why homework is bad for learning

7 Research-Based Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework: Academic Insights, Opposing Perspectives & Alternatives

The push against homework is not just about the hours spent on completing assignments; it’s about rethinking the role of education in fostering the well-rounded development of young individuals. Critics argue that homework, particularly in excessive amounts, can lead to negative outcomes such as stress, burnout, and a diminished love for learning. Moreover, it often disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds, exacerbating educational inequities. The debate also highlights the importance of allowing children to have enough free time for play, exploration, and family interaction, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.

Checking 13yo’s math homework & I have just one question. I can catch mistakes & help her correct. But what do kids do when their parent isn’t an Algebra teacher? Answer: They get frustrated. Quit. Get a bad grade. Think they aren’t good at math. How is homework fair??? — Jay Wamsted (@JayWamsted) March 24, 2022

As we delve into this discussion, we explore various facets of why reducing or even eliminating homework could be beneficial. We consider the research, weigh the pros and cons, and examine alternative approaches to traditional homework that can enhance learning without overburdening students.

Once you’ve finished this article, you’ll know:

Insights from Teachers and Education Industry Experts: Diverse Perspectives on Homework

Here are the insights and opinions from various experts in the educational field on this topic:

“I teach 1st grade. I had parents ask for homework. I explained that I don’t give homework. Home time is family time. Time to play, cook, explore and spend time together. I do send books home, but there is no requirement or checklist for reading them. Read them, enjoy them, and return them when your child is ready for more. I explained that as a parent myself, I know they are busy—and what a waste of energy it is to sit and force their kids to do work at home—when they could use that time to form relationships and build a loving home. Something kids need more than a few math problems a week.” — Colleen S. , 1st grade teacher

“The lasting educational value of homework at that age is not proven. A kid says the times tables [at school] because he studied the times tables last night. But over a long period of time, a kid who is drilled on the times tables at school, rather than as homework, will also memorize their times tables. We are worried about young children and their social emotional learning. And that has to do with physical activity, it has to do with playing with peers, it has to do with family time. All of those are very important and can be removed by too much homework.” — David Bloomfield , education professor at Brooklyn College and the City University of New York graduate center

“Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero. In high school it’s larger. (…) Which is why we need to get it right. Not why we need to get rid of it. It’s one of those lower hanging fruit that we should be looking in our primary schools to say, ‘Is it really making a difference?’” — John Hattie , professor

”Many kids are working as many hours as their overscheduled parents and it is taking a toll – psychologically and in many other ways too. We see kids getting up hours before school starts just to get their homework done from the night before… While homework may give kids one more responsibility, it ignores the fact that kids do not need to grow up and become adults at ages 10 or 12. With schools cutting recess time or eliminating playgrounds, kids absorb every single stress there is, only on an even higher level. Their brains and bodies need time to be curious, have fun, be creative and just be a kid.” — Pat Wayman, teacher and CEO of HowtoLearn.com

7 Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework

Let’s delve into the reasons against assigning homework to students. Examining these arguments offers important perspectives on the wider educational and developmental consequences of homework practices.

1. Elevated Stress and Health Consequences

This data paints a concerning picture. Students, already navigating a world filled with various stressors, find themselves further burdened by homework demands. The direct correlation between excessive homework and health issues indicates a need for reevaluation. The goal should be to ensure that homework if assigned, adds value to students’ learning experiences without compromising their health and well-being.

2. Inequitable Impact and Socioeconomic Disparities

Moreover, the approach to homework varies significantly across different types of schools. While some rigorous private and preparatory schools in both marginalized and affluent communities assign extreme levels of homework, many progressive schools focusing on holistic learning and self-actualization opt for no homework, yet achieve similar levels of college and career success. This contrast raises questions about the efficacy and necessity of heavy homework loads in achieving educational outcomes.

3. Negative Impact on Family Dynamics

The issue is not confined to specific demographics but is a widespread concern. Samantha Hulsman, a teacher featured in Education Week Teacher , shared her personal experience with the toll that homework can take on family time. She observed that a seemingly simple 30-minute assignment could escalate into a three-hour ordeal, causing stress and strife between parents and children. Hulsman’s insights challenge the traditional mindset about homework, highlighting a shift towards the need for skills such as collaboration and problem-solving over rote memorization of facts.

4. Consumption of Free Time

Authors Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish , in their book “The Case Against Homework,” offer an insightful window into the lives of families grappling with the demands of excessive homework. They share stories from numerous interviews conducted in the mid-2000s, highlighting the universal struggle faced by families across different demographics. A poignant account from a parent in Menlo Park, California, describes nightly sessions extending until 11 p.m., filled with stress and frustration, leading to a soured attitude towards school in both the child and the parent. This narrative is not isolated, as about one-third of the families interviewed expressed feeling crushed by the overwhelming workload.

5. Challenges for Students with Learning Disabilities

In conclusion, the conventional homework paradigm needs reevaluation, particularly concerning students with learning disabilities. By understanding and addressing their unique challenges, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. This approach not only aids in their academic growth but also nurtures their confidence and overall development, ensuring that they receive an equitable and empathetic educational experience.

6. Critique of Underlying Assumptions about Learning

7. issues with homework enforcement, reliability, and temptation to cheat, addressing opposing views on homework practices, 1. improvement of academic performance, 2. reinforcement of learning, 3. development of time management skills, 4. preparation for future academic challenges, 5. parental involvement in education, exploring alternatives to homework and finding a middle ground, alternatives to traditional homework, ideas for minimizing homework, useful resources, leave a comment cancel reply.

School Life Balance , Tips for Online Students

The Pros and Cons of Homework

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: January 23, 2020

Homework is a word that most students dread hearing. After hours upon hours of sitting in class , the last thing we want is more schoolwork over our precious weekends. While it’s known to be a staple of traditional schooling, homework has also become a rather divise topic. Some feel as though homework is a necessary part of school, while others believe that the time could be better invested. Should students have homework? Have a closer look into the arguments on both sides to decide for yourself.

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Why should students have homework.

Homework has been a long-standing part of the education system. It helps reinforce what students learn in the classroom, encourages good study habits, and promotes a deeper understanding of subjects. Studies have shown that homework can improve students’ grades and skills. Here are some reasons why homework is important:

1. Homework Encourages Practice

Many people believe that one of the positive effects of homework is that it encourages the discipline of practice. While it may be time consuming and boring compared to other activities, repetition is needed to get better at skills. Homework helps make concepts more clear, and gives students more opportunities when starting their career .

2. Homework Gets Parents Involved

Homework can be something that gets parents involved in their children’s lives if the environment is a healthy one. A parent helping their child with homework makes them take part in their academic success, and allows for the parent to keep up with what the child is doing in school. It can also be a chance to connect together.

3. Homework Teaches Time Management

Homework is much more than just completing the assigned tasks. Homework can develop time management skills , forcing students to plan their time and make sure that all of their homework assignments are done on time. By learning to manage their time, students also practice their problem-solving skills and independent thinking. One of the positive effects of homework is that it forces decision making and compromises to be made.

4. Homework Opens A Bridge Of Communication

Homework creates a connection between the student, the teacher, the school, and the parents. It allows everyone to get to know each other better, and parents can see where their children are struggling. In the same sense, parents can also see where their children are excelling. Homework in turn can allow for a better, more targeted educational plan for the student.

5. Homework Allows For More Learning Time

Homework allows for more time to complete the learning process. School hours are not always enough time for students to really understand core concepts, and homework can counter the effects of time shortages, benefiting students in the long run, even if they can’t see it in the moment.

6. Homework Reduces Screen Time

Many students in North America spend far too many hours watching TV. If they weren’t in school, these numbers would likely increase even more. Although homework is usually undesired, it encourages better study habits and discourages spending time in front of the TV. Homework can be seen as another extracurricular activity, and many families already invest a lot of time and money in different clubs and lessons to fill up their children’s extra time. Just like extracurricular activities, homework can be fit into one’s schedule.

The Other Side: Why Homework Is Bad

While homework has its benefits, there are also many arguments against it. Some believe that homework can cause increased stress, limit time for extracurricular activities, and reduce family time. Studies and expert opinions highlight the drawbacks of too much homework, showing how it can negatively affect students’ well-being and academic experience. Here are some reasons why homework might be bad:

1. Homework Encourages A Sedentary Lifestyle

Should students have homework? Well, that depends on where you stand. There are arguments both for the advantages and the disadvantages of homework.

While classroom time is important, playground time is just as important. If children are given too much homework, they won’t have enough playtime, which can impact their social development and learning. Studies have found that those who get more play get better grades in school , as it can help them pay closer attention in the classroom.

Children are already sitting long hours in the classroom, and homework assignments only add to these hours. Sedentary lifestyles can be dangerous and can cause health problems such as obesity. Homework takes away from time that could be spent investing in physical activity.

2. Homework Isn’t Healthy In Every Home

While many people that think homes are a beneficial environment for children to learn, not all homes provide a healthy environment, and there may be very little investment from parents. Some parents do not provide any kind of support or homework help, and even if they would like to, due to personal barriers, they sometimes cannot. Homework can create friction between children and their parents, which is one of the reasons why homework is bad.

3. Homework Adds To An Already Full-Time Job

School is already a full-time job for students, as they generally spend over 6 hours each day in class. Students also often have extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or art that are just as important as their traditional courses. Adding on extra hours to all of these demands is a lot for children to manage, and prevents students from having extra time to themselves for a variety of creative endeavors. Homework prevents self discovery and having the time to learn new skills outside of the school system. This is one of the main disadvantages of homework.

4. Homework Has Not Been Proven To Provide Results

Endless surveys have found that homework creates a negative attitude towards school, and homework has not been found to be linked to a higher level of academic success.

The positive effects of homework have not been backed up enough. While homework may help some students improve in specific subjects, if they have outside help there is no real proof that homework makes for improvements.

It can be a challenge to really enforce the completion of homework, and students can still get decent grades without doing their homework. Extra school time does not necessarily mean better grades — quality must always come before quantity.

Accurate practice when it comes to homework simply isn’t reliable. Homework could even cause opposite effects if misunderstood, especially since the reliance is placed on the student and their parents — one of the major reasons as to why homework is bad. Many students would rather cheat in class to avoid doing their homework at home, and children often just copy off of each other or from what they read on the internet.

5. Homework Assignments Are Overdone

The general agreement is that students should not be given more than 10 minutes a day per grade level. What this means is that a first grader should be given a maximum of 10 minutes of homework, while a second grader receives 20 minutes, etc. Many students are given a lot more homework than the recommended amount, however.

On average, college students spend as much as 3 hours per night on homework . By giving too much homework, it can increase stress levels and lead to burn out. This in turn provides an opposite effect when it comes to academic success.

The pros and cons of homework are both valid, and it seems as though the question of ‘‘should students have homework?’ is not a simple, straightforward one. Parents and teachers often are found to be clashing heads, while the student is left in the middle without much say.

It’s important to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of homework, taking both perspectives into conversation to find a common ground. At the end of the day, everyone’s goal is the success of the student.

FAQ Section

What are the benefits of assigning homework to students.

Homework reinforces what students learn in the classroom, helps develop good study habits, and promotes a deeper understanding of subjects. It also encourages practice, improves time management skills, and encourages parents to participate in their children’s education.

How much homework is too much for students?

Generally, it is recommended that students receive no more than 10 minutes of homework per grade level per day. For example, a first grader should have no more than 10 minutes of homework, while a fifth grader should have no more than 50 minutes.

What are the potential drawbacks of excessive homework assignments?

Excessive homework can lead to increased stress, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of free time for extracurricular activities, and diminished family time. It can also create a negative attitude towards school and learning.

How does homework impact students’ stress levels and well-being?

Too much homework can significantly increase stress levels and negatively affect students’ well-being. It can lead to anxiety, burnout, and reduced time for physical activity and relaxation.

Does homework promote independent thinking and problem-solving skills?

Yes, homework can promote independent thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging students to tackle assignments on their own, manage their time effectively, and find solutions to problems without immediate assistance from teachers.

