In many schools, children’s duty extends over the regular lecture hours and out of the school’s walls. Homework, whether they include essays to write, poems to learn by heart or geometric problems to solve, represent a common approach adopted by teachers to ensure concepts sink in in students’ minds. However, this traditional system is being challenged by many as outdated and unnecessarily invasive in children’s lives.
In fact, critics of the traditional homework may support their view explaining that school should be a stand-alone part of children’s life. This is vital to prevent conditions of persistent stress in kids and to help circumscribe school concerns in a specific time and space, detached from all the other aspects of their daily life. It is essential indeed that the youngest have enough spare time to develop hobbies, practice sports and experience carefree weekends and holidays, in order to adequately form their personality.
Additionally, having a predefined time window dedicated to homework outside school hours may disincentivize children to pay attention in class, hindering their memorization process and thus feeding a vicious cycle which unnecessarily reinforces the need for homework.
However, a different standpoint must be considered. Many regard home assignments as a vital part of discipline. Supporters argue that homework delivers some of the main teachings of school: it promotes accountability for results, commitment, responsibility, the ability of self-regulating and planning to meet foreseeable deadlines. Thus, it equips children with many valuable soft skills, which will inevitably be much appreciated later in life, both in higher education and at work.
I personally regard homework as an essential part of learning. In my experience, this is what lead me to develop and perfect over time a bullet proof study method, which accompanied me throughout university and work life. Parents and teachers who criticize homework should carefully consider if the inconveniences outweigh the benefits for students’ future life.