promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of knowledge.

How can teachers ensure fairness in assessments without homework?

Teachers can implement various assessment methods, including formative assessments, presentations, and project evaluations, to gauge students’ progress fairly.

What steps can schools take to address the concerns of homework opponents?

Schools can establish open dialogues with parents, students, and educators, while exploring alternative approaches that prioritize student well-being and engagement.

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Why (Most) Homework Should Be Banned

The 30-minute rule is there to justify giving a lot of homework

Anthony Malcolm ‘23 , Staff Writer December 8, 2022

There are plenty of reasons why (most) homework should be banned. I’ll start out with some general facts and look at homework in general, then go into some detail about our school.

Stanford conducted a study surveying over 4,300 students in 10 high performing high schools in California. More than 70% of the students said they were “often or always stressed over schoolwork,” with 56% claiming that homework was the main stressor. But here’s the kicker: Less than 1% said homework was not a stressor. 

The researchers then asked the students if they had exhibited symptoms of stress like headaches, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, weight loss, and stomach problems. More than 80% of the students reported at least one stress related symptom recently and 44% claimed they experienced 3 or more symptoms. The study also found that students who spend a lot of time working on homework experience more stress, physical health problems, and a lack of balance in their lives. The study claimed that any more than 2 hours of homework per night was counterproductive, and that the students who spent too much time on homework were more likely to not participate in activities and hobbies, and stop seeing friends and family. 

A smaller NYU study claimed that students at elite high schools are susceptible to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and alcohol and drug abuse. About half of the students said they received at least 3 hours of homework a night on top of being pressured to take college level classes and participate in extracurricular activities (sound familiar?). The study claims that many of the students felt they were being worked as hard as adults, and they said that their workload seemed inappropriate for their development level. The study reported that the students felt that they had little time for relaxing and hobbies. More than two thirds of students said they used alcohol or drugs, primarily marijuana, to cope with the stress.

Back to the Stanford study for a second; many of the students claimed that the homework was “pointless” or “mindless.” The study argues that homework should have a purpose and benefit, which should be to cultivate learning. One of the main reasons is that school feels like a full-time job at this point. We, as in BC High students, are in school from 8:25 till 2:40; most of us have some sort of extracurricular activity on top of that, and most of us have significant commutes, which means we are getting home much later. On top of a rigorous day at school, an afterschool activity, and a commute, we have to deal with a varying amount of homework every night. Sometimes it is 2 hours, sometimes 3, sometimes even 4. I will give you an example of a day in my life last year to provide a specific example, because we are not a one size fits all community. 

I live in Middleboro and Bridgewater, so I ride the train to school which takes 50 minutes to an hour. A spring day last year would start by waking up at 5:30 and then leaving my house to get to the train at 6:30-6:35, getting on the train at 6:50, getting off the train at 7:50, and arriving at the school before classes started at 8:20. I would go through the school day and stay after for track practice. After track, I would most likely get on the train at 5:00 and get home at 6:15. I would eat dinner, shower, and then start my homework around 7:30-8, and usually I would finish somewhere between 10:30ish to 11:30ish. Can you see how that can be misconstrued as a full-time job?

Some of you might be thinking (especially any teacher reading this), why didn’t you use the 30-minute rule? Well, because most (and I mean MOST) of the time the 30-minute rule is an ineffective rule that justifies giving students a lot of homework. If you use the 30-minute rule and don’t finish a homework assignment, it still has to be completed sometime, and you’ll be behind in class. It is only effective when a teacher plans for the 30-minute rule and tells you to stop at 30 minutes to get an idea of how long an assignment takes their students. The 30-minute rule is there to justify giving a lot of homework because if you say in class that the homework took a long time, you will probably be told about the 30-minute rule. But if you used the 30-minute rule, you would have an unfinished homework assignment which means, depending on the class, you would be lost and behind, and you would still have to do it at some point. If you should have to justify giving a lot of homework, then it is probably too much. 

Parker, Clifton B. “Stanford Research Shows Pitfalls of Homework.” Stanford University , 10 Mar. 2014, http://news.stanford.edu/news/2014/march/too-much-homework-031014.html . 

Communications, NYU Web. NYU Study Examines Top High School Students’ Stress and Coping Mechanisms . http://www.nyu.edu/content/nyu/en/about/news-publications/news/2015/august/nyu

-study-examines-top-high-school-students-stress-and-coping-mechanisms . 

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Is homework a necessary evil?

After decades of debate, researchers are still sorting out the truth about homework’s pros and cons. One point they can agree on: Quality assignments matter.

By Kirsten Weir

March 2016, Vol 47, No. 3

Print version: page 36

• Schools and Classrooms

Homework battles have raged for decades. For as long as kids have been whining about doing their homework, parents and education reformers have complained that homework's benefits are dubious. Meanwhile many teachers argue that take-home lessons are key to helping students learn. Now, as schools are shifting to the new (and hotly debated) Common Core curriculum standards, educators, administrators and researchers are turning a fresh eye toward the question of homework's value.

But when it comes to deciphering the research literature on the subject, homework is anything but an open book.

The 10-minute rule

In many ways, homework seems like common sense. Spend more time practicing multiplication or studying Spanish vocabulary and you should get better at math or Spanish. But it may not be that simple.

Homework can indeed produce academic benefits, such as increased understanding and retention of the material, says Duke University social psychologist Harris Cooper, PhD, one of the nation's leading homework researchers. But not all students benefit. In a review of studies published from 1987 to 2003, Cooper and his colleagues found that homework was linked to better test scores in high school and, to a lesser degree, in middle school. Yet they found only faint evidence that homework provided academic benefit in elementary school ( Review of Educational Research , 2006).