Are there any long-term effects of excessive homework on students?

Excessive homework over long periods can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a negative attitude towards education. It can also hinder the development of social skills and reduce opportunities for self-discovery and creative pursuits.

How can technology enhance or supplement traditional homework practices?

Technology can provide interactive and engaging ways to complete homework, such as educational apps, online resources, and virtual collaboration tools. It can also offer personalized learning experiences and immediate feedback.

Are there any innovative approaches to homework that schools are adopting?

Some schools are adopting innovative approaches like flipped classrooms, where students watch lectures at home and do hands-on classroom activities. Project-based learning and personalized assignments tailored to individual student needs are also becoming more popular.

How do educators balance the workload with diverse student needs?

Educators can balance the workload by differentiating assignments, considering the individual needs and abilities of students, and providing flexible deadlines. Communication with students and parents helps to ensure that homework is manageable and effective for everyone.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone.

25 Reasons Homework Should Be Banned (Busywork Arguments)

As students across the globe plow through heaps of homework each night, one question lingers in the minds of educators, parents, and students alike: should homework be banned?

This question is not new, yet it continues to spark lively debate as research findings, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences paint a complex picture of the pros and cons of homework.

On one hand, proponents of homework argue that it reinforces classroom learning, encourages a disciplined work ethic, and provides teachers with valuable insight into student comprehension. They see homework as an extension of classroom instruction that solidifies and enriches learning while fostering important skills like time management and self-discipline. It also offers an opportunity for parents to be involved in their children's education.

However, some people say there are a lot of downsides. They argue that excessive homework can lead to stress and burnout, reduce time for extracurricular activities and family interactions, exacerbate educational inequalities, and even negatively impact students' mental health.

This article presents 25 reasons why we might need to seriously consider this radical shift in our educational approach. But first, lets share some examples of what homework actually is.

Examples of Homework

These examples cover a wide range of subjects and complexity levels, reflecting the variety of homework assignments students might encounter throughout their educational journey.

• Spelling lists to memorize for a test
• Math worksheets for practicing basic arithmetic operations
• Reading assignments from children's books
• Simple science projects like growing a plant
• Basic geography assignments like labeling a map
• Art projects like drawing a family portrait
• Writing book reports or essays
• Advanced math problems
• Research projects on various topics
• Lab reports for science experiments
• Reading and responding to literature
• Preparing presentations on various topics
• Advanced math problems involving calculus or algebra
• Reading classic literature and writing analytical essays
• Research papers on historical events
• Lab reports for advanced science experiments
• Foreign language exercises
• Preparing for standardized tests
• College application essays
• Extensive research papers
• In-depth case studies
• Advanced problem-solving in subjects like physics, engineering, etc.
• Thesis or dissertation writing
• Extensive reading and literature reviews
• Internship or practicum experiences

Lack of proven benefits

Homework has long been a staple of traditional education, dating back centuries. However, the actual efficacy of homework in enhancing learning outcomes remains disputed. A number of studies indicate that there's no conclusive evidence supporting the notion that homework improves academic performance, especially in primary education . In fact, research suggests that for younger students, the correlation between homework and academic achievement is weak or even negative .

Too much homework can often lead to increased stress and decreased enthusiasm for learning. This issue becomes particularly pressing when considering the common 'more is better' approach to homework, where the quantity of work given to students often outweighs the quality and effectiveness of the tasks. For instance, spending countless hours memorizing facts for a history test may not necessarily translate to better understanding or long-term retention of the subject matter.

However, it's worth noting that homework isn't completely devoid of benefits. It can help foster self-discipline, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. But, these positive outcomes are usually more pronounced in older students and when homework assignments are thoughtfully designed and not excessive in volume.

When discussing the merits and drawbacks of homework, it's critical to consider the nature of the assignments. Routine, repetitive tasks often associated with 'drill-and-practice' homework, such as completing rows of arithmetic problems or copying definitions from a textbook, rarely lead to meaningful learning. On the other hand, assignments that encourage students to apply what they've learned in class, solve problems, or engage creatively with the material can be more beneficial.

Increased stress

Homework can often lead to a significant increase in stress levels among students. This is especially true when students are burdened with large volumes of homework, leaving them with little time to relax or pursue other activities. The feeling of constantly racing against the clock to meet deadlines can contribute to anxiety, frustration, and even burnout.

Contrary to popular belief, stress does not necessarily improve performance or productivity. In fact, high levels of stress can negatively impact memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. This counteracts the very purpose of homework, which is intended to reinforce learning and improve academic outcomes.

However, one might argue that homework can teach students about time management, organization, and how to handle pressure. These are important life skills that could potentially prepare them for future responsibilities. But it's essential to strike a balance. The pressure to complete homework should not come at the cost of a student's mental wellbeing.

Limited family time

Homework often infringes upon the time students can spend with their families. After spending the entire day in school, children come home to yet more academic work, leaving little room for quality family interactions. This limited family time can hinder the development of important interpersonal skills and familial bonds.

Moreover, family time isn't just about fun and relaxation. It also plays a crucial role in the social and emotional development of children. Opportunities for unstructured play, family conversations, and shared activities can contribute to children's well-being and character building.

Nonetheless, advocates of homework might argue that it can be a platform for parental involvement in a child's education. While this may be true, the involvement should not transform into parental control or cause friction due to differing expectations and pressures.

Reduced physical activity

Homework can often lead to reduced physical activity by eating into the time students have for sports, recreation, and simply being outdoors. Physical activity is essential for children's health, well-being, and even their academic performance. Research suggests that physical activity can enhance cognitive abilities, improve concentration, and reduce symptoms of ADHD .

Homework, especially when it's boring and repetitive, can deter students from engaging in physical activities, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of balance between work and play can contribute to physical health problems such as obesity, poor posture, and related health concerns.

Homework proponents might point out that disciplined time management could allow students to balance both work and play. However, given the demanding nature of many homework assignments, achieving this balance is often easier said than done.

Negative impact on sleep

A significant concern about homework is its impact on students' sleep patterns. Numerous studies have linked excessive homework to sleep deprivation in students. Children often stay up late to complete assignments, reducing the amount of sleep they get. Lack of sleep can result in a host of issues, from poor academic performance and difficulty concentrating to physical health problems like weakened immunity.

Even the quality of sleep can be affected. The stress and anxiety from a heavy workload can lead to difficulty falling asleep or restless nights. And let's not forget that students often need to wake up early for school, compounding the negative effects of late-night homework sessions.

On the other hand, some argue that homework can teach children time management skills, suggesting that effective organization could help prevent late-night work. However, when schools assign excessive amounts of homework, even the best time management might not prevent encroachment on sleep time.

Homework can exacerbate existing educational inequalities. Not all students have access to a conducive learning environment at home, necessary resources, or support from educated family members. For these students, homework can become a source of stress and disadvantage rather than an opportunity to reinforce learning.

Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds might need to contribute to household chores or part-time work, limiting the time they have for homework. This can create a gap in academic performance and grades, reflecting not on the students' abilities but their circumstances.

While homework is meant to level the playing field by providing additional learning time outside school, it often does the opposite. It's worth noting that students from privileged backgrounds can often access additional help like tutoring, further widening the gap.

Reduced creativity and independent thinking

Homework, particularly when it involves rote learning or repetitive tasks, can stifle creativity and independent thinking. Students often focus on getting the "right" answers to please teachers rather than exploring different ideas and solutions. This can hinder their ability to think creatively and solve problems independently, skills that are increasingly in demand in the modern world.

Homework defenders might claim that it can also promote independent learning. True, when thoughtfully designed, homework can encourage this. But, voluminous or repetitive tasks tend to promote compliance over creativity.

Diminished interest in learning

Overburdening students with homework can diminish their interest in learning. After long hours in school followed by more academic tasks at home, learning can begin to feel like a chore. This can lead to a decline in intrinsic motivation and an unhealthy association of learning with stress and exhaustion.

In theory, homework can deepen interest in a subject, especially when it involves projects or research. Yet, an excess of homework, particularly routine tasks, might achieve the opposite, turning learning into a source of stress rather than enjoyment.

Inability to pursue personal interests

Homework can limit students' ability to pursue personal interests. Hobbies, personal projects, and leisure activities are crucial for personal development and well-being. With heavy homework loads, students may struggle to find time for these activities, missing out on opportunities to discover new interests and talents.

Supporters of homework might argue that it teaches students to manage their time effectively. However, even with good time management, an overload of homework can crowd out time for personal interests.

Excessive workload

The issue of excessive workload is a common complaint among students. Spending several hours on homework after a full school day can be mentally and physically draining. This workload can lead to burnout, decreased motivation, and negative attitudes toward school and learning.

While homework can help consolidate classroom learning, too much can be counterproductive. It's important to consider the overall workload of students, including school, extracurricular activities, and personal time, when assigning homework.

Limited time for reflection

Homework can limit the time students have for reflection. Reflection is a critical part of learning, allowing students to digest and integrate new information. With the constant flow of assignments, there's often little time left for this crucial process. Consequently, the learning becomes superficial, and the true understanding of subjects can be compromised.

Although homework is meant to reinforce what's taught in class, the lack of downtime for reflection might hinder deep learning. It's important to remember that learning is not just about doing, but also about thinking.

Increased pressure on young children

Young children are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of homework. At an age where play and exploration are vital for cognitive and emotional development, too much homework can create undue pressure and stress. This pressure can instigate a negative relationship with learning from an early age, potentially impacting their future attitude towards education.

Advocates of homework often argue that it prepares children for the rigors of their future academic journey. However, placing too much academic pressure on young children might overshadow the importance of learning through play and exploration.

Lack of alignment with real-world skills

Traditional homework often lacks alignment with real-world skills. Assignments typically focus on academic abilities at the expense of skills like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. These are crucial for success in the modern workplace and are often under-emphasized in homework tasks.

Homework can be an opportunity to develop these skills when properly structured. However, tasks often focus on memorization and repetition, rather than cultivating skills relevant to the real world.

Loss of motivation

Excessive homework can lead to a loss of motivation. The constant pressure to complete assignments and meet deadlines can diminish a student's intrinsic motivation to learn. This loss of motivation might not only affect their academic performance but also their love of learning, potentially having long-term effects on their educational journey.

Some believe homework instills discipline and responsibility. But, it's important to balance these benefits against the potential for homework to undermine motivation and engagement.

Disruption of work-life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is as important for students as it is for adults. Overloading students with homework can disrupt this balance, leaving little time for relaxation, socializing, and extracurricular activities. All of these are vital for a student's overall development and well-being.

Homework supporters might argue that it prepares students for the workloads they'll face in college and beyond. But it's also crucial to ensure students have time to relax, recharge, and engage in non-academic activities for a well-rounded development.

Impact on mental health

There's a growing body of evidence showing the negative impact of excessive homework on students' mental health. The stress and anxiety from heavy homework loads can contribute to issues like depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Student well-being should be a top priority in education, and the impact of homework on mental health cannot be ignored.

While some might argue that homework helps students develop resilience and coping skills, it's important to ensure these potential benefits don't come at the expense of students' mental health.

Limited time for self-care

With excessive homework, students often find little time for essential self-care activities. These can include physical exercise, proper rest, healthy eating, mindfulness, or even simple leisure activities. These activities are critical for maintaining physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive function.

Some might argue that managing homework alongside self-care responsibilities teaches students valuable life skills. However, it's important that these skills don't come at the cost of students' health and well-being.

Decreased family involvement

Homework can inadvertently lead to decreased family involvement in a child's learning. Parents often feel unqualified or too busy to help with homework, leading to missed opportunities for family learning interactions. This can also create stress and conflict within the family, especially when parents have high expectations or are unable to assist.

Some believe homework can facilitate parental involvement in education. But, when it becomes a source of stress or conflict, it can discourage parents from engaging in their child's learning.

Reinforcement of inequalities

Homework can unintentionally reinforce inequalities. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds might lack access to resources like private tutors or a quiet study space, placing them at a disadvantage compared to their more privileged peers. Additionally, these students might have additional responsibilities at home, further limiting their time to complete homework.

