Yeah, we know.
The question sounds like a broken record at this point. An argument (almost) as old as time.
But as more experts insist on the negative impacts of homework, it’s time to really ask ourselves – has homework had its day?
To be fair, there are indeed benefits to a little after-school study.
It’s a chance to consolidate classroom learning and provides an opportunity for students to revise what they’ve learned in class.
It can help develop important study skills – like time management, independent learning, and self-organisation – which students will carry throughout their academic and working lives.
It also provides an indication of academic comprehension, helping teachers identify whether students are understanding the curriculum (and recognise students who might need extra support in learning areas).
But the cons of homework?
Well, they range from inconvenient to serious.
First of all, it’s not always effective.
John Hattie, Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne, found that homework actually ‘has a (positive) effect of around zero’ on primary school students.
Homework also robs school students of important leisure time when they explore new hobbies and discover the world around them – like learning an instrument, playing sport, socialising with friends, or simply sitting down with a good book – which research shows stimulates social development and promotes good physical and mental wellbeing.
But of most concerning, homework has been proven to increase anxiety and stress in school students and what’s ‘success’ in school if we’re failing to take care of the wellbeing of our students?
So do school students still need it?
Now that’s your homework to consider.