Then again, test scores aren't everything. Homework proponents also cite the nonacademic advantages it might confer, such as the development of personal responsibility, good study habits and time-management skills. But as to hard evidence of those benefits, "the jury is still out," says Mollie Galloway, PhD, associate professor of educational leadership at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. "I think there's a focus on assigning homework because [teachers] think it has these positive outcomes for study skills and habits. But we don't know for sure that's the case."

Even when homework is helpful, there can be too much of a good thing. "There is a limit to how much kids can benefit from home study," Cooper says. He agrees with an oft-cited rule of thumb that students should do no more than 10 minutes a night per grade level — from about 10 minutes in first grade up to a maximum of about two hours in high school. Both the National Education Association and National Parent Teacher Association support that limit.

Beyond that point, kids don't absorb much useful information, Cooper says. In fact, too much homework can do more harm than good. Researchers have cited drawbacks, including boredom and burnout toward academic material, less time for family and extracurricular activities, lack of sleep and increased stress.

In a recent study of Spanish students, Rubén Fernández-Alonso, PhD, and colleagues found that students who were regularly assigned math and science homework scored higher on standardized tests. But when kids reported having more than 90 to 100 minutes of homework per day, scores declined ( Journal of Educational Psychology , 2015).

"At all grade levels, doing other things after school can have positive effects," Cooper says. "To the extent that homework denies access to other leisure and community activities, it's not serving the child's best interest."

Children of all ages need down time in order to thrive, says Denise Pope, PhD, a professor of education at Stanford University and a co-founder of Challenge Success, a program that partners with secondary schools to implement policies that improve students' academic engagement and well-being.

"Little kids and big kids need unstructured time for play each day," she says. Certainly, time for physical activity is important for kids' health and well-being. But even time spent on social media can help give busy kids' brains a break, she says.

All over the map

But are teachers sticking to the 10-minute rule? Studies attempting to quantify time spent on homework are all over the map, in part because of wide variations in methodology, Pope says.

A 2014 report by the Brookings Institution examined the question of homework, comparing data from a variety of sources. That report cited findings from a 2012 survey of first-year college students in which 38.4 percent reported spending six hours or more per week on homework during their last year of high school. That was down from 49.5 percent in 1986 ( The Brown Center Report on American Education , 2014).

The Brookings report also explored survey data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which asked 9-, 13- and 17-year-old students how much homework they'd done the previous night. They found that between 1984 and 2012, there was a slight increase in homework for 9-year-olds, but homework amounts for 13- and 17-year-olds stayed roughly the same, or even decreased slightly.

Yet other evidence suggests that some kids might be taking home much more work than they can handle. Robert Pressman, PhD, and colleagues recently investigated the 10-minute rule among more than 1,100 students, and found that elementary-school kids were receiving up to three times as much homework as recommended. As homework load increased, so did family stress, the researchers found ( American Journal of Family Therapy , 2015).

Many high school students also seem to be exceeding the recommended amounts of homework. Pope and Galloway recently surveyed more than 4,300 students from 10 high-achieving high schools. Students reported bringing home an average of just over three hours of homework nightly ( Journal of Experiential Education , 2013).

On the positive side, students who spent more time on homework in that study did report being more behaviorally engaged in school — for instance, giving more effort and paying more attention in class, Galloway says. But they were not more invested in the homework itself. They also reported greater academic stress and less time to balance family, friends and extracurricular activities. They experienced more physical health problems as well, such as headaches, stomach troubles and sleep deprivation. "Three hours per night is too much," Galloway says.

In the high-achieving schools Pope and Galloway studied, more than 90 percent of the students go on to college. There's often intense pressure to succeed academically, from both parents and peers. On top of that, kids in these communities are often overloaded with extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. "They're very busy," Pope says. "Some kids have up to 40 hours a week — a full-time job's worth — of extracurricular activities." And homework is yet one more commitment on top of all the others.

"Homework has perennially acted as a source of stress for students, so that piece of it is not new," Galloway says. "But especially in upper-middle-class communities, where the focus is on getting ahead, I think the pressure on students has been ratcheted up."

Yet homework can be a problem at the other end of the socioeconomic spectrum as well. Kids from wealthier homes are more likely to have resources such as computers, Internet connections, dedicated areas to do schoolwork and parents who tend to be more educated and more available to help them with tricky assignments. Kids from disadvantaged homes are more likely to work at afterschool jobs, or to be home without supervision in the evenings while their parents work multiple jobs, says Lea Theodore, PhD, a professor of school psychology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. They are less likely to have computers or a quiet place to do homework in peace.

"Homework can highlight those inequities," she says.

Quantity vs. quality

One point researchers agree on is that for all students, homework quality matters. But too many kids are feeling a lack of engagement with their take-home assignments, many experts say. In Pope and Galloway's research, only 20 percent to 30 percent of students said they felt their homework was useful or meaningful.

"Students are assigned a lot of busywork. They're naming it as a primary stressor, but they don't feel it's supporting their learning," Galloway says.

"Homework that's busywork is not good for anyone," Cooper agrees. Still, he says, different subjects call for different kinds of assignments. "Things like vocabulary and spelling are learned through practice. Other kinds of courses require more integration of material and drawing on different skills."

But critics say those skills can be developed with many fewer hours of homework each week. Why assign 50 math problems, Pope asks, when 10 would be just as constructive? One Advanced Placement biology teacher she worked with through Challenge Success experimented with cutting his homework assignments by a third, and then by half. "Test scores didn't go down," she says. "You can have a rigorous course and not have a crazy homework load."