While the purpose of homework is often to provide additional learning opportunities, it can inadvertently reinforce existing disparities. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that homework doesn't favor students who have more resources at home.

Reduced time for play and creativity

Homework can take away from time for play and creative activities. These activities are not only enjoyable but also crucial for the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. Play allows children to explore, imagine, and create, fostering innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Some may argue that homework teaches discipline and responsibility. Yet, it's vital to remember that play also has significant learning benefits and should be a part of every child's daily routine.

Increased cheating and academic dishonesty

The pressure to complete homework can sometimes lead to increased cheating and academic dishonesty. When faced with a large volume of homework, students might resort to copying from friends or searching for answers online. This undermines the educational value of homework and fosters unhealthy academic practices.

While homework is intended to consolidate learning, the risk of promoting dishonest behaviors is a concern that needs to be addressed.

Strained teacher-student relationships

Excessive homework can strain teacher-student relationships. If students begin to associate teachers with stress or anxiety from homework, it can hinder the development of a positive learning relationship. Furthermore, if teachers are perceived as being unfair or insensitive with their homework demands, it can impact the overall classroom dynamic.

While homework can provide an opportunity for teachers to monitor student progress, it's important to ensure that it doesn't negatively affect the teacher-student relationship.

Negative impact on family dynamics

Homework can impact family dynamics. Parents might feel compelled to enforce homework completion, leading to potential conflict, stress, and tension within the family. These situations can disrupt the harmony in the household and strain relationships.

Homework is sometimes seen as a tool to engage parents in their child's education. However, it's crucial to ensure that this involvement doesn't turn into a source of conflict or pressure.

Cultural and individual differences

Homework might not take into account cultural and individual differences. Education is not a one-size-fits-all process, and what works for one student might not work for another. Some students might thrive on hands-on learning, while others prefer auditory or visual learning methods. By standardizing homework, we might ignore these individual learning styles and preferences.

Homework can also overlook cultural differences. For students from diverse cultural backgrounds, certain types of homework might seem irrelevant or difficult to relate to, leading to disengagement or confusion.

Encouragement of surface-level learning

Homework often encourages surface-level learning instead of deep understanding. When students are swamped with homework, they're likely to rush through assignments to get them done, rather than taking the time to understand the concepts. This can result in superficial learning where students memorize information to regurgitate it on assignments and tests, instead of truly understanding and internalizing the knowledge.

While homework is meant to reinforce classroom learning, the quality of learning is more important than the quantity. It's important to design homework in a way that encourages deep, meaningful learning instead of mere rote memorization.

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• General Adaptation Syndrome Theory
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More From Forbes

Why homework doesn't seem to boost learning--and how it could.

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Some schools are eliminating homework, citing research showing it doesn’t do much to boost achievement. But maybe teachers just need to assign a different kind of homework.

In 2016, a second-grade teacher in Texas delighted her students—and at least some of their parents—by announcing she would no longer assign homework. “Research has been unable to prove that homework improves student performance,” she explained.

The following year, the superintendent of a Florida school district serving 42,000 students eliminated homework for all elementary students and replaced it with twenty minutes of nightly reading, saying she was basing her decision on “solid research about what works best in improving academic achievement in students.”

Many other elementary schools seem to have quietly adopted similar policies. Critics have objected that even if homework doesn’t increase grades or test scores, it has other benefits, like fostering good study habits and providing parents with a window into what kids are doing in school.

Those arguments have merit, but why doesn’t homework boost academic achievement? The research cited by educators just doesn’t seem to make sense. If a child wants to learn to play the violin, it’s obvious she needs to practice at home between lessons (at least, it’s obvious to an adult). And psychologists have identified a range of strategies that help students learn, many of which seem ideally suited for homework assignments.

For example, there’s something called “ retrieval practice ,” which means trying to recall information you’ve already learned. The optimal time to engage in retrieval practice is not immediately after you’ve acquired information but after you’ve forgotten it a bit—like, perhaps, after school. A homework assignment could require students to answer questions about what was covered in class that day without consulting their notes. Research has found that retrieval practice and similar learning strategies are far more powerful than simply rereading or reviewing material.

One possible explanation for the general lack of a boost from homework is that few teachers know about this research. And most have gotten little training in how and why to assign homework. These are things that schools of education and teacher-prep programs typically don’t teach . So it’s quite possible that much of the homework teachers assign just isn’t particularly effective for many students.

Even if teachers do manage to assign effective homework, it may not show up on the measures of achievement used by researchers—for example, standardized reading test scores. Those tests are designed to measure general reading comprehension skills, not to assess how much students have learned in specific classes. Good homework assignments might have helped a student learn a lot about, say, Ancient Egypt. But if the reading passages on a test cover topics like life in the Arctic or the habits of the dormouse, that student’s test score may well not reflect what she’s learned.

The research relied on by those who oppose homework has actually found it has a modest positive effect at the middle and high school levels—just not in elementary school. But for the most part, the studies haven’t looked at whether it matters what kind of homework is assigned or whether there are different effects for different demographic student groups. Focusing on those distinctions could be illuminating.

A study that looked specifically at math homework , for example, found it boosted achievement more in elementary school than in middle school—just the opposite of the findings on homework in general. And while one study found that parental help with homework generally doesn’t boost students’ achievement—and can even have a negative effect— another concluded that economically disadvantaged students whose parents help with homework improve their performance significantly.

That seems to run counter to another frequent objection to homework, which is that it privileges kids who are already advantaged. Well-educated parents are better able to provide help, the argument goes, and it’s easier for affluent parents to provide a quiet space for kids to work in—along with a computer and internet access . While those things may be true, not assigning homework—or assigning ineffective homework—can end up privileging advantaged students even more.

Students from less educated families are most in need of the boost that effective homework can provide, because they’re less likely to acquire academic knowledge and vocabulary at home. And homework can provide a way for lower-income parents—who often don’t have time to volunteer in class or participate in parents’ organizations—to forge connections to their children’s schools. Rather than giving up on homework because of social inequities, schools could help parents support homework in ways that don’t depend on their own knowledge—for example, by recruiting others to help, as some low-income demographic groups have been able to do . Schools could also provide quiet study areas at the end of the day, and teachers could assign homework that doesn’t rely on technology.

Another argument against homework is that it causes students to feel overburdened and stressed.  While that may be true at schools serving affluent populations, students at low-performing ones often don’t get much homework at all—even in high school. One study found that lower-income ninth-graders “consistently described receiving minimal homework—perhaps one or two worksheets or textbook pages, the occasional project, and 30 minutes of reading per night.” And if they didn’t complete assignments, there were few consequences. I discovered this myself when trying to tutor students in writing at a high-poverty high school. After I expressed surprise that none of the kids I was working with had completed a brief writing assignment, a teacher told me, “Oh yeah—I should have told you. Our students don’t really do homework.”

If and when disadvantaged students get to college, their relative lack of study skills and good homework habits can present a serious handicap. After noticing that black and Hispanic students were failing her course in disproportionate numbers, a professor at the University of North Carolina decided to make some changes , including giving homework assignments that required students to quiz themselves without consulting their notes. Performance improved across the board, but especially for students of color and the disadvantaged. The gap between black and white students was cut in half, and the gaps between Hispanic and white students—along with that between first-generation college students and others—closed completely.

There’s no reason this kind of support should wait until students get to college. To be most effective—both in terms of instilling good study habits and building students’ knowledge—homework assignments that boost learning should start in elementary school.

Some argue that young children just need time to chill after a long day at school. But the “ten-minute rule”—recommended by homework researchers—would have first graders doing ten minutes of homework, second graders twenty minutes, and so on. That leaves plenty of time for chilling, and even brief assignments could have a significant impact if they were well-designed.

But a fundamental problem with homework at the elementary level has to do with the curriculum, which—partly because of standardized testing— has narrowed to reading and math. Social studies and science have been marginalized or eliminated, especially in schools where test scores are low. Students spend hours every week practicing supposed reading comprehension skills like “making inferences” or identifying “author’s purpose”—the kinds of skills that the tests try to measure—with little or no attention paid to content.

But as research has established, the most important component in reading comprehension is knowledge of the topic you’re reading about. Classroom time—or homework time—spent on illusory comprehension “skills” would be far better spent building knowledge of the very subjects schools have eliminated. Even if teachers try to take advantage of retrieval practice—say, by asking students to recall what they’ve learned that day about “making comparisons” or “sequence of events”—it won’t have much impact.

If we want to harness the potential power of homework—particularly for disadvantaged students—we’ll need to educate teachers about what kind of assignments actually work. But first, we’ll need to start teaching kids something substantive about the world, beginning as early as possible.

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Why Homework Is Bad For Your Child.

Why Homework Is Bad For Your Child?

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1. Can stress the child

Extra assignments given to children, particularly younger school going children, can lead to unhealthy levels of stress, according to research. If bombarded with countless lessons at school and at home, students may feel stress and anxiety should they fail to complete the assignment on time. Students need to learn in a classroom setting, but they should also be able to spend some time exploring other things outside of the classroom.

Health Issues Consequences Many students wrote that homework causes them to sleep less than they should and leads to “headaches, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, weight loss and stomach problems” as well as a lack of balance in their lives.

Most experienced distress and/or lacked time to engage in important life tasks outside of school. The majority (72%) reported being often or always stressed over schoolwork …and many reported that they experienced physical symptoms due to stress (82% reported experiencing at least one physical symptom in the past month, with 44% of the sample experiencing three or more symptoms). Overall, students reported getting less sleep than the National Sleep Foundation’s (2000) recommended 8.5 to 9.25 hours per night for healthy adolescent development. On average, students in our sample reported 6.80 hours of sleep on school nights … and 68% stated that schoolwork often or always kept them from getting enough sleep each night. Many (63%) reported that the amount of work they received often or always made it challenging to spend time with family and friends, and a similar percent (61%) indicated that they had been forced to drop an activity they enjoyed because of their school workload.

2. Can be a burden

The second reason that student should not be given homework is that they require time to rest and take their minds off school work. With all the activities in school, students, particularly those in the kindergarten, are already weary when they get home. They have spent the day solving difficult math problems, reading several chapters and memorizing long lines in school. So, bombarding them with homework will make them feel burnt out.

3. Counterproductive

Rather than improving educational achievement, heavy homework load can negatively affect the performance of students. The stress of having to complete homework every other night can affect the student’s performance is school. Students need to learn things in a classroom environment, but they also need to be able to spend time exploring other activities outside of school, spend time with friends, go on family vacation, to name a few.

4. Less important

While teachers do their best to give children homework that will engage their child, it’s hard to see the value in the work kids take home. This is because some parents or tutors are the ones doing these assignments. This means that the benefits of homework tasks as the learning tool are entirely lost. The excessive amount of homework may also mean that the child is not able to commit as much time to every task as he should.

5. Consume free time

As stated earlier, children need time to spend with their family, catch up with friends and attend extracurricular activities so they can refresh their minds and bodies. Sadly, homework eats up the time children have to do all these. For older students, school work might also compete with both part-time and casual work, making it difficult for them to strike a balance between school and work.

There you have it, five reasons why homework is bad for your child. Several studies have found that homework negatively affects the life of school children in many ways. Free-time plays a major role in fostering creativity and emotional development — factors as important to long-term success as education itself.

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Is Homework a Waste of Time? Teachers Weigh In

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The debate over homework rages on.

In response to an Opinion essay by a teacher titled “ What Do You Mean My Kid Doesn’t Have Homework? ”, many Facebook users took to the comments section to voice their perspectives on whether assigning homework is outdated and unnecessary—especially during a pandemic—or whether it’s a critical step to cultivating learning.

The benefits of homework have long been disputed, especially at the elementary school level. In 2018, Marva Hinton wrote about how homework was assigned at early grades and the potential effects on these young students. Some schools embraced homework, like Arlington Traditional School, a countywide elementary school in Arlington, Va., where kindergartners were expected to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of homework a night, Monday through Thursday. But some teachers such as Cathy Vatterott, a professor of education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the author of Rethinking Homework worried that adjusting to school routines combined with homework could sour young students on school.

