Should homework be banned in schools, or is it a useful educational tool? This is a topic that creates quite a bit of controversy among parents, students, and educators. So, let’s delve into this issue a bit deeper. This article will explore the facts that influence the homework debate. Then, we’ll explore some potential solutions that could lead to happier folks on all sides.
Parents’ Perspective Part 1: Homework Pros
Some parents are absolutely in favor of homework. They believe it should be required of students. Many cite the following reasons:
- Parents can see for themselves how students are progressing.
- It creates a period of time when kids are focused on working quietly.
- Students and parents can bond over working together on school projects.
- Homework is the perfect tool for demonstrating to kids that parents care about their education.
Parents’ Perspective Part 2: Homework Cons
What if homework was banned? It turns out that it would be just fine for some parents. Here are some of their arguments:
- It places an unfair burden on low-income parents who may work nights or not have resources at home.
- Homework often interferes with family activities, meals, and bedtime.
- Students who understand the work become bored and frustrated with homework.
- Parents, not teachers, should determine how evenings are spent at home.
- Teachers often assign homework to compensate for a lack of time for instruction during the school day.
Students’ Perspective Part 1: Homework Should be Mandatory
Surprisingly, not all students believe in eliminating homework. As we explored the issue, should students have homework pros and cons, here are the reasons some think it should be allowed:
- Completing homework is an easy way to boost your grades.
- It helps students remember what they’ve learned.
- Many students could use the time away from video games.
Students’ Perspective Part 2: Homework Should Not be Assigned
Here are of the reasons why students should not have homework:
- Teachers don’t track what other instructors have assigned, so students often get more work than they can handle.
- Homework is demoralizing and creates a negative attitude towards school.
- Schoolwork interferes with free time, school activities, even work.
- More homework may not help students understand.
- It’s hard to finish homework if you have to share a family computer or have an early bedtime.
Teachers’ Perspective Part 1: Homework is an Important Part of Learning
Most teachers don’t support more homework, but many think students should do at least some. Here are their points:
- School districts mandate homework. Teachers may not be able to abolish homework without permission.
- Parents should be able to witness their children completing assignments to see where they are struggling.
- By learning at home, the importance of education is validated.
- When students struggle with homework, teachers know they may need further instruction or learning disability assessment.
Teachers’ Perspective Part 2: Many Teachers Believe Home Should be Limited
We’re not sure of the statistics, but we do know that there are students who think schools should stop giving homework. Moreover, even though teachers assign it, not all teachers are fans of homework. Some believe it has the potential to do more harm than good. Here are some of their objections:
- They hate fielding complaints about homework from frustrated students and parents.
- Grading homework paper takes away their free time.
- Many homework assignments are busywork.
- They would rather focus on providing additional instruction to struggling students.
- Teachers worry that not all students have time or resources to succeed at completing homework.
Now What? Advocating for Homework Policies
Chances are, your school isn’t going to stop assigning homework any time soon. So, it’s best to focus on encouraging policies that are fair and reasonable. That means you should probably skip over articles on “homework should be banned.” Instead, make balanced, research based arguments that answer the following questions. First, is homework harmful or helpful for students? Second, is homework beneficial? Any pros and cons?
Next, use the information you gather to advocate for homework procedures that work for everyone. Here are some common steps that could make homework more palatable for teachers, students, and their parents:
- Coordinate homework assignments with other teachers, so students don’t have too many assignments at once.
- Help ensure that students all have the resources they need at home.
- Provide parents with advice on helping students with their assignments.
- Offer students link to helpful homework resources.
- Give students alternatives to homework.
- Offer students free homework passes for emergencies or simple “forgetfulness.”
- Ensure that homework is relevant and not just busywork.
Parents and students! Keep in mind that diplomacy is key. Remember that teachers don’t always make these policies. Work with them, and you may find that they become your allies in this battle for better homework methods.
Getting Homework Help
Let’s be quite honest. Sometimes frustration over homework stems from its difficulty. When students are faced with an overwhelming load of work, it can simply seem unfair. It’s even worse when that work is confusing or difficult. That can have a negative impact on students and their families.
These reasons are why the best homework solution is often professional help. Thankfully, there are online service providers who will assist students in completely lengthy or complex homework tasks.
Our job is to help you find the services that will do that. If you’re interested in homework help, take some time to check out our reviews. We are sure you will find our write ups to be thorough and objective.
Posted by Diana B.