Homework benefits student learning

As some schools begin to move towards no homework classes, speculation arises on the implications of the new trend. The argument is that homework prevents students from spending time with family or participating in extracurricular activities.

However, homework is also beneficial to students as it helps them retain information and practice what they learned at school. Teachers should assign purposeful homework to students with the intent of helping them understand concepts with depth and real-world application in mind.

Students who are not assigned homework from their classes are able to devote their time to other activities. With no homework, students spend more time practicing sports, socializing and engaging in recreational activities.

However, homework teaches students to develop a strong work ethic and learn responsibility. These attributes are crucial to implement at a young age while kids remain impressionable. Homework forces students to manage their time wisely, which helps when working and finding real-world careers.

In many subjects such as math, homework is used to reinforce the topic. In theory, the more a student practices a set of problems, the less likely they are to forget how to solve them. If students only practiced in class, it would be difficult for them to retain the information.

Homework can also be seen as a method of studying. For example, many students who do homework in classes such as history may remember topics without need for any additional review.

Students should view assigned homework as a tool to improve time-management skills, as a source of responsibility and preparation for real-world tasks. Homework is a vital component of the American educational progress and students need to own it. — Feather staff

Homework also helps to supplement grades if students perform poorly on a test or quiz. Many students know a topic well, but simply do not perform well during the pressure of a test. If grades are completely reliant on test scores, some intelligent students will struggle and fall behind.

Homework helps refine what is taught in the classroom. Practicing fortifies what educators teach in the classrooms.

However there is a difference between assigning students beneficial homework and giving them busywork. Teachers who give their students work simply for the sake of ‘keeping them busy’ are doing more harm than good.

Students should view assigned homework as a tool to improve time-management skills, as a source of responsibility and preparation for real-world tasks. Homework is a vital component of the American educational progress and students need to own it.

What is your opinion on homework? Do you think it is beneficial or harmful to students? Comment below with your opinions.

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