But what about the benefits for older students? In a 2019 article , Education Week Assistant Editor Stephen Sawchuk unpacked the results of a Center for American Progress analysis, which found that while much of the homework assigned to the students in the study aligned with the Common Core State Standards, it did not contribute to building more difficult skills called for in the standards, like analyzing or extending their knowledge to new problems.

Beyond considering the efficacy of homework, the debate over how much time students should spend daily on take-home assignments dates back to the early 1900s. The public furor even led some state lawmakers to ban homework entirely at one point. Multiple studies over the years have examined different angles of the homework debate, including just how much homework students were assigned. In 2003, a pair of national studies found that most American students spent less than an hour daily on homework, and the workload was no bigger than it was 50 years prior.

“There is this view in the popular media that there has been this terrible burden of homework on children, and that the homework is increasing,” said Tom Loveless, the director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution to Education Week’s Debra Viadero in a 2003 article . “That is not the case.”

Fast-forward to the present, teachers and students alike might find themselves at another crossroads in the homework debate. The pandemic brought with it the advent of strategies like “flipped learning” , which relies heavily on homework as an integral component of the lesson. While this might work for some, many students grew weary of the reliance on homework during remote and hybrid learning. This is on top of the potential equity issues arising from lack of internet access affecting students’ ability to complete the steady stream of homework being assigned, and the uptick in mental health issues in students .

So what do teachers really think about homework? Here’s what they had to say in response to the recently resurfaced essay by Samantha Hulsman.

A Disconnect Between Parents and Educators

“i teach 1st grade. i had parents ask for homework. i explained that i don’t give homework. home time is family time. time to play, cook, explore and spend time together. i do send books home, but there is no requirement or checklist for reading them. read them, enjoy them, and return them when your child is ready for more. i explained that as a parent myself, i know they are busy—and what a waste of energy it is to sit and force their kids to do work at home—when they could use that time to form relationships and build a loving home. something kids need more than a few math problems a week.”.

- Colleen S.

“I tried the ‘no homework’ policy one year and received so much pushback from my parents that I began sending home a weekly packet. I pass it out on Monday and it is due on Friday. Parents [are] happy, I’m happy, and life goes on. I say pick your battles. Now, I refuse to give packets over school breaks (winter/spring). If a parent asks, I simply tell them to have them work on any app that we use in class.”

“i literally only assign homework because some parents always make a huge deal of it if i don’t.”, “parents are the driving force behind homework ... they demand it and will complain about not receiving it even after explaining your philosophy of education and providing them with pedagogy that refutes the ‘benefits’ of it.”, homework can be useful for certain subjects or grades, “as a teacher of nearly 40 years, i believe homework has its place. especially in math math needs to be practiced to learn it. i don’t believe in giving homework just because. i think it should be purposeful.”.

- Sandra S.

“For those leading the charge against homework, please think about the expectation for students beyond your classroom. If you teach elementary school, will they be asked to do homework in middle school, high school, and beyond? If so, organization, time management, and study skills are not so easily learned at a later age, when the expectation has never been present. I can’t imagine being a student, who enters college, having never had the expectation of nightly HW.”

- Bobbie M.

Is Homework Actually Helpful for Learning?

Some agree that at its core, homework is practice, which is a needed element to achieving learning.

“Homework is practice. Practice the skills we learned about in class so we can review and add to them. My instrumental students are required to practice every day. When they don’t it’s evident.”

Others aren’t as convinced it’s actually a good tool for assessing comprehension.

“As a teacher, if the kids were assigned homework, guess when the papers were graded ... After discovering a Mom had been doing the homework and was making failing grades ... I gave it up ... taught 25 years without it and my students did much better ...”

- Martha H.

Heightens Equity Issues

“no homework ever it is unnecessary it is so elitist and ableist and teaches kids that it is expected to take work home after hours of a job. nope never”, “homework just further separates the students. those who have parents home who understand the work, or can afford a tutor will do so. families already struggling financially tend not to have parents home to help and cannot afford tutors.”.

- Rebecca J.

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11 Surprising Homework Statistics, Facts & Data

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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The age-old question of whether homework is good or bad for students is unanswerable because there are so many “ it depends ” factors.

For example, it depends on the age of the child, the type of homework being assigned, and even the child’s needs.

There are also many conflicting reports on whether homework is good or bad. This is a topic that largely relies on data interpretation for the researcher to come to their conclusions.

To cut through some of the fog, below I’ve outlined some great homework statistics that can help us understand the effects of homework on children.

Homework Statistics List

1. 45% of parents think homework is too easy for their children.

A study by the Center for American Progress found that parents are almost twice as likely to believe their children’s homework is too easy than to disagree with that statement.

Here are the figures for math homework:

• 46% of parents think their child’s math homework is too easy.
• 25% of parents think their child’s math homework is not too easy.
• 29% of parents offered no opinion.

Here are the figures for language arts homework:

• 44% of parents think their child’s language arts homework is too easy.
• 28% of parents think their child’s language arts homework is not too easy.
• 28% of parents offered no opinion.

These findings are based on online surveys of 372 parents of school-aged children conducted in 2018.

2. 93% of Fourth Grade Children Worldwide are Assigned Homework

The prestigious worldwide math assessment Trends in International Maths and Science Study (TIMSS) took a survey of worldwide homework trends in 2007. Their study concluded that 93% of fourth-grade children are regularly assigned homework, while just 7% never or rarely have homework assigned.

3. 17% of Teens Regularly Miss Homework due to Lack of High-Speed Internet Access

A 2018 Pew Research poll of 743 US teens found that 17%, or almost 2 in every 5 students, regularly struggled to complete homework because they didn’t have reliable access to the internet.

This figure rose to 25% of Black American teens and 24% of teens whose families have an income of less than $30,000 per year.

4. Parents Spend 6.7 Hours Per Week on their Children’s Homework

A 2018 study of 27,500 parents around the world found that the average amount of time parents spend on homework with their child is 6.7 hours per week. Furthermore, 25% of parents spend more than 7 hours per week on their child’s homework.

American parents spend slightly below average at 6.2 hours per week, while Indian parents spend 12 hours per week and Japanese parents spend 2.6 hours per week.

5. Students in High-Performing High Schools Spend on Average 3.1 Hours per night Doing Homework

A study by Galloway, Conner & Pope (2013) conducted a sample of 4,317 students from 10 high-performing high schools in upper-middle-class California. 

Across these high-performing schools, students self-reported that they did 3.1 hours per night of homework.

Graduates from those schools also ended up going on to college 93% of the time.

6. One to Two Hours is the Optimal Duration for Homework

A 2012 peer-reviewed study in the High School Journal found that students who conducted between one and two hours achieved higher results in tests than any other group.

However, the authors were quick to highlight that this “t is an oversimplification of a much more complex problem.” I’m inclined to agree. The greater variable is likely the quality of the homework than time spent on it.

Nevertheless, one result was unequivocal: that some homework is better than none at all : “students who complete any amount of homework earn higher test scores than their peers who do not complete homework.”

7. 74% of Teens cite Homework as a Source of Stress

A study by the Better Sleep Council found that homework is a source of stress for 74% of students. Only school grades, at 75%, rated higher in the study.

That figure rises for girls, with 80% of girls citing homework as a source of stress.

Similarly, the study by Galloway, Conner & Pope (2013) found that 56% of students cite homework as a “primary stressor” in their lives.

8. US Teens Spend more than 15 Hours per Week on Homework

The same study by the Better Sleep Council also found that US teens spend over 2 hours per school night on homework, and overall this added up to over 15 hours per week.

Surprisingly, 4% of US teens say they do more than 6 hours of homework per night. That’s almost as much homework as there are hours in the school day.

The only activity that teens self-reported as doing more than homework was engaging in electronics, which included using phones, playing video games, and watching TV.

9. The 10-Minute Rule

The National Education Association (USA) endorses the concept of doing 10 minutes of homework per night per grade.

For example, if you are in 3rd grade, you should do 30 minutes of homework per night. If you are in 4th grade, you should do 40 minutes of homework per night.

However, this ‘rule’ appears not to be based in sound research. Nevertheless, it is true that homework benefits (no matter the quality of the homework) will likely wane after 2 hours (120 minutes) per night, which would be the NEA guidelines’ peak in grade 12.

10. 21.9% of Parents are Too Busy for their Children’s Homework

An online poll of nearly 300 parents found that 21.9% are too busy to review their children’s homework. On top of this, 31.6% of parents do not look at their children’s homework because their children do not want their help. For these parents, their children’s unwillingness to accept their support is a key source of frustration.

11. 46.5% of Parents find Homework too Hard

The same online poll of parents of children from grades 1 to 12 also found that many parents struggle to help their children with homework because parents find it confusing themselves. Unfortunately, the study did not ask the age of the students so more data is required here to get a full picture of the issue.

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Interpreting the Data

Unfortunately, homework is one of those topics that can be interpreted by different people pursuing differing agendas. All studies of homework have a wide range of variables, such as:

• What age were the children in the study?
• What was the homework they were assigned?
• What tools were available to them?
• What were the cultural attitudes to homework and how did they impact the study?
• Is the study replicable?

The more questions we ask about the data, the more we realize that it’s hard to come to firm conclusions about the pros and cons of homework .

Furthermore, questions about the opportunity cost of homework remain. Even if homework is good for children’s test scores, is it worthwhile if the children consequently do less exercise or experience more stress?

Thus, this ends up becoming a largely qualitative exercise. If parents and teachers zoom in on an individual child’s needs, they’ll be able to more effectively understand how much homework a child needs as well as the type of homework they should be assigned.

Related: Funny Homework Excuses

The debate over whether homework should be banned will not be resolved with these homework statistics. But, these facts and figures can help you to pursue a position in a school debate on the topic – and with that, I hope your debate goes well and you develop some great debating skills!

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Science of mind

Why is homework good for your brain?

Did you know that homework has a profound impact on brain development? It’s not just about completing assignments; homework can actually improve brain function and enhance cognitive abilities.

Homework is designed to help students prepare for the future and develop skills that are essential for success in life. It offers several cognitive benefits, including the development of memory and critical thinking skills. By practicing and repeating new skills through homework, students can enhance their memory and retain knowledge for exams and future tests.

But that’s not all. Homework also helps students build suitable study habits, learn time management, realize personal responsibility, work independently, and improve their ability to use resources and conduct research.

Key Takeaways:

• Homework improves brain function and enhances cognitive abilities.
• By practicing and repeating new skills through homework, students can enhance their memory and retain knowledge.
• Homework helps students build suitable study habits, learn time management, and realize personal responsibility.
• Homework fosters independence and the ability to use resources effectively.
• Research shows that designing and assigning homework correctly can optimize its effectiveness as a learning tool.

The Cognitive Benefits of Homework

Homework is not just a task assigned by teachers to keep students occupied after school; it has far-reaching cognitive benefits and contributes to brain growth and development. Through various homework assignments, students have the opportunity to enhance critical thinking skills, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities.

One essential cognitive benefit of homework is its ability to challenge and develop critical thinking skills. By applying the concepts they’ve learned in class to real-life situations, students can deepen their understanding and improve their analytical thinking abilities. This practice fosters a deeper level of comprehension and encourages students to actively engage with the material.

Another cognitive benefit of homework is its positive impact on memory retention. Through practice and repetition of new skills and knowledge, students reinforce the neural connections in their brains, making the information more accessible and easier to recall. This improved memory retention helps students perform better on exams and enhances their overall academic performance.

Homework also plays a crucial role in developing problem-solving abilities. Assignments that require students to think critically and find innovative solutions to complex problems help cultivate their analytical and logical thinking skills. These problem-solving abilities are essential for success in various aspects of life, from academic pursuits to professional careers.

Overall, homework has a profound impact on cognitive development, providing students with opportunities to enhance critical thinking, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities. By engaging in regular homework assignments, students can nurture these essential cognitive skills and lay a solid foundation for their future academic and professional success.