Still, changing the culture of homework won't be easy. Teachers-to-be get little instruction in homework during their training, Pope says. And despite some vocal parents arguing that kids bring home too much homework, many others get nervous if they think their child doesn't have enough. "Teachers feel pressured to give homework because parents expect it to come home," says Galloway. "When it doesn't, there's this idea that the school might not be doing its job."

Galloway argues teachers and school administrators need to set clear goals when it comes to homework — and parents and students should be in on the discussion, too. "It should be a broader conversation within the community, asking what's the purpose of homework? Why are we giving it? Who is it serving? Who is it not serving?"

Until schools and communities agree to take a hard look at those questions, those backpacks full of take-home assignments will probably keep stirring up more feelings than facts.

Further reading

• Cooper, H., Robinson, J. C., & Patall, E. A. (2006). Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research, 1987-2003. Review of Educational Research, 76 (1), 1–62. doi: 10.3102/00346543076001001
• Galloway, M., Connor, J., & Pope, D. (2013). Nonacademic effects of homework in privileged, high-performing high schools. The Journal of Experimental Education, 81 (4), 490–510. doi: 10.1080/00220973.2012.745469
• Pope, D., Brown, M., & Miles, S. (2015). Overloaded and underprepared: Strategies for stronger schools and healthy, successful kids . San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

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Why Homework Should Be Banned: The True Benefits of Unstructured Time

Homework has been a staple in the education system for years, and it is believed to strengthen what students learn and build study habits. However, as we dive deeper into the real impacts of homework, a growing number of educators and researchers are beginning to question whether this age-old practice is as beneficial as once thought.

This debate has given rise to a myriad of services aimed at helping students manage their workload, such as do my homework services for cheap . While they can provide academic support, they also highlight a significant issue: if students are overwhelmed to the point of outsourcing their assignments, perhaps it is time to reassess the value of homework.

Why Should Homework Be Banned?

Homework is often seen as an essential part of education, but is it really serving its purpose? Studies show that the link between homework and academic success is not as strong as traditionally believed, especially in younger grades. Excessive homework can lead to burnout and disengagement from learning rather than fostering a love for it.

Moreover, homework can exacerbate inequalities among students. Not all learners have access to a facilitative home learning environment or to resources like tutoring and parental help. This can widen the gap between those who can afford these advantages and those who cannot, leading to disparities in student performance that are not reflective of their true abilities.

Benefits of Unstructured Time

Shifting away from homework and allowing more unstructured time can significantly benefit students in various ways. Free time is not just about relaxation; it’s about allowing students to engage in activities that promote cognitive, social, and physical development.

1.   Cognitive and Creative Benefits

Unstructured time allows for “diffuse thinking,” a relaxed mental state where creativity flourishes. During these periods, students can connect ideas in new ways, leading to creative breakthroughs and innovations. The rigid routines of homework and structured learning often stifle this kind of thinking.

Furthermore, free play and exploration stimulate cognitive development more effectively than traditional homework. Studies have shown that activities like puzzles, games, and free reading can enhance critical thinking skills and encourage a lifelong love of learning.

2.   Social and Emotional Benefits

Among the reasons why homework should be banned are social and emotional skills. Social skills are honed not in the classroom but in less structured environments where children interact freely. Unstructured time promotes social activities that are critical for developing compassion, collaboration, and communication skills.

Emotionally, children benefit from the downtime that allows them to process their day, relax, and manage stress. This is crucial for emotional resilience and mental health, helping students to better cope with academic pressures and life challenges.

3.   Physical Health Benefits

Replacing some homework time with physical activity can combat sedentary lifestyles and help reduce issues like childhood obesity. Activities like sports, dancing, or even playing at the park provide essential exercise that boosts physical health and overall well-being.

Moreover, engaging in physical activities can improve concentration and academic performance. Physical health is deeply intertwined with cognitive health, meaning that active children are often better learners.

By promoting more unstructured time, we can foster an educational environment that supports all aspects of a student’s development—intellectual, social, and physical. For students overwhelmed with homework and in need of support, turning to the most reliable essay writing service offers not only assistance with assignments but also ensures quality and adherence to academic standards. These services provide expert help with essays and other assignments, allowing students to handle their tasks more effectively.

Global Perspectives on Homework and Unstructured Time

In different parts of the world, attitudes toward homework vary significantly. For instance, countries like Finland, known for their high academic achievement, assign less homework to students and focus more on experiential learning during school hours. This approach allows for ample unstructured time after school, contributing to a well-rounded education that supports both academic and personal growth.

Conversely, in places like South Korea and Japan, high volumes of homework are common. Yet these countries also face challenges related to student stress and well-being. These global examples suggest that reducing homework could help balance educational outcomes with quality of life, indicating that homework should be banned.

Potential Challenges and Counterarguments

Critics of reducing homework argue that homework is a critical tool for reinforcing classroom learning. This is why homework should not be banned. They worry that without regular homework, students might lose valuable learning opportunities and struggle with self-discipline and time management skills.

Another concern is the potential impact on educational equity. Some educators argue that structured homework provides learning opportunities that might not otherwise be available at home, particularly in households with fewer educational resources. Addressing these concerns requires thoughtful implementation of reduced homework policies.

The debate over homework is not just about how much students should take home but about the kind of childhood and learning experiences we envision for them. By incorporating more unstructured time into students’ lives, we can allow them to explore, create, and grow in ways that structured homework rarely allows. As we move forward, educators and policymakers should consider the lessons from global perspectives and the potential benefits of unstructured time.

By Chris Bates

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20 Reasons Why Homework Should Be Banned

• Post author By admin
• September 19, 2022

Colleges and schools give a lot of homework to students. Students often do it incorrectly because they don’t have enough information and knowledge. Sometimes students get new and unknown tasks to complete. Even at home, students are unable to find anyone to assist.

