This feature is inspired by a school in Essex, UK which has scrapped homework so that the teachers can devote more time to plan lessons. The principal of the school said that “there are not enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach, set homework, mark homework, and plan their lessons.” There are others who argue that for students too homework is “a waste of time” and should immediately be abolished.
Homework is a burden
Many students opine that after spending nearly eight hours in school, their mind and body is completely exhausted. “Most adults work similar lengths of time at work and come home exhausted. Yet they don’t understand how difficult it is to remain focused after school hours,” lamented a student.
Too much of homework often discourages students from socialising and play which hampers their overall development. “It is very difficult to do the homework of so many subjects and then study for tests. And if we don’t complete our homework on time then we have to come up with innovative excuses or face the wrath of our teachers. We don’t get any time to relax and indulge in our hobbies. And in the end they say 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” said Rhea Mane, class VIII, Pawar Public School, Bhandup, Mumbai.
Sometimes students get excessive homework due to lack of coordination among teachers. “There are days when we don’t get any homework and on other days we have so much of homework that it’s a race against time to finish it,” pointed out a student.
There is a merit in the argument that the time spent in school should be enough to take care of students learning needs. “If eight hours of learning at school is not enough then there is something inherently wrong with our education system. If can restructure our education then there is no need for homework,” opined a student.
There were many students who mentioned that adults like to go out after work and spend time with friends. Students also deserve the same luxuries. "Don’t expect a student to remain switched on the entire day.”
Most of the teachers we talked to believe that homework does have a positive effect on students learning outcomes. Homework reinforces the learning they do in the classroom and serves as an assessment for the teachers; they can tell which concepts have the students mastered and which need more attention. “It's not just teachers but many students too see homework as a necessary method of reviewing concepts taught during the school day. It builds confidence in children, when they learn to do certain academic activities on their own. Homework also trains students in time management and empowers them to balance academics and leisure,” said Padmaja Limaye, teacher, Fr Agnel’s School, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Some teachers also pointed out that homework is necessary, especially in mathematics, science and grammar as these topics need regular practice.
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater?
“This debate is not and should not be framed as a binary choice between lots of homework that adds to sleep deprivation and stress or no homework at all. Homework, when properly assigned, is more than rote memorisation. Also parents can use homework to keep tabs on their child’s progress,” explained Runa Sarker, PGT History, Navy Children School, Mumbai. A teacher said that homework is all about building your skills. “How many math problems does it take to learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide? The answer: as many as it takes. That’s why students must have some sort of activity to reinforce concepts.” There are other who believe that homework should be more of activity based. Watch a video. Listen to a podcast, read an article. Teachers must find attractive ways of engaging students post school hours.
Do you believe that homework is a waste of time and should be abolished? Please share with us your views.