Building Essential Skills Through Homework

Homework plays a vital role in building essential skills that are crucial for academic success and beyond. It provides students with the opportunity to develop effective study habits, learn time management, cultivate personal responsibility, and engage in independent work.

One of the key benefits of homework is the development of study habits. Through regular homework assignments, students learn how to plan their study sessions, set realistic goals, and effectively organize their time. By following consistent study routines, students can maximize their learning potential and improve their overall academic performance.

Time management is another vital skill that homework helps students develop. By juggling multiple assignments and deadlines, students learn to prioritize tasks, allocate their time effectively, and meet their academic obligations. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for managing responsibilities in other areas of life.

Homework also fosters a sense of personal responsibility. Being accountable for completing assignments on time and to the best of their ability teaches students the importance of taking ownership of their education. It instills a work ethic that can significantly impact their future success, both inside and outside the classroom.

Furthermore, homework promotes independent work and critical thinking skills. Through assignments that require students to apply concepts learned in class, they develop their problem-solving abilities and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. This type of independent work encourages students to think creatively, analyze information critically, and develop their own perspectives.

By engaging in homework, students are actively building these essential skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond. The combination of effective study habits, time management, personal responsibility, and independent work fosters self-discipline, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Testimonial:

“Homework has been instrumental in developing my study habits and time management skills. It has taught me the importance of setting goals and staying organized. Through homework, I’ve become more accountable and independent in my learning.” – Jane Smith, High School Student

Homework and Research Skills

When it comes to homework, research skills are essential for academic success. Homework assignments often require students to explore various resources, such as research papers, books, websites, and videos. By delving into these resources, students develop the ability to effectively use different information sources and enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

Research skills acquired through homework not only improve students’ academic performance but also prepare them to navigate the vast amount of information available in the digital age. By honing their research skills, students become adept at finding relevant and reliable information, analyzing different sources, and critically evaluating the credibility and validity of the information they come across.

Research skills acquired through homework contribute to academic success and prepare students for future challenges.

Through homework, students develop the persistence and resilience necessary to delve deep into a topic, locate relevant information, and synthesize their findings in a coherent manner. These skills are not only valuable during their academic journey but will also benefit them throughout their lives as they continue to learn and grow.

Moreover, conducting research for homework assignments instills a sense of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in students. It encourages them to explore beyond the textbook and develop a broader perspective on the topics they are studying. They learn to ask questions, seek answers, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Overall, homework assignments that require research skills play a vital role in shaping students’ intellectual growth, fostering critical thinking, and preparing them for the challenges they will face in their future academic and professional endeavors.

The Science of Homework Efficiency

When it comes to homework, there is a science behind ensuring its maximum effectiveness as a learning tool. Research has shown that the way homework is designed and assigned can have a significant impact on student performance. To optimize learning outcomes, homework should provide independent learning opportunities and present challenges that facilitate deliberate practice of essential content and skills.

One factor that can greatly affect the efficiency of homework is task switching. Constantly switching between homework and distractions like social media can significantly prolong the time spent on assignments. To overcome this, it is crucial to encourage students to delay gratification by using social media as a reward after completing their assignments. By eliminating distractions and focusing on the task at hand, students can deepen their learning and complete their homework more efficiently.

Adopting a scientific approach to tackling homework can lead to improved academic performance. By implementing strategies that optimize learning, such as organizing study sessions, setting goals, and utilizing resources effectively, students can enhance their understanding of the subject matter and improve their overall learning outcomes. By prioritizing uninterrupted focus and disciplined work, students can transform homework into a valuable learning experience that prepares them for success in their academic endeavors.

Source Links

• https://www.crispebooks.org/
• http://www.math.usf.edu/~mccolm/pedagogy/HWgood.html
• https://www.edutopia.org/blog/homework-sleep-and-student-brain-glenn-whitman

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Why Is Homework Bad For Students?

• August 13, 2023
• Learning Techniques

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of homework you have to complete? Well, you’re not alone! Many students wonder why homework is such a big part of their lives. In this article, we’ll explore the question “Why Is Homework Bad for Students?” and delve into the reasons why some students find homework to be a burden. So, let’s dive in and uncover the truth about homework!

For starters, homework can eat up a significant amount of your free time. Instead of doing things you enjoy, like hanging out with friends or pursuing hobbies, you find yourself buried under piles of assignments. This lack of leisure time can lead to stress and burnout, affecting your overall well-being.

Moreover, some students argue that excessive homework can interfere with their ability to retain information. If you’re forced to complete numerous assignments in a short amount of time, you may not have the opportunity to fully understand and absorb the material. As a result, your learning experience may be compromised, and you may struggle to perform well academically.

In conclusion, homework is a contentious topic among students. While it can reinforce learning and develop important skills, it can also have negative effects on students’ well-being and academic performance. Throughout this article, we’ll explore both sides of the argument and provide you with a balanced perspective on the question “Why Is Homework Bad for Students?”. So, let’s continue on this journey together and uncover the truth about homework!

Homework can have negative effects on students, impacting their well-being and academic performance. Excessive homework can lead to stress, sleep deprivation, and decreased motivation. It can also limit the time students have for extracurricular activities, hobbies, and socializing with friends and family. Additionally, too much homework may not necessarily improve learning outcomes. It’s important for educators and parents to find a balance between homework and a student’s overall well-being.

Table of Contents

Why Is Homework Bad for Students?

Homework has long been a staple of the education system, but is it really beneficial for students? In recent years, there has been a growing debate surrounding the effectiveness and impact of homework on students’ learning and well-being. While some argue that homework is essential for reinforcing concepts learned in the classroom, others believe that it can have detrimental effects on students’ mental health and overall development. In this article, we will explore the reasons why homework may be bad for students, shedding light on the potential negative consequences it can have.

The Negative Effects of Homework on Students

Although homework is often seen as a necessary part of the learning process, there are several reasons why it can be detrimental to students. Firstly, excessive amounts of homework can lead to increased stress levels. Students are often overwhelmed by the demands of completing assignments, studying for tests, and participating in extracurricular activities. This can result in sleep deprivation, anxiety, and burnout.

Secondly, homework can hinder students’ ability to engage in other important aspects of their development. With excessive homework, students have less time for recreational activities, hobbies, and socializing with friends and family. This can have a negative impact on their overall well-being and prevent them from cultivating a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Furthermore, homework may not always be effective in promoting meaningful learning. Instead of fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter, it can sometimes lead to rote memorization and a focus on grades rather than true comprehension. This can hinder students’ creativity, critical thinking skills, and ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

The overwhelming stress levels

One of the main reasons why homework is considered bad for students is the overwhelming stress it can cause. Many students are faced with an immense workload, juggling multiple assignments, projects, and exams. This can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and a deteriorating mental health.

Furthermore, the pressure to perform well in homework assignments can create a competitive environment among students. They may feel compelled to compare their grades and achievements, leading to further stress and a negative impact on their self-esteem.

Overall, this high level of stress can have severe consequences on students’ overall well-being and affect their academic performance in the long run.

Lack of a balanced lifestyle

An excessive amount of homework can consume a significant portion of a student’s time, leaving little room for other important activities. Students often struggle to find a balance between their academic responsibilities and personal life.

Engaging in extracurricular activities, pursuing hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends are crucial for a well-rounded development. However, when students are overloaded with homework, they have to sacrifice these activities, which can negatively impact their social skills, emotional well-being, and personal growth.

A lack of balance can also lead to feelings of isolation and a disconnection from the world outside of academics, preventing students from developing a holistic approach to their education.

Promoting memorization over comprehension

Homework often focuses on repetition and memorization rather than deep understanding and critical thinking. Students may be required to complete numerous repetitive exercises without fully grasping the underlying concepts.

This can hinder their ability to think creatively, explore alternative solutions, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Instead, they become fixated on memorizing information for the purpose of passing tests and earning good grades.

By prioritizing memorization, homework can stifle curiosity and hinder the development of analytical thinking skills, ultimately limiting the potential for lifelong learning.

Strategies for reducing the negative impact of homework

While the negative effects of homework are concerning, it is important to recognize that not all assignments are inherently bad. With thoughtful implementation and consideration for students’ well-being, homework can be a tool for reinforcing learning and fostering independent study skills.

Here are a few strategies that educators and parents can use to mitigate the negative impact of homework:

• Setting reasonable and age-appropriate homework expectations
• Promoting a healthy work-life balance
• Providing effective feedback and support
• Encouraging students to develop time management skills
• Allowing flexibility and individualization in homework assignments

By implementing these strategies, educators and parents can create a more balanced and supportive learning environment that takes into account the well-being and individual needs of students.

Reevaluating Homework Practices: The Way Forward

As our understanding of education and learning continues to evolve, it is crucial that we reevaluate traditional homework practices. Instead of blindly assigning excessive amounts of homework, we should prioritize the quality and meaningfulness of assignments.

Teachers and parents should collaborate to develop a balanced approach that integrates homework with other important aspects of students’ lives. This may involve exploring alternative methods of reinforcing learning, such as project-based assessments or in-class assignments that promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

Ultimately, by shifting our focus from quantity to quality, we can create an educational system that supports students’ holistic development and fosters a lifelong love for learning.

Key Takeaways: Why Is Homework Bad for Students?

• Homework can lead to increased stress levels for students.
• Excessive homework can result in a lack of quality sleep.
• Too much homework can limit students’ time for other activities and hobbies.
• Homework may not always align with the individual student’s learning style.
• Homework can contribute to a negative impact on mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section on the topic of why homework can be detrimental to students. Below, we have addressed some common concerns and provided thoughtful answers to help you understand the potential downsides of excessive homework. Let’s explore!

1. Does homework contribute to student stress levels?

Yes, homework can contribute to student stress levels. Excessive homework can often lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. Students have a lot on their plates already, with classes, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. When they are bombarded with an excessive amount of homework, it can become overwhelming and cause a significant increase in stress levels.

Not only can high levels of stress have negative effects on a student’s mental health, but it can also impact their physical well-being. Lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and increased irritability are some of the potential consequences of elevated stress levels due to excessive homework.

2. Does homework interfere with family time and personal development?

Yes, homework can interfere with family time and personal development. When students are burdened with hours of homework every day, they have less time available to spend with their families, pursue hobbies, engage in physical activities, or simply relax and unwind. This lack of balance can hinder their personal development.

Family time is essential for a healthy and supportive environment, where children can bond with their parents, siblings, and loved ones. It fosters emotional well-being and strengthens familial relationships. When homework takes up an excessive portion of a student’s time, it can disrupt this valuable family connection and deprive them of meaningful experiences.

3. Can excessive homework lead to burnout?

Yes, excessive homework can lead to burnout. Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress. When students are constantly overwhelmed by homework, they can reach a point of exhaustion where they no longer have the motivation or energy to continue learning and engaging with schoolwork.

Burnout can have serious consequences on a student’s academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. It can result in diminished productivity, increased frustration, and a negative attitude towards learning. To prevent burnout, it is important for students to have a balanced workload and adequate time for rest and self-care.

4. Does excessive homework hinder creativity and critical thinking?

Yes, excessive homework can hinder creativity and critical thinking. When students are constantly overwhelmed with homework assignments and deadlines, they often don’t have the opportunity to explore their own interests or think critically about the subjects they are studying. They are focused on completing tasks rather than engaging in deeper intellectual pursuits.

Creativity and critical thinking are essential skills for personal growth and success in today’s world. They encourage innovative ideas, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to think outside the box. When students are deprived of the time and mental space to nurture these skills, their intellectual development may be limited.

5. Does homework contribute to an unhealthy work-life balance?

Yes, homework can contribute to an unhealthy work-life balance. Students require time to relax, unwind, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. However, when a significant portion of their time is consumed by homework, they may find it difficult to achieve a healthy balance between schoolwork and other aspects of their lives.

Having a balanced work-life schedule is crucial for maintaining good mental health, preventing burnout, and fostering overall well-being. It allows students to recharge their batteries, pursue their passions, and develop important life skills outside of the academic sphere. When homework dominates their lives, this balance is disrupted, potentially leading to stress, fatigue, and a lack of fulfillment.