These types of practices make things worse. Facts are overwhelming nowadays, which is one of the reasons why homework should be banned. Today’s parents are too busy with their responsibilities to run their families effectively. They are frequently unable to teach their students about the subjects.

These factors leave a student alone to gather knowledge and do homework. When these students return to school the next day, their teachers may punish or scold them for their poor presentation.

Table of Contents

Why Homework Should Be Banned

We can’t say that homework is not important, homework also has its importance , but that does not mean that it is too necessary. It creates many types of problems for students and their parents, which is why people demand to ban homework.

These are some of the reasons why homework should be banned -:

Homework Restricts A Student’s Freedom

• No Time For Exercises
• No Time To Play Outdoor Games

Often Breaks Students’ Confidence

Homework doing not an achievement, most homework creates bad habits, less time to spend with family members, conflict with parents, downtime at home, negative impact on tests, writing has different effects, extra challenges, homework causes depression, homework provides no real benefit, too much homework means not enough time for yourself, school is a full-time job, no real impact on performance, irrelevant content.

In most cases, children do not want to get up early in the morning. When they sleep for long periods and wake up late in the morning, they feel more relaxed and energetic. The best time for students to spend more time in bed is during the holidays. If kids are assigned homework during the holidays, it becomes a painful task. Students must finish assignments on time, regardless of the consequences. In any case, they must study every day. This is the first reason why homework should be banned.

No Time For Exercises 

Exercises are suitable for people of all ages. Persons of any age group can do activities. Students go to school, spend hours there, and then return home. They don’t have a lot of time to become fresh and eat. Most students go to their rooms to rest before beginning to work on their homework. They are busy doing school homework at home during the week and on weekends. This is the second reason why homework should be banned.

No Time To Play Outdoor Games 

More students take part in home activities these days. Students do not have enough free time to participate in sports. They’re on their way out the door to finish their homework. Parents have been unable to discover a solution to this problem. They have all of these headaches and are exhausted. The clock runs its way, and by the time they’ve finished, it’s bedtime. This is the third reason why homework should be banned.

Homework cannot be achieved without the use of the tool. Nobody can judge a student’s ability just on their homework. Many students are unfamiliar with the topic and how to complete it correctly. If you provide incorrect information, you will be misusing the concepts you are familiar with. Facts are overpowering, which is why homework should be banned.

Suppose many students do it incorrectly and that several teachers make fun of them in class. Because of uncultured experts, it occurs in many schools. Such activities will break students’ confidence. Regardless, teachers should assist students in gaining a thorough comprehension of concepts and showing how to apply them to the subject. This is the fourth reason why homework should be banned.

Students who complete homework according to a teacher’s instructions will not succeed. If you spend all of your time studying and working hard on your lesson, you will not have enough time to do other tasks. It becomes boring for you. It has the potential to impact the causal relationship with others. Doing homework is not a learning process. Students treat homework as though it were a competition with their classmates. This is the fifth reason why homework should be banned.

If a student continues to work on homework, additional study time for another topic will be added to the stack. You will be unable to study and read due to a lack of time. Many students treat homework as though it were a daily task. Homework rarely motivates students. They have no idea what the topic is and finish it without any motivation. This is why homework should be banned because it is discouraging. This is the sixth reason why homework should be banned.

A student’s hours are consumed by their homework load. For a child to grasp the relationships between different persons, family time is crucial when they are young. It reduces the amount of time that children must spend with their families. It helps form social bonds and teaches them how to live in society. This is the seventh reason why homework should be banned.

Students frequently refuse to do homework or study. They are exhausted and wish to rest. This might lead to a disagreement between children and their parents. Parents never want to scold their children, but situations force them to do so. This is the eighth reason why homework should be banned.

Homework Can Encourage Cheating

When students have a large amount of work to complete in a short amount of time, they copy from other students. This attempt to duplicate leads to them learning how to cheat effectively such that teachers are unable to differentiate between the two works. If a teacher finds both works similar, they may punish both. With the availability of generative AI writing tools like ChatGPT that assist in making interactive brochures and other homework related tasks. This can get students into a lot of trouble with writing assignments being detected by an accurate AI content detector . This is why homework should be banned. This is the ninth reason why homework should be banned.

Also Read -: Best Homework Songs to Listen

After 8 hours in class, 2 hours of homework is a punishment. Professors should provide students with more unscheduled time. Going outside, hanging out with friends, joining hobby organizations, supporting parents, and, yes, watching TV and playing video games all make children feel like kids. This is the tenth reason why homework should be banned.

One of the main reasons homework should be banned is that many teachers cannot provide all the information needed to finish the lesson during class. Parents also can’t help their children with all tasks. The friends of students lack the experience to assist them. Online assignment companies are the options for them. They only can help students with their homework of any level. This is the eleventh reason why homework should be banned.

Even though students understand the subject, the lack of writing or research skills can cause them to fail the entire course, and many teachers do nothing to help them. This is the twelth reason why homework should be banned.

It is challenging for students who juggle their business schedules with activities after classes, internships, and part-time jobs to keep up. They are exhausted at the end of the day. This is the thirteen reason why homework should be banned.

Having too much homework can negatively affect students’ mental and physical health. Five-six per cent of students say their homework is the primary source of stress and exhaustion, according to a Stanford University study. Lack of sleep, headaches, and weight loss can result from too much homework. This is the fourteen reason why homework should be banned.

Many teachers believe that students will become better and remember more if they give them more homework. However, this is not always the case, as more homework results in students not learning. Students are being pushed into a corner of stress by homework instead of using it as a tool to encourage them to learn more.

