Academic parameters have changed drastically in the last couple of decades, both at school and university levels. When considering whether homework is necessary, it is important to take many different factors into consideration. Some parents are in favor of homework and others would rather children have no homework. Another factor to consider is whether homework affects all students equally. Does homework cause more education inequity? The homework debate between educators and parents has been going on for years.
Homework creates stress
Homework can cause psychological stress in students. This is particularly the case when they don’t have support systems and access to resources. Students who come from financially stable households tend to experience less homework stress than those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Without any homework help, students can experience great stress. This has a negative effect on physical and mental health. Some of the issues they may experience include sleeplessness, weight loss, and stomach problems.
Problems with homework that lead to stress can result in a refusal to study in general. In these moments, it is necessary to help the student and choose support from online homework help with professional writers. Online writing experts on EduBirdie provide an essay service that helps to relieve stress on students. When they don’t have so much pressure to write essays and assignments, they have more opportunities to study and get good grades. It’s these small things that make a big difference. This is why outside assistance plays a key role in every student’s life.
The effects of excessive homework
Excessive homework causes high-stress levels in most students. When they have to put an hour or more a day into homework, it can create physical, mental, and emotional stress. Even students from affluent homes can experience severe stress.
Professionals are only able to be productive for about four hours a day. Students are expected to attend school for hours and still put more hours into homework. Excessive homework can prevent students from living a balanced life. They may not have time for hobbies and socializing.
Homework can highlight inequalities
One of the reasons given for why students should not have homework is because not all students benefit equally from it. They don’t all have access to computers and internet connections. Students from different socioeconomic backgrounds often have varying levels of access to support and resources.
The home environment of some students may not be conducive to doing homework. Their parents may need to work in more than one job so they can’t help their children with homework. Students may have to take care of brothers or sisters while their parents are at work. They may work in jobs after school themselves. In cases like this homework can simply make educational inequities worse.
Who created homework and does it have any benefits?
Horace Mann was an educational reformer who first introduced the concept of homework in the United States. It was in 1986 that the Department of Education first formally mandated it and since then it has been common practice. Does it have any benefits?
- Regular homework can improve academic performance and results on standardized tests.
- It can help students to develop a sense of responsibility.
- It allows students to put into practice what they learn in the classroom. Further engagement with material helps to increase retention.
- Doing homework can help students to develop skills such as time management, organization, and critical thinking.
- Parents can see what their children are learning and help them to apply their knowledge.
What potential alternatives or reforms could make homework more equitable?
Educators need to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages homework can offer. They need to offer more flexibility. For example, they could allow students to use different formats for assignments. Those who find it difficult to write essays may enjoy doing video assignments.
It’s counterproductive for parents to do homework for students. Educators need to focus on quality rather than quantity. A simple question that requires a practical answer can be more effective than reams of homework. Homework should not require parents to teach or check knowledge of content.
Educators need to clearly communicate the purpose for homework and exactly what they expect. This prevents any confusion that can significantly increase the time students spend on homework.
Keeping school media centers open could help students who do not have access to computers or internet access.
Conclusion
Homework is one of the problems in education that’s a topic of constant debate. Rather than doing away with it altogether, educators should try ways to make it more meaningful. Less homework with more thought to its design could be a good start.
Author’s Bio
Marina Simonette writes for top publishers in subjects that include career, education, startups, entrepreneurship, learning and development, and many other interesting areas. Her finesse in writing and editing comes from her years of practice and the academic papers she does on the side. Her current paper is on how AI is changing the career choices of students worldwide.
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