What school won’t tell you about homework

So, to wrap it up, homework can be bad for students for a few important reasons. First, it can take up a lot of our free time and leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Second, it might not always help us learn better, especially if we’re just doing work without understanding why. And finally, too much homework can make us miss out on important things like family time, hobbies, and rest.

But it’s not all bad news! By talking to our teachers and parents about our workload, we can find a balance that works for us. We can also use helpful strategies like breaking our tasks into smaller parts and taking regular breaks to stay focused. Remember, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom or through homework. It’s all around us, in our daily lives and interactions with others. So let’s strive for a healthy balance and keep learning in ways that work best for us.

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Why Students Are Not Learning and What We Can Do About It

Social learning can help students overcome post-pandemic mental health problems..

Updated July 14, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

• Why Education Is Important
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• Post-pandemic mental health problems have been widespread and are still lingering.
• Mental health problems pose a major problem for students to learn well.
• Implementing elements of social learning in education can be an effective solution.

For more than two decades as a college professor, I had a reputation for academic rigor, and I took pride in it. My students received an education rich in knowledge and skills, worth far more than the tuition they paid. But everything changed when in-person classes resumed in 2022 after two years of Zoom learning at home.

From the outset, I was stunned. My once bustling classrooms were now a third to a half empty. Students frequently skipped classes, often claiming to be sick, sometimes without even bothering to email an excuse. Those who did attend were often glued to their cell phones. The tried-and-true methods I had relied on to gauge student performance—quizzes, exams, homework, independent projects—no longer seemed effective. Consequently, an unprecedented number of my students received low marks. My teaching ratings plummeted to the lowest point in my career . It was agonizing to read the students’ feedback. One student labeled me “rude” for requesting a doctor’s note for absences as if the school’s policies on academic honesty and integrity had become obsolete.

Something was wrong, very wrong I couldn’t blame my students because that wouldn’t solve the problem. Instead, I embarked on a soul-searching mission: How could I turn my own low grades in teaching back into an A? I spent the summer of 2023 consulting with fellow teachers and diving into newspapers, magazines, internet websites, and academic papers. What I found was surprising: Far from being an isolated issue, this pattern was global, affecting educators both at home and abroad.

Many faculty members had experiences far worse than mine. Among the most notable was NYU professor Maitland Jones . Author of a leading textbook in organic chemistry, he taught his spring 2022 class of 350 students the same rigorous way he had since 2007, before the pandemic lockdown. But this time, many students failed or withdrew from the class. Eighty-two of them filed a petition, complaining that Dr. Jones’s class was too difficult and that they disliked his teaching style. Unyielding in his commitment to academic rigor, Dr. Jones was fired.

While this incident led to NYU (and other schools) being lambasted by critics for loosening academic standards and lowering the quality of education, I found that the students also had legitimate reasons based on recent studies on the ills of pandemic isolation.

For instance, researchers in Ohio surveyed children aged 6 to 17 and compared their anxiety levels before and after the pandemic lockdown and online learning environment. They found that anxiety levels had quadrupled due to social isolation , with younger children experiencing the worst impact ( 1 ). Other studies confirmed that disruptions to normal social life and loneliness from prolonged homestays led to considerable numbers of school children and adults suffering from a range of psychological and psychiatric disorders ( 2 ). Symptoms observed in many other countries that also experienced various forms and lengths of lockdown included anxiety, stress , mood swings, depression , and in rare cases, suicide . Anxiety alone was reported to affect 33 percent of children ( 3 ). The mental health problem was both real and widespread, a public health crisis unseen in our memories for most of us.

The mental health issues were even more acute and prevalent among international students, who were separated from their established social networks in their home countries. They faced a multitude of problems, including language barriers, cultural shocks, lack of social bonding , and overt or covert prejudice and discrimination . Some also experienced financial difficulties, unhelpful school policies, and unsympathetic professors ( 4 ). These issues are major roadblocks, preventing students from staying healthy, let alone developing their intellectual capacities.

The good news is that humans are resilient. We tend to bounce back after disasters. Here’s a case study from the University of Heidelberg in Germany regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over time: In an email survey of 2,318 university students, the percentage of students reporting unhappiness (measured by a standardized well-being index) dropped significantly, from 72.52 percent to 53.96 percent, nine months after the end of social restrictions ( 5 ). While the rate remained far higher than desirable, it demonstrated human resilience and provided hope for improvement.

The pressing issue Could we professors readapt our teaching to meet the needs of this generation of students in this new era? This challenge forced me to go back to ground zero of college education in search of a new path in pedagogy.

As my previous essay shows, mental health issues can often be alleviated with a supportive social environment. Learning is fundamentally a social process. Could it too be improved through enhanced social activities? Drawing on my knowledge of psychology, I reworked my courses to incorporate as many elements of social learning as possible: active class participation, team-based quizzes, collaborative exercises, competitive internet knowledge explorations, information finding and sharing, peer help sessions, and hands-on activities throughout my lectures and labs during the academic year of 2023-2024. The response from students was quick and positive: my classrooms were full again and often bursting with laughter .

What about the quality, you may ask? I tested it by using similar questions to those from before the pandemic in examinations. To my great relief and delight, students performed even better than in pre-pandemic years. The academic rigor was maintained and improved.

Although I was rewarded with unexpectedly high ratings for my teaching, I remain conscious that a couple of students still did not respond to my pedagogical overhaul. They continued to be absent regularly and performed poorly. I know I have not completely cracked the hard nut yet. I need to do more research and implement more changes.

While I recount my own experiences, I eagerly invite you to share your triumphs with me. Together, we can exorcize the lingering specter of the pandemic and dismantle every obstacle impeding the education of our younger generations.

1. Brannen DE, Wynn S, Shuster J, Howell M. (2023). Pandemic isolation and mental health among children. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 17(e353): 1–7.

2. Murata S, Rezeppa T, Thoma B, et al. (2021) The psychiatric sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents, adults, and health care workers. Depress Anxiety. 38: 233–246.

3. Abawi O, Welling MS, van den Eynde E, et al. (2020). COVID-19 related anxiety in children and adolescents with severe obesity: a mixed-methods study. Clin Obes. 10: e12412.

4. Girmay, M. and Singh, GK, (2019). Social isolation, loneliness, and mental and emotional well-being among international students in the United States. International Journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health, 3: 1-8.

5. Holm-Hadulla RM, Wendler H, Baracsi G, Storck T, Möltner A and Herpertz S. (2023). Depression and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic in a student population: the effects of establishing and relaxing social restrictions. Front. Psychiatry 14: 1200643.

Lixing Sun, Ph.D. , is a distinguished research professor in behavior and evolution at Central Washington University.

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Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.

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4 Ways Parents Can Deal With Summer Homework, According to Experts Say

Most schools assign summer homework with good intentions, but they don't always know how to make school-break assignments meaningful.

School’s out for summer! Around the country, students have chucked their backpacks and planners aside and rejoiced. That is, if they don’t have summer homework.

A hotly debated topic in education, summer assignments can involve reading, online work, packets, and/or real-life enrichment opportunities in communities that students are responsible for completing by the time school resumes. It’s become a burden for some families whose parents work in the summer, or who lack teacher support or internet access. On the other hand, some parents want their children doing summer work to keep them busy and engaged in academics, and to prevent the “summer slide” — a regression in learning some educators believe occurs between school years.

Licensed Psychologist Connie McReynolds , Ph.D., says summer work can sometimes cause children to feel like they’re still at school. “It can lead to burnout before the next school year begins,” she says. For others, she says, the structure and routine are beneficial.

So summer homework can be advantageous — if it’s done right. The bad news is that, in a lot of cases, it isn’t. Here’s what the experts had to say about if, when and how summer work should be assigned — and how parents can cope if their school is missing the mark.

When Summer Homework Is Done Right

It should be intentional and (actually) educational..

“Summer work for the sake of raising and/or setting expectations for rigor is baseless,” Davis says. “Students often put off the work until the last minute and complete the work for compliance, not true learning. And that’s only exacerbated when the teachers don’t create a meaningful classroom connection to the summer work.” This points to a problem with practices around all homework — are they meaningful practice, or just a check-the-box completion grade?

Teachers might feel they can’t teach all the material during the school year. But a 2023 study found that summer learning had a small impact on math test scores for students but not reading. Additional recent data has shown that the impact of the “summer slide” depends on a variety of factors, including grade and poverty levels.

What parents can do : “The teacher should provide a clear connection to how the summer work is going to enhance the learning and/or enrich the learning that will occur at the start of the year,” Davis says. “If there isn’t a clear explanation of the purpose of the summer work, parents should reach out to the teacher directly for clarity regarding the purpose of the work and if it is required." Don’t worry about being a nudge. “Parents should keep in mind they are advocates for their children and asking questions for clarity creates a two way dialogue with the teacher,” she adds.

It should come with tech and academic support.

A key pillar of homework is homework help — that is, if the purpose is real learning.

Many parents can probably relate to a scenario like this: “Hey mom, I’m supposed to work on a school app called blah blah blah.”

“Oh, okay, what’s the password?”

“I don’t know.”

And even if they can log in, what happens if kids don’t understand the assignments? Many parents can relate to not knowing the answer to a homework question a kid is asking, and not knowing which resources to use to find it. Adding in homework help around work hours can add stress to a family.

Not a whole lot of learning is happening in these situations, which all lead back to one missing aspect to effective homework practices — teacher support. Teachers are off in the summer, but if students aren’t, there’s an issue with technical troubleshooting and guided instruction.

“Homework should reinforce skills learned in the classroom,” Davis says. “Unfortunately all too often students are left to complete homework without the foundational knowledge to complete it to enhance their learning. During the summer months teachers are typically not available leaving the students to complete the homework with little to no direction which could result in them replicating bad habits without any checkpoints or feedback.”

What parents can do : It’s absolutely reasonable to expect summer support to have necessary technology and instructional guidance, even in the summer. “Students should be able to access the teacher to provide clarity, answer questions and/or to provide feedback,” Davis says. She again recommends communicating with the school as early as possible about how students are supposed to get tech or instructional support.

It should be inclusive and low-stress.

A student with an Individualized Education Plan, or a 504 plan, who typically has extra homework time looks at a large packet at the start of summer. Do they still have double time? What resources are available to them? These are concerns that all families, but especially those with additional academic and learning needs, have to navigate.

“Parents of children with ADHD are naturally concerned about whether being away from academic studies over the summer will lead to the ‘summer slide,’” McReynolds says. “This concern leads parents to struggle with whether to push on through the summer or give children a break from the pressure.”

Students who don’t have access to support can see an increase in academic-related stress too. According to a 2021 study by Challenge Success, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, 56% of students reported an increase in stress from school . The same report found that during the school year, students spent an average of three hours on homework each weeknight, with 51% reporting they spent more time on homework than they did in the past. But 42% reported they had a decreased level of engagement for school and learning. So, experts are torn on whether homework actually increases engagement, and even learning.

“All too often the completion or lack thereof is utilized to gatekeep students out of higher level courses,’ Davis says. “In the event a student faces this, parents need to actively advocate for inclusion in the class regardless of completion of the summer work.”

What parents can do: “Individual accommodations and modifications included in a student’s IEP/504 must be taken into account,” Davis says. “Another approach to summer work would be for the parent and student to create a scaffolded schedule to complete the work as opposed to waiting until the final weeks of summer to complete it all at once. Ultimately, the mental health of the student is most important and parents and/or the student should actively communicate with the teacher directly to discuss concerns throughout the summer.”

High schoolers who are taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which sometimes require summer work, can consider opting for a College Credit Plus (CPP) class, when appropriate for them. CPP classes often carry the same weight without the summer work, but it varies state to state, and parents and students should ensure the desired university they would like to attend accepts CPP classes as credit as they do with AP. Pro tip from Davis: Ask around or ask the teacher before April or May to determine summer homework plans for an AP class, because you might miss the deadline to do CPP if you wait until summer.

It should even be…fun!

There just might be room in summer homework for a bit of enjoyment, with the right set up.

