by Research has consistently shown that homework is beneficial, particularly to high school students, but they are negative effects of allocating too many homework assignments. The majority of parents and teachers have faith in homework and believe that it assists students in developing review concepts and study skills acquired in class. On the contrary, some see homework as unnecessary and disruptive and may result in turning children off school and burnout. The issue of homework is more complicated than we think. Yes, it is useful to some extent. Young children benefit the least, while high school students benefit the most.
Whereas, national education association and national PTA support ten-minute homework assignment guidelines, many parents and teachers attest out that the quality of homework assignment is what matter and how it meets the needs of the learners instead of the amount of time spent. The guideline does not consider students who might spend less or more time. Teachers should make adjustments to assist weak students in a class, but it might not be possible for homework assignments. Homework assignments have the potential to widen the performance gap amongst students. For example, it can disadvantage students with learning disabilities and those from the low-income population.
Little benefits for basic students
When children begin schooling, teachers should cultivate a love for learning rather than assigning a lot of homework. Again, young students have not honed study skills to help them with homework assignments, and this might be an inefficient use of study time. At their level, the most effective activity is nighttime reading, particularly with parents taking the lead. The advantages of reading are enormous; students are least likely to succeed in high school if they are not proficient readers in the third grade. Teachers should encourage students to read while at home.
Modest benefits for mid-school students
With time students mature and cultivate study skills required to examine a topic, retain what they have learned, and benefit from homework. Night homework assignments, help students prepare for academic work. Research has shown that homework offers moderate advantages to mid-school students. There are negative effects of assigning a lot of homework to students. For example, a study done in 2015, established that mid-school students assigned between 90 minutes to 100 minutes a day had their science and maths score decline. Generally, going beyond the upper limit can exhaust students’ focus and motivation.
Many benefits for high schoolers with risks
At the high school level, students are almost independent learners. Therefore homework improves their learning, and it is not overwhelming. Homework assignments that take more than 2 hours each night deprive them of valuable time to spend with family and friends. Studies have shown that high schoolers experience physical health and severe mental problems from sleep deprivation to high-stress levels when given many homework assignments. When assigning homework, teachers should be cognizant that students do not have equal opportunities to complete homework. Therefore, unfinished homework is not a reflection of learning but can be because of challenges faced out of school. To deal with excess homework better, you can use 123 Homework and have your assignments done by professionals.
Parents play a role
Homework is an essential tool that helps parents get involved in children learning. Homework offers insights into a child’s interests and strengths, and it can inspire conversation on a child’s life while in school. When parents are positive towards schools and homework, children are likely to share similar values, hence promote academic excellence. Similarly, parents can be bossy and put a lot of emphasis on grades or test scores.