A lot of homework negatively impacts academic performance. Although homework can contribute to higher grades, it mostly has diminishing returns. This is the fifteen reasons why homework should be banned.

Students who spend too much time on homework fail to develop their life skills and developmental needs. A student who has too much homework is more likely to avoid participating in activities outside of school, such as sports, music, etc.

Additionally, if students spend all their time doing homework, they may not develop essential life skills, such as independence, cooking skills, time management, or social skills.

Most students feel forced to prioritize their homework over discovering and developing other skills and talents. By not having homework, they could spend more time on their interests, such as dancing, video gaming, and painting, thus fitting into society as they grow older. This is the sixteen reason why homework should be banned.

For most kids in Taiwan, school begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. or later. Each day, kids put in about 9 hours of work into their education. Students do extracurricular activities to compete and survive in society, such as attending cram school, learning musical instruments, and participating in sports. They quickly spend more than 10 hours a day engaged in school-related activities. This is the seventeenth reason why homework should be banned.

In 4 hours of weekly home-taken assignments, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) discovered that spending more time on education has no effect on productivity. This is the eighteen reason why homework should be banned.

If homework has nothing to do with the topic or subject being studied, it should be banned. It’s unethical to assign homework that students haven’t completed in class and expect good grades. This is the nineteen reason why homework should be banned.

Also read : Is Homework Illegal AnyWhere?

20 Other Reasons about Why Homework Should be Banned

These are the 20 reasons because of why homework should be banned:

• Waste time of Students
• It affects the physical health of students
• It affects the mental health of students
• Homework does not provide practical knowledge
• Homework creates the habit of Procrastination in children
• Because of homework children starts hating study
• It forces children to work like a robot
• Homework is boring
• Does not help that much in study
• It creates the habit of memorizing concepts in the students
• Children start thinking of their parents and teachers as a villain
• Homework creates pressure on the students
• No time left for students to learn something new
• Homework repeats the already taught concepts of school
• The teacher gives a lot of homework to students
• It increases the daily tasks of the students
• Another burden on the students
• No family time left for the students
• It makes students feel like a puppet
• Students lose their confidence if they fail to do their homework.

List Of The Pros Of Banning Homework

Homework Does Not Improve Student Academic Performance.

The reality of homework for modern students is that we don’t know if assigning an extra task outside of class is helpful. Each study contains several flaws, resulting in unreliable data & Students also search for someone to do their homework online. Some research suggests that students in secondary schools or higher can benefit from little homework; banning it for younger students may make sense for their learning experience.

Banning Homework Can Reduce Burnout Among Students.

Today, teachers are paying more attention to homework stress in the classroom. Over 25% of grade school professors say that they have seen students stressed out by homework. When students are dealing with the impact of homework, it can have a tremendous negative impact.

It Can Help You Spend More Time With Your Family.

 Homework creates a noticeable disruption to family connections. It not only cuts down on time spent with family, but it also reduces the opportunities for parents to teach their values and talents to their children. Over half of North American parents say they’ve had a significant disagreement with their children about schoolwork in the last month. Homework is identified as the leading source of trouble in one-third of families.

It Can Reduce The Negative Impact Of Homework On The Student’s Health.

When students fail to complete a homework assignment on time, they suffer mental distress. When the outcome occurs, assumptions are frequently made about the student’s time management skills, but the reasons are usually more complex. It may be too challenging, tedious, or uninteresting, or there may be insufficient time in the day to finish the task. When students fail in this area, it can lead to serious mental health problems. It can discourage a desire to learn in students. Some people believe they are intellectual failures who will never live a good life.

Why Homework is good

Here are a few reasons why homework is good .

• Increase Memory Power.
• Enhances Concentration.
• Homework Strengthens Problem-Solving.
• Helps in Developing Analytical Skills.
• Discipline Skills.

Also read : Who Invented Homework And Why? Best Facts You Should Know

List Of The Cons Of Banning Homework

Homework can assist parents and educators in determining a child’s learning skills..

Many children develop a self-defense strategy that helps them fit in with the other students in their class. This procedure allows them to hide learning problems that may be hindering their academic achievement. Because children cannot hide their learning problems while working one-on-one with their parents on specific subjects, homework allows teachers and parents to uncover this problem. By banning homework, you’re removing half of the opportunity to spot possible issues right away.

It Teaches Students How To Manage Their Time Effectively.

As people get older, they recognize that time is a limited resource. To increase productivity, it is critical to managing time wisely. Homework is an excellent technique to encourage the development of abilities in children as early as school. The trick is to keep the time allocated for work to a minimum. Students should spend 10 minutes on schoolwork and plan their schedules accordingly. If a student is having trouble creating a program, the family should provide them with the opportunity to do so.

Homework Allows Parents To Participate In Their Children’s Education.

Parents must be aware of what their children are learning in school. Even when a parent inquires about their children’s learning, the response is more generic than precise. Parents will see and experience their children’s growth in what they are doing while they are at school throughout the day if work is sent home from the classroom. Parents can readily participate in the learning process to reinforce their children’s essential concepts every day.

Is Homework Good or Bad?

What are your thoughts on whether is homework good or bad ? It is essential to consult with students and their parents. Parents work hard to keep track of their children’s progress in every field. When it comes to family tours and celebrations, homework becomes a source of frustration. The majority of homework takes up a child’s spare time. To live, it’s not enough to breathe. More is required for a student to have a happy childhood and grow peacefully. It would help if you understood why homework should be banned.

Another point to consider is that homework is not an after-school activity. Parents provide tutors for their children who are having difficulty with their homework. This keeps a student occupied during their free time. Many parents choose to send their children to boarding schools. You should be aware of your child’s activities and achievements. It is a source of worry about whether homework is harmful or beneficial to students. It is something that parents and teachers should seriously consider.