“I believe summer homework is detrimental for several reasons,” Davis says. “It perpetuates burnout … preventing students from fully relaxing and recharging during their break. This can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being.” So, the only summer homework our experts are interested in are fun activities that enrich family or community life, or personal development.

Emily Pendergrass , associate professor of the Practice of Literacy and Reading Education at Vanderbilt University says summer homework should be meaningful for families, teachers and learning. “It should be interactive,” she says. “It shouldn’t be one size fits all…we should be moving towards learning and curiosity.”

Summer homework should move into meaningful activities, Pendergrass says. For example, instead of keeping a reading log that just lists the titles of books and how many minutes were read, students can be tasked with drawing a picture of what they read, writing an alternate ending, or making a short video about the reading to share with classmates when they’re back to school.

What parents can do: In the end, there’s no faster way to get students to hate school than assigning a classic piece of literature, and telling them good luck, see you in the fall. Pushback from parents, community and students themselves can ensure summer work, if necessary, is equitable and purposeful, well-supported and inclusive. Or, we can just cut it all together and go read something fun by the pool…

When to Call It Off

If your child is too stressed about summer homework, you and your child, and their educators, can discuss together if the right move is to simply not do it . What are the consequences? The ramifications of this depend on the school, and the program. In some places, summer work might not account for a large portion of their final grade and a student might be confident they can make it up during the school year. In others, they might be able to choose a less rigorous course without a summer homework requirement. Then again, skipping summer homework might result in failing a class if the summer assignments are weighted heavily in the final grade. You can also consider asking for an alternative or makeup assignment, which often would be considered on a case-by-case basis. “If summer work is being graded on completion, and not truly being utilized at the start of the year to extend instruction, the student, parent and teacher need to actively discuss the true purpose of the work,” Davis says.

Alexandra Frost is a Cincinnati-based freelance journalist and content marketing writer, focusing on health and wellness, parenting, education, and lifestyle. She has been published in the Atlantic , Glamour , Today’s Parent , Reader’s Digest , Consumer Reports , Women’s Health , and National Geographic . She spends her “free” time with her five kids under age 8, and testing lots of products. To connect or read more of her work please visit alexandra-frost.com or follow her on social media: Twitter Instagram Linked In .

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20 Reasons Why Homework is Bad: Breaking Down Barriers

Is homework really that helpful? Explore 20 reasons why homework is bad. From stress to missing family time, find out why homework might need a second look.

Hey! Homework has been around forever, but is it really that helpful? Let’s explore 20 reasons why some folks think homework might not be all that great. From feeling stressed and missing family time to finding it boring and not personalized, there are plenty of reasons why homework might need a rethink.

Table of Contents

20 Reasons Why Homework is Bad

Check out 20 reasons why homework is bad:-

1. Too Much Work

• Stress and tiredness from too much work.
• Rushing and not enough sleep.
• Pressure and worry.

2. Less Free Time

• Can’t do hobbies or hang out.
• Less time for sports.
• Hard to be social.

3. Not Fair for Everyone

• Some kids lack quiet places to work.
• Harder without computers or internet.
• Widens gap between rich and poor.

4. Stress and Anxiety

• Worry about grades.
• Makes them feel nervous.
• Can make them sick or tired.

5. Not Enough Sleep

• Hard to concentrate.
• Can’t remember well.
• Hard to stay awake in class.

6. Losing Motivation

• Less excited about learning.
• Don’t want to go to school.
• Feel bored or uninterested.

7. Not Good for Some Subjects

• Some things better learned other ways.
• Don’t get to talk with friends.
• Hard to learn when tired.

8. Doesn’t Help Everyone Learn

• Some need different ways to learn.
• They get same work even if they learn differently.
• Can feel frustrated.

9. Less Creativity

• Don’t get to think of new ideas.
• Always the same kind of work.
• Makes them less curious.

10. Can Lead to Cheating

• Some copy from others.
• Might not really learn.
• They don’t feel proud.

11. Problems at Home

• Makes parents and kids argue.
• Less time for family fun.
• Parents might not know how to help.

12. Less Time with Family

• Have to work instead of spend time with family.
• Parents can’t help with homework.
• Kids might feel lonely.

13. No Time for Fun Activities

• Can’t do sports or music.
• Less time for hobbies.
• They feel rushed.

14. Forget Things Quickly

• Learn for test, then forget.
• Makes it harder to remember.
• Doesn’t help them learn for life.

15. Hate Learning

• Makes them not like school.
• They might think learning is boring.
• Feels like a chore.

16. Not Good for Thinking Skills

• Don’t get to solve problems on their own.
• Some homework just about remembering.
• It’s harder to think for themselves.

17. Confusing Homework

• Sometimes not related to what they learn.
• Makes them feel lost.
• They don’t see how it helps.

18. Hard for Some Kids

• Kids with disabilities might find it tough.
• Makes them feel like they can’t do it.
• They might not finish or do it right.

19. No Feedback from Teachers

• They don’t know if they’re doing it right.
• Can’t learn from their mistakes.
• Makes them feel like they’re not improving.

20. Makes Inequality Worse

• Kids with less help struggle more.
• Makes school harder for some kids.

What are some reasons homework is bad?

Here are the reasons why homework can be tough:

• Stress : Too much homework stresses students.
• Time : It takes away from fun activities.
• Inequality : Not everyone has the same resources.
• Ineffective : Doesn’t always help learn.
• Limits Creativity : Repetitive and boring.
• Risk of Cheating : Pressure leads to cheating.
• Family Tension : Causes arguments.
• Less Family Time : Leaves less time for family.

Other Considerations

• Memory Challenges : Doesn’t always help remember.
• Kills Love for Learning : Can make students dislike learning.
• Lacks Critical Thinking : Some tasks don’t encourage thinking.
• Unrelated to Classwork : Can be confusing.
• Not for Everyone : Harder for students with learning differences.
• Limited Feedback : No feedback means no learning from mistakes.

Why is homework bad?

Homework can be tough for kids:

• Stress and Exhaustion: Too much homework stresses kids out, especially younger ones, leaving less time for fun.
• Not Always Helpful: Some homework, like memorizing, may not help students learn well. It can be tough and unfair for some.
• Learning Challenges: It can make kids less curious and creative, leading to cheating.
• Other Issues: Homework that feels like a chore makes learning less enjoyable. Some doesn’t help kids think in new ways or is confusing.
• Feedback: Without feedback, kids can’t learn from their mistakes. Homework should be fair and not too stressful.

Why we should have no homework?

Check out why we should have no homework:-

• Less Stress: Homework can stress kids. No homework means more relaxation time.
• Better Learning: Doing fun activities in class can help kids learn better than homework.
• More Fun Time: No homework gives more time for hobbies, friends, and play.
• Fairness: Some kids don’t have a good place or help for homework. No homework means equal chances for all.
• Homework Might Not Help: For younger kids, hands-on activities in class might be better than homework.
• Less Cheating: Some kids cheat because of homework stress. No homework means more focus on real learning.

What are 3 negatives of homework?

Here are 3 reasons homework can be tough:

• More Stress : Lots of homework can stress students out.
• Not Fair : Some kids don’t have what they need for homework.
• Less Fun Time : Too much homework means less time for fun.

Why shouldn’t we ban homework?

Homework is important because:

• Practice: Helps you remember.
• Time Management: Teaches you to manage time.
• Responsibility: Makes you responsible.
• Test Prep: Helps you prepare.
• Family Time: Can be fun with homework.
• Quality Matters: Good homework aids learning.
• Learning Styles: Should challenge but not overwhelm.
• Feedback Helps: Improves your skills.
• Goal: Homework should help, not stress.

Wrapping up, homework has its upsides for sure, but it also brings some downsides. It can really stress kids out, make learning less fun, and sometimes, it’s just not that helpful. The key is finding that sweet spot where homework helps without causing too much hassle. It’s all about balance and making sure homework is fair and actually helps students learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all homework bad.

While not all homework is inherently bad, excessive and poorly designed homework can have detrimental effects on students.

What are some alternatives to traditional homework?

Alternative approaches include project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and personalized learning plans.

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Major 10 Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework In 2023

Homework – something students always get, but is it good or just extra work? People, like parents and teachers, have different thoughts on this. In this blog, we are going to dig deep into 10 reasons why students should avoid homework.

We will also determine when students can bring their phones to school in 2023. First, let’s understand what homework really is and why some folks say it’s not so great. We will learn about the good side of no homework and discover some interesting facts that support saying no to homework. So, let’s see if homework is helpful or not. 

Stay tuned to learn more about 10 reasons why students should not have homework.

What Is Homework?

Table of Contents

Homework is a school task that teachers give to students to do outside of the classroom. It’s like extra practice to help you learn more about what you study in school. Homework can be reading a book, doing math problems, writing about a topic, or other assignments. When you finish your homework, you show what you’ve learned and get better at your school subjects.

Homework is also a way for teachers to see how well you understand what they taught in class. It’s like a way for you to show what you’ve learned. Most homework assignments have a deadline, therefore it is critical that you complete it on time in order to gain knowledge and advance your abilities. It is a chance to practice and get better at the things you’re learning in school, which can help you do well in your tests and exams.

Why Is Homework Bad?

Homework can sometimes be bad for a few reasons. First, it can lead to stress and burnout, overwhelming students with too much work. Second, it can take away time that kids need for other important things like family time, sports, or just relaxing. Additionally, it might not always be useful, as some homework tasks might not help students learn better. Moreover, it can create inequality, as not all students have the same resources or help at home to complete their homework. Lastly, it can sometimes feel boring and repetitive, making kids dislike learning.

• Causes stress and burnout
• Takes away time from other important activities
• It may not always be useful for learning
• Creates inequality between students
• It can be boring and repetitive, leading to a dislike of learning

10 Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework 

Here we will discuss 10 reasons why students should not have homework: 

1. Too Much Work

Homework can be like having too much to do. Students get many assignments, and it can become very stressful. This means they have less time for fun things like sports, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing. This stress can make them feel anxious, and it can be challenging to find a balance in their lives. Students need time to breathe and be kids.

2. Less Family Time

Homework takes away time that students could spend with their families. They end up spending long hours doing homework, which leaves less time to be with their parents, siblings, or other family members. This can lead to weaker family bonds and make it harder to build good relationships. Strong families are important for kids’ happiness and growth.

3. Health Problems

Too much homework can harm a student’s health. It can make them lose sleep, worry a lot, and even cause physical health problems like headaches or stomachaches. It’s important for students to be healthy and happy, so too much homework isn’t good for them. Good health is the foundation of a good life.

4. Less Time to Explore

Homework can stop students from trying new things and finding their interests. When they have to spend so much time on homework, they can’t explore their interests or develop their hobbies. This can hold them back from personal growth. Exploring and learning about the world is an important part of growing up.

5. Unequal Opportunities

Not all students have the same help and resources for homework. Some have more support and better tools, while others may not. This can make educational inequalities worse, as students with less support can struggle more, making it harder for them to succeed in school. Every student deserves a fair chance.

6. Boring and Repetitive

Homework can become very boring and repetitive. When students do the same kinds of assignments over and over, it can make them lose interest in learning. They may just do the work to finish it, without really understanding or enjoying the subject. Learning should be fun and exciting.

7. Not Really Learning

Homework can lead to memorization without real understanding. Instead of really learning, students might just try to finish the assignments as quickly as possible. This doesn’t help them learn well in the long run. We want students to understand and enjoy what they’re learning.

8. No Personal Time

Students need time for themselves to relax, do things they enjoy, and take care of themselves. Too much homework means they have very little time for these important activities. Learning how to manage time and take care of oneself is important for their growth. Personal time is crucial for a well-rounded life.

9. Kills Creativity

Homework can make it hard for students to think creatively and solve problems. With so much work to do, they don’t have time for open-minded, creative thinking. This kind of thinking is important for solving real-life problems and coming up with new ideas. Creative thinking helps us tackle the big challenges of the world.

10. Debate Over Value

People don’t all agree on whether homework really helps students learn. Some studies say it does, while others say it doesn’t make much difference. Since it’s not clear, it’s worth thinking about whether the time spent on homework could be used for other activities that we know help students learn better. It’s important to use time wisely and focus on what really works for students.

