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Homework Is Not Good For Students !?!

Sophia Xu
Updated: September. 9, 2023 

Is homework good for students? Needless to say, that is a good question, but it does not have a simple answer. Homework has both positive and negative effects on students, depending on the amount, type, and quality of homework. Some of the benefits of homework are that it can reinforce learning, develop skills, and involve parents. Some of the drawbacks of homework are that it can increase stress, reduce leisure time, and create inequality. Therefore, the answer may depend on the individual needs and abilities of each student, as well as the goals and expectations of the teachers and parents.

According to some research, homework can be beneficial for students’ academic achievement and well-being, but only if it is not too much or too difficult. For example, a study by Stanford University found that more than two hours of homework a night may be counterproductive for high school students1. Another study by Oxford Learning suggested that homework has educational benefits for all age groups, but only when students are engaged and ready to learn2. These studies imply that homework should be assigned with moderation and differentiation, taking into account the students’ interests, preferences, and capacities.

However, homework can also have negative effects on students’ health, social life, and grades, especially if it is excessive or irrelevant. For instance, the same study by Stanford University reported that 56 percent of students considered homework a primary source of stress1. The study also found that too much homework can lead to sleep deprivation, headaches, exhaustion, weight loss, and poor eating habits1. Moreover, homework can reduce the time that students have for other activities, such as sports, hobbies, friends, and family. This can affect their physical and mental well-being, as well as their social and emotional development.

Therefore, the question of whether it is better to give students homework or not give them homework is not easy to answer. Homework can have both positive and negative effects on students’ learning and well-being. The optimal amount and type of homework may vary depending on the student’s age, level, subject, and personality. The best way to find out what works for each student is to communicate with them and their parents and to monitor their progress and feedback. Homework should be meaningful, relevant, and manageable for students, and not just a source of pressure or boredom.

There are many alternatives to homework that can be more engaging, meaningful, and fun for students and teachers. Such as...

• Projects: Projects allow students to work on a topic or problem that interests them, using their creativity and skills. Projects can be done individually or in groups, and can involve research, presentation, or product creation. Projects can also be differentiated according to the students’ needs and abilities. For example, you could assign a project on climate change, where students can choose to write an essay, make a poster, create a video, or design a solution1.
• Educational video games: Educational video games can be a great way to motivate students to learn and practice various subjects, such as math, science, language, or history. Video games can also develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. For example, you could assign a video game that teaches fractions, geometry, or algebra1.
• Online quizzes: Online quizzes can be a quick and easy way to check students’ understanding and progress on a topic. Online quizzes can also provide immediate feedback and reinforcement for students. For example, you could assign an online quiz that tests students’ knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, or facts2.
• Reading logs: Reading logs can encourage students to read more books and genres that they enjoy. Reading logs can also help students improve their reading comprehension and fluency skills. For example, you could assign a reading log where students have to record the title, author, genre, and summary of the books they read2.
• Learning apps: Learning apps can offer students a variety of interactive and personalized activities that can enhance their learning experience. Learning apps can also adapt to the students’ level and pace of learning. For example, you could assign a learning app that helps students practice spelling, pronunciation, or writing34.