Should We Get Rid of Homework?

Homework is a big topic, and some people wonder if we should get rid of it. Homework is when teachers give you work to do at home, like math problems, reading, or projects. Some people think it’s a good way to practice what you learned in school, but others say it’s not so great.

People who want to get rid of homework say it can be too much. It can take up a lot of your free time, leaving less time to play and relax. Some kids also feel stressed and worried about getting their homework done. They might even need help from their parents, and that can be tough if their parents are busy too.

But not everyone agrees. Some think homework helps you learn better. It can reinforce what you learn in class and make you more responsible. You can also get extra practice, which might make you better at things like math or reading.

In this blog, we have discussed why homework should be banned and the pros and cons of banning homework. I hope you have understood why homework should be banned easily. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the negative effects of too much homework.

Overburdening students with homework can lead to stress, worry, despair, physical illnesses, and even lower exam scores.

How much homework is appropriate for high schoolers?

Students in high school are capable of handling additional schoolwork. According to the 10-minute rule per grade, freshmen should have no more than 90 minutes of homework, and seniors should have no more than 2 hours.

Why does homework exist?

Homework helps teachers determine how well the lessons are being understood by their students.

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Should Australian schools ban homework?

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney

Director, Learning and Teaching Education Research Centre, CQUniversity Australia

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Richard Walker is the co-author of Reforming Homework: Practices, Learning and Policy.

Mike Horsley is the co-author of Reforming Homework: Practices, Learning and Policy.

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The recent decision by French President Francois Hollande to abolish homework from French schools has reignited the long running debate about homework.

This debate has been around for more than a century and remains a contentious issue for parents, students and education researchers alike.

A lengthy debate

Last month’s promised ban came as part of Hollande’s wider reforms to education , and followed widespread teacher and parent agitation for a short-term ban on homework in France earlier in the year.

At that time, the president of a French teachers’ organisation stated that homework reinforces socioeconomic and educational inequalities, saying: “Not all families have the time or necessary knowledge to help their offspring.”

On the other side of the debate, the president of another French parents’ association spoke in support of homework and stated: “Of course, it has to be reasonable, but going back over a lesson is the best way of learning things.”

Homework, broadly defined as tasks given to students during non-school hours, has long been the subject of both pro- and anti-homework campaigns, some of which have resulted in court action and the abolition of homework for students in some school grades.

Abolishing homework

The recent French announcement has led to calls for the abolition of homework in some German and American schools. So should homework be abolished in Australia?

The answer to this question requires a closer look at what homework is supposed to do, and whether it achieves these goals for students of all backgrounds.

The most comprehensive list of reasons for setting homework has been compiled by American researcher Joyce Epstein . These include the practice of already learnt skills, preparation for the next lesson, parent-child communication about school activities, the requirements of school or education department policies, and the enhancement of the reputation of the school or teacher.

But most empirical research into homework focuses on three main issues: does homework enhance student learning and achievement outcomes? Does homework help students to develop the skills of independent, self-directed learning? Does homework involve parents in the educational activities of their children in ways that are beneficial?

The conclusions

In our new book Reforming Homework: Practices, Learning and Policy , we have reviewed and evaluated the research evidence on each of the three issues.

While this research is complex and there are many caveats, the following broad conclusions can be drawn. In terms of academic achievement, homework has no benefit for children in the early years of primary school, negligible benefits for children in the later years of primary school, weak benefits for junior high school students and reasonable benefits for senior high school students.

Sound research has demonstrated that spending more time on homework is associated with lower student achievement; this finding is complemented by research showing that in countries with high homework demands, student performance on international tests of achievement is poor.

Self-directed learning skills are associated with doing homework but the research indicates that the development of these skills occurs when parents are able to assist upper primary and junior secondary school students with their homework.

Parental involvement in their children’s homework activities can be both beneficial and detrimental. It can be detrimental when parents are over-controlling or interfering, but can be beneficial to student motivation when parents provide autonomy and a supporting learning environments for their children.

An Australian ban?

In our book we have argued that rather than abolition, homework needs to be reformed. Generally speaking, homework needs to be better planned by teachers and needs to be of a higher quality.

But it won’t be easy – homework needs to be challenging for students but not too challenging, it needs to be interesting and motivating, and students also need adequate feedback.

So the way forward is to start a conversation between teachers, parents and students about the sort of homework students need. The routine of completing homework (if done well) can help with self-management, planning and organising skills, but these skills take a long time to learn.

Homework setting and practice will have to change so that students are learning about self-management and self-regulation. The sort of homework tasks that promote learning these skills will not focus on drill and practice but require homework tasks where students make some decisions and choices and also exercise some autonomy.

At the same time, guidance for students who do not have family support will require planning (and provision) to complete these sorts of more complex homework tasks. The books explores the equity implications of homework and how providing guidance and support for students should be explicitly planned as part of a homework curriculum.

Less homework, better homework

Overall, there should be less homework, especially homework that emphasises drill and practice. Homework should also be there as a a bridge between the community and the school. In particular, homework needs to be planned around the community’s and family’s fund of knowledge – which may be different from what the curriculum is based on.

In essence, homework can help children but perhaps not in the ways we think. And much of it depends on what you want homework to achieve and how parents and teachers see it.

One of the authors of this article has a six year-old daughter in her first year of school. When he asks his daughter to collect a reader from her school bag, bring it to the place she has chosen for the shared reading and decides who reads first and when, this may not seem like homework.

But in fact focusing on her choice and autonomy will help develop independent learning skills, skills that will hopefully last her lifetime. Understanding homework as a path to independent learning needs to be the first step.

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• Should Homework Be Banned

Should Homework Be Banned: Advantages & Disadvantages of After-Class Tasks

• Should Homework Be Banned: Advantages & Disadvantages of After-Class Tasks

Experts Explain Why Homework Should Be Banned

10 facts why homework should be banned, should homework be banned pros and cons, minimizing screen time, improving time management, improved critical thinking, developed sense of independence, sparking enthusiasm, enhanced research skills, learning to multitask, getting ready, should homework be banned: verdict.

Should homework be banned? This question bothers many students. According to statistics, teachers assign more assignments than an average student can handle in one night (more than 2 hours of work)! In this article, we are going to discuss more than 10 reasons why homework should be banned and reasons to leave minimum 30-minutes of homework per day.

Do you agree or disagree with the fact homework should be banned? We have a unique offer for students in trouble. No matter which type of task a student faces, he/she should keep in mind a responsive, reliable team of certified writers is ready to write essays based on the customer’s instructions and provide solid homework help . 

HuffingtonPost in its article supports students from the United States and the United Kingdom who believe too much homework  is not fair. No more than 30 minutes of after-class tasks are recommended.

The primary reason most of the student's name when they try to explain why teachers should refuse homework is the boredom accompanied by laziness. However, scientists have proved there are more reasons to abandon after-class tasks. We offer 10 basic points to consider.

These 10 facts why homework should be banned do not force schools and colleges to abandon after-class assignments.

Down Time at Home

2 hours of homework is a punishment after sitting 8 hours in class. Going outside, dedicating time to friends, attending hobby clubs, helping parents, and, yes, watching TV and playing games make kids feel kids. Teachers should provide them with more free time.

Negative Impact on Tests

Should schools ban homework to allow obtaining better grades on the exams? The answer is yes. While students focus on homework assignments, they risk failing to pass their examinations well. It appears that complicated, lengthy assignments are distractions like mobile devices, video games, television, friends, home duties, etc.

Threat to Kid’s Nerves

Why should schools ban homework for the sake of mental health? Teachers ignore the adverse impact of after-class tasks on the child’s brain and overall level of mental health.

Extra Challenges

Students who juggle business schedules with after-class activities, internship, or part-time job find it difficult to catch up with additional tasks. They are burned out by the end of the day and have no energy or avail to homework cheat .

Lack of Support

One of the valuable reasons why homework should be banned is the fact most teachers fail to explain everything needed to solve the task during the class. Parents cannot help with every task. Student’s friends lack the experience to help, and they have work to do. Professional online services are the only companies that can assist students with their academic tasks of any level.

The Way Students Perceive Things

Should homework be banned in schools? One more reason to say “yes” is the fact different students perceive things better in various ways. While some students remember things be rereading the same text several times, others memorize and understand the topic in-depth if they watch a related video.

Writing Has Different Effects

Some students do understand the subject. Because of the lack of writing or research skills, they risk failing the entire course, and most teachers do nothing to help.

No Real Impact on Performance

Research by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) proved that in 4 hours of home-taken assignments weekly, the extra time invested in college education has a negligible effect on productivity.

Irrelevant Content

Homework should be banned if it does not have anything to with the topic or studied subject. It is not ethical to assign tasks that students did not cover in class and expect to get excellent research paper writing .

More Love, More Care

The strictest parents share they do not see their children. Work and education separate these generations. After reducing the amount of after-class tasks, family members will obtain more time to spend together and more support. Learn how to do Algebra or other assignments faster. It will save plenty of time and make it possible to dedicate time more to whom you love.  

To prove this article tries to evaluate things objectively, we will list the reasons why homework should not be banned below. To specify, we do not insist on excluding homework at all. Let's cover some benefits of homework . We try to figure out whether kids would be better off alone with the minimum of tasks or overwhelming schedules like now.

Without homework to do, a student spends up to 8 hours in front of the screen per day. The recommended average time is no more than 3 hours on the average: it makes the young people lazy and harms the eyesight. Better study and life habits are the reasons to do homework.

Time management is something every professional need. Without it, it’s impossible to allocate 24 hours per day.

Doing extra assignments after class is the best way to improve both critical thinking skills & memory.

Most children strive to obtain more freedom. The child obtains a chance to work independently, exploring personal weaknesses & threats.

How about extra motivation? Homework tasks make it possible to encourage parents to communicate more with their kids. read our guide to find out more about how to get motivated to do homework .

Students have to observe things in-depth to complete their assignments. They learn how to select sources and collect necessary evidence.

With many tasks to solve in one night, a student trains multitasking skills. A single assignment may require research, writing, and analysis skills plus some computer skills.

It is not recommended to assign homework on a day before the examination. After-class activities can help to prepare and enhance the knowledge when assigned separately - teachers should leave some free days before the tests to focus on them.

Should homework be banned pros and cons? The article covered advantages & disadvantages of assigning tasks after school. Most of the college students accept the usefulness of such tasks, and students should try to cope with their duties. In case of any inconvenience, contact writing gurus to buy custom solutions to any of your academic problems.

The question of whether students should have homework is not new. With more and more kids and their parents stating that they have almost no time to live because of homework children get at school, educators start wondering whether giving them homework is really such a good idea.Homework assigned at...

Modern children are under pressure. High standards, fast-changing life, complicated relationships with schoolmates and parents make them feel anxious and depressed. If a child wants to succeed at school, he must show excellent results, complete challenging projects, lead active social life and learn...

The topic of homework cheats is very popular on students’ forums and other online websites. Why does it happen? It happens because massive home tasks are a serious problem in the modern world. Young people who get their education at school, college or university must apply extra efforts to deal with...

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CMV:, There should be no homework or attendance taking in college

School has, for the most part, had homework and attendance. Homework is largely mandatory training, which makes sense in order to develop those habits within children, and to give guidance that common sense found within the average person would dictate. I believe that at the average college age and above it is nothing more than coddling, which brings me to attendance. Attendance in k-12 schools makes sense because those children (mostly) do not have full legal agency and are forced to be there until an age pretty close to college age, which is evidence to my point. Attendance also is a socialization tool (like homework), trying to reinforce the normalcy of schedule and obligations. This only makes (moral) sense on children, because the world (and this society) is new to them so they have to be taught the expectations of the society and skills that will help them in life. This becomes coddling at the age where you should have fully grasped the needs of these skills and should be able to decide to live or die on their decision to use it or not (just like it is when someone doesn't do the homework, but everyone who truly understands and appreciates the skills has to endure bullshit web quests and tedious work that has no more intellectual aid than studying, because it is literally forced studying). I believe my view could change if someone talks with me about a benefit the student would lose out on if there was no attendance requirements or mandatory homework.

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Shingles Vaccination

• What Everyone Should Know about Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Who Should Get Shingrix?

Who should not get shingrix, how well does shingrix work, what are the possible side effects of shingrix, when should i see a doctor because of the side effects i experience from shingrix, how can i pay for shingrix, what everyone should know about the shingles vaccine (shingrix).

Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia  (PHN), the most common complication from shingles.

CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease. Adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix, as they have a higher risk of getting shingles and related complications.

Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm.

Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. In adults 50 years and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination. In adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68%-91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.

Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. Adults 19 years and older who have or will have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix. If needed, people with weakened immune systems can get the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first.

You should get Shingrix even if in the past you:

• Had shingles
• Received Zostavax*
• Received varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.

If you had shingles in the past, Shingrix can help prevent future occurrences of the disease. There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix, but generally you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated.

Chickenpox and shingles are related because they are caused by the same virus (varicella-zoster virus). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. It can reactivate years later and cause shingles.

• You can get Shingrix whether or not you remember having had chickenpox in the past.
• More than 99% of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember having the disease.
• Adults with weakened immune systems and no documented history of chickenpox disease, chickenpox vaccination, or shingles should talk to their healthcare provider, who can refer to the CDC Clinical Considerations for Use of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) in Immunocompromised Adults Aged ≥19 Years | CDC and Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination | CDC  for further guidance.

Shingrix is available in doctor’s offices and pharmacies.

If you have questions about Shingrix, talk with your healthcare provider.

*  A shingles vaccine called zoster vaccine live (Zostavax) is no longer available for use in the United States, as of November 18, 2020. If you had Zostavax in the past, you should still get Shingrix. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best time to get Shingrix.

The side effects of Shingrix are temporary, and usually last 2 to 3 days. While you may experience pain for a few days after getting Shingrix, the pain will be less severe than having shingles and the complications from the disease.

You should not get Shingrix if you:

• Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix.
• Currently have shingles.
• Currently are pregnant. Women who are pregnant should wait to get Shingrix.

If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you may get Shingrix. But if you have a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever, you should usually wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.

Two doses of Shingrix provide strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles.

• In adults 50 to 69 years old with healthy immune systems, Shingrix was 97% effective in preventing shingles; in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective.
• In adults 50 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective in preventing PHN; in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 89% effective.
• In adults with weakened immune systems, Shingrix was between 68% and 91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on their underlying immunocompromising condition.

In people 70 years and older who had healthy immune systems, Shingrix immunity remained high throughout 7 years following vaccination.

Studies show that Shingrix is safe. The vaccine helps your body create a strong defense against shingles. As a result, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots. The side effects might affect your ability to do normal daily activities for 2 to 3 days.

Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix, and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. Some people who got Shingrix experienced side effects that prevented them from doing regular activities. Symptoms went away on their own in about 2 to 3 days. Side effects were more common in younger people.

You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses. If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported very rarely after Shingrix. There is also a very small increased risk of GBS after having shingles.

If you experience side effects from Shingrix, you should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your doctor might file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS website , or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

If you have any questions about side effects from Shingrix, talk with your doctor.

Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system, so it may produce short-term side effects . These side effects can be uncomfortable, but they are expected and usually go away on their own in 2 or 3 days. You may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Contact your healthcare provider if the symptoms are not improving or if they are getting worse.

In clinical trials, Shingrix was not associated with serious adverse events. In fact, serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. For example, for every 1 million doses of a vaccine given, only one or two people might have a severe allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction happen within minutes or hours after vaccination and include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. If you experience these or any other life-threatening symptoms, see a doctor right away.

  There are several ways shingles vaccine may be paid for:

 Medicare

• Starting in 2023, people with Medicare Part D coverage will pay nothing out-of-pocket for the Shingrix vaccine.
• Medicaid may or may not cover the vaccine. Contact your insurer to find out.

 Private health insurance

• Many private health insurance plans will cover the vaccine, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan. Contact your insurer to find out.

 Vaccine assistance programs

• Some pharmaceutical companies provide vaccines to eligible adults who cannot afford them. You may want to check with the vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, about Shingrix.

If you do not currently have health insurance, learn more about affordable health coverage options .

• Shingles Vaccine Information Statement (Shingrix)
• Recommendations
• Clinical Considerations for Use in Immunocompromised Adults
• About the Vaccine
• FAQ About Shingrix
• Storage and Handling
• Administering the Vaccine
• References and Resources
• Shingles=Herpes Zoster or Zoster
• VZV=varicella zoster virus

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