Advantages Of Having No Homework

Here are some advantages of having no homework: 

1. More Free Time

Not having homework means students have more free time after school. This extra time can be used for hobbies, sports, spending time with family, or simply relaxing. It allows kids to be more well-rounded and happy.

2. Less Stress

Without homework, students experience less stress. They don’t have to worry about tight deadlines or piles of assignments, so they can focus on learning in a more relaxed and healthier way.

3. Better Sleep

No homework means better sleep. Students can go to bed at a reasonable time, ensuring they are well-rested and ready to concentrate during school hours.

4. Opportunities for Exploration

When there’s no homework, students have more opportunities to explore their interests and learn about things they are passionate about. They can read books, explore new topics, or work on personal projects.

5. Improved Family Time

The absence of homework allows for improved family time. Parents and kids can get to know each other, share experiences, and make the home a loving and caring place. This strengthens family relationships and creates a more positive atmosphere.

Read More 

How To Stop Procrastinating On Homework

How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

Interesting Facts On Why Homework Should Be Banned

Here are some interesting facts on why homework should be banned: 

1. Negative Impact on Health

Homework should be banned because it can have a negative impact on a student’s health. Spending long hours on homework can lead to stress, sleep deprivation, and a sedentary lifestyle, which are harmful to physical and mental well-being.

2. Reduces Family Time

Homework takes away precious family time. When students are buried in assignments, they have less time to spend with their families, leading to a decrease in family bonding and support.

3. Inequality in Resources

Homework can lead to inequality. Not all students have access to the same resources, such as a quiet place to study, internet, or parental assistance, making it unfair to some students.

4. No Proven Benefits

Despite its prevalence, homework doesn’t always show clear academic benefits. Research suggests that the advantages of homework are often minimal, and banning it might not affect students’ learning negatively.

5. Increased Stress Levels

Homework can increase stress levels, which can be detrimental to a student’s mental health. Stress can make you anxious, depressed, and not want to learn.

6. Encourages Cheating

The pressure to complete homework on time can encourage cheating and plagiarism, undermining the honesty and integrity of education.

7. Reduces Creativity

Homework can be rigid and repetitive, leaving little room for creativity and independent thinking, which are essential for a well-rounded education. Banning homework can encourage more creative and flexible learning approaches.

Is Homework Is Bad Or Good For Students – From Parents & Teachers Perspective

From a parent’s perspective, homework can be a topic of debate. Some parents see both the downsides and benefits of homework, and it’s essential to consider both sides:

On the Bad Side

• Excessive Stress: Many parents worry that homework can cause their children excessive stress and anxiety, especially when the workload is overwhelming.
• Less Family Time: Homework can reduce the quality family time parents can spend with their children. They may want to prioritize bonding and relaxation.
• Struggle with Complex Subjects : Parents may find it challenging to help their children with complex or unfamiliar subjects, leading to frustration for both.
• Lack of Playtime: Homework can limit a child’s playtime, which is vital for their physical and social development .
• Dislike for Learning: If homework becomes too burdensome or boring, it can lead to children developing a dislike for learning, which parents want to avoid.

On the Good Side

• Practice and Reinforcement: Homework provides an opportunity for children to practice and reinforce what they’ve learned in school.
• Preparation for Responsibility: Homework teaches kids responsibility and time management, valuable life skills.
• Parental Involvement: Homework allows parents to be involved in their children’s education, offering support and guidance.
• Monitoring Progress : It enables parents to monitor their child’s academic progress and identify areas where additional help may be needed.
• Preparation for the Real World: Students can get ready for the tasks and due dates they will face in the future by doing their homework.

From a teacher’s perspective, homework is a topic with its own set of pros and cons:

• Inequality in Resources: Teachers might be concerned that some students have better resources at home, such as access to the internet or parental assistance, creating inequality in completing homework.
• Overburdening Students: Teachers may worry about overburdening students with excessive homework, potentially causing stress, burnout, and negatively impacting their well-being.
• Lack of Proven Benefits: Some teachers may question the effectiveness of homework, as research does not always clearly demonstrate its academic advantages.
• Cheating and Plagiarism: Teachers have to be vigilant about cheating and plagiarism, as the pressure to complete homework may push students to unethical behaviors.
• Potential for Repetition: Teachers might be concerned that homework assignments could become repetitive and dull, leading to a decrease in students’ motivation to learn.
• Reinforcement of Learning: Homework provides students with opportunities to reinforce what they’ve learned in class, which is important for understanding and retaining the material.
• Preparation for Responsibility: Homework helps students develop responsibility, time management, and organizational skills, which are valuable for their future.
• Parental Involvement: Homework encourages parental involvement in a child’s education, allowing for a stronger partnership between teachers and parents.
• Assessment of Progress: Teachers can see how their students are doing and see where they might need more help by giving them homework.
• Preparation for the Real World: Students can become more responsible and disciplined by doing their homework. It helps them get used to the duties and limits they will face in real life.

Debate about homework continues, and there are ten good reasons why students should not have homework. First, it can make kids stressed and tired. It also takes away time from family and fun activities, which are important. Homework might not help students learn much. 

Moreover, it can even make some students cheat or copy from others. Many students and parents say we should have less or no homework. They believe that focusing on good teaching in class is better than too much homework. So, the idea of reducing homework or even getting rid of it is something many people support.

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Reasons Why Homework Is Bad For Students?

• Post author By admin
• October 12, 2022

Homework is a word that most students don’t want to hear. Because, after many hours of sitting in the same class, the last thing students get is more schoolwork over their precious weekends. Well, it is known to be a traditional schooling system. Lets now 

Some feel that Homework is a necessary part of education. On the other hand, some believe that the time should be invested in extra activities. Many studies have found that most students are getting too much extra Homework and assignments that lead to many problems like stress, sleeping problems, and other problems related to health. 

Typically in high schools, students take six classes a day, which means they receive 24.5 hours of homework weekly. But this is not the main problem. The problem with the school nowadays is that it promotes stress at a very high level by giving students extra work that most of the students don’t want to do. 

There are plenty of reasons why Homework is bad for students, but in this Blog, we will look at the top 18 most crucial reasons.

Without wasting any time, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

18 Reasons Why Homework Is Bad For Students

There are many reasons why Homework is bad, but in this Blog, we will cover the top 18 reasons why Homework is bad for students. 

• May lead to Stress Problems

No time for outside activities

Excessive homework cause depression, have no real impact on performance, homework control the student’s freedom.

• May break student’s confidence

No real benefit

The school became a full-time job, irrelevant content, lack of social skills , waste of time, no time for family, destroy sleep cycle.

• Excessive Homework encourages cheating 

Can lower your grades

Counterproductivity.

• No time for daily exercise

Consume free time

May lead to stress problems..

Extra assignments given by high schools and universities to students may lead to unhealthy stress levels. If bombarded with countless work at the school and at home, students may feel anxiety and stress. I know students need to learn in the class, but they also get some time to explore other things outside the academic world. 

This is obvious if you get work after work and fail to complete that work. You will automatically get stressed, and that gets worse over time. 

According to the survey, 56 percent of the students think that Homework is the primary cause of stress. At the same time, the remaining students think that giving tests and getting good marks causes stress. Only 1 percent of the students think that Homework does not cause notable stress.

One of the main reasons Homework is bad is that you get no time to go outside and play something that will automatically boost your productivity and instantly kill stress. Doing outside activities will not only boost your productivity but also make you healthy physically as well as mentally. 

Excessive Homework may cause Depression, which then affects students mentally and physically too. According to the studies, more than 39% of the students have experienced Depression daily. The main reason is that most students want more grades rather than doing Homework. When students are unable to attain their goals, then it is really hard to maintain their health, so as a result, they get depressed. All of these issues can have a negative impact on someone’s life. 

Extra time spent on Homework does not have a real impact on performance. As a result, it’s more like you’re wasting time by doing the same thing repeatedly, which does not produce any result.

Childhood is meant to be enjoyed, but extra Homework makes it impossible. Instead of spending time on something else, students spend most of their time on Homework. As a result, Homework became the reason to control students’ freedom. 

May break students’ confidence

If you’re doing the same thing repeatedly, you don’t get any result from this. Then the probability is high that you will lose your confidence. So, to boost your confidence, students should take some breaks and then get back to work.

A decrease in academic performance is directly connected to spending more time on Homework. Homework can help you get better marks, but it usually has a low return. As a result, there is no real benefit from the Homework. 

This is the seventh reason why Homework is bad for the students. 

In Chile, most school days start from 8 a.m and end at 4 p.m or later. Every day, students spend approximately 9 hours in school, like you’re doing a full-time job. 

If the Homework has nothing to do with the topic or the subject, it should be prohibited. It is unfair to provide Homework that a student did not cover in the class and expect a better report. 

Heavy homework activities may have a terrible effect on student life. Everyone needs some time for daily routine activity and quality time with their friends and family. But teachers assign heavy Homework during weekends. Then there is no choice but for the students to complete the task rather than be more social. 

Most studies found that Homework is a waste of time that keeps people from doing things they want to do. Such as attending important events or sports. As a result, even if a student wants to attend or participate in such events, in such circumstances, students don’t have enough time due to workload. 

This is the twelfth reason why Homework is bad and should be banned. In most parts of the world, students doest have time to spend with their family members. Well, the most difficult thing for today’s parents is that they don’t spend enough time with their children. Students start working on their homework as soon as they get back home. As a result, students barely have time to talk with their parents.

Even on the weekend, students work on their extra assignments and Homework. That being said, students miss weekends that they are supposed to spend with their family members. However, without work, students have more time for family. 

In most cases, students don’t want to get up early in the morning. When you sleep for a longer period and wake up late in the morning, you would feel more relaxed and chill. But due to excessive amounts of Homework, students barely get 7 hours of sleep. As a result, Homework is the biggest concern that destroys the sleep cycle. 

This is the thirteenth reason why Homework should be banned. 

Excessive Homework encourages cheating

When students have an excessive amount of work to complete in a short period, it is really difficult for them to complete their Homework. As a result, to complete Homework in time, they copy from other students. Cheating is illegal in any school. If the teacher finds out that both assignments have relevant material, they get punished. That is why Homework is bad. 

One of the main reasons Homework is bad is that many teachers cannot provide all the important information in the class, and parents can not help children. If you spend most of the time doing homework, you don’t get time to study. As a result, it can lower your grades. 

Rather than improving education, a heavy homework load may affect the students’ performance. Students have too much stress to complete Homework every other night, which can affect the student’s performance in school. A homework load may counter your productivity skills. 

No Time For Daily Workout

This is the seventeenth reason why Homework is bad. Well, exercise has many benefits, like if you work out daily then it can improve your mental health, and remove stress. On the other hand, some aerobic exercise can even help you with Depression. Students don’t have time for daily workouts due to an excessive homework load. 

Everybody needs some free time to chill or relax, but what if you don’t have time to do anything? How do you feel? Well, the obvious answer is you feel very bad. That’s what students feel when they don’t have time to play or to spend some time with family, just because of frequently given Homework and assignments by the teachers. 

Reasons Why Homework Is Bad & Should be Banned

Four main reasons why homework should be banned

• It creates family stress : Some parents argue with their children about getting Homework done or being frustrated with their inability to teach children about any topic.
• Students can do other important activities : Other activities include outdoor time, family bonding time, and other unscheduled play.
• Doesn’t increase academic achievement : According to many studies, Homework has weak links to get better academic achievements.
• Leads to more anxiety : It can cause more academic stress for students. 

Conclusion: Why Homework is Bad

In this blog, we have learned 18 reasons why Homework is bad. I hope you understand why Homework is bad for the student; not only do students in the same city face this problem, but it’s a worldwide cause. Students also have the freedom to do other activities and have some free time to chill and relax. 

This is the end of this Blog. I hope you like it. Also, Read: Best Homework Songs to Listen While Study

Q1. Is Homework Good or bad?

Ans. Too much of anything can harm you instead of helping you. So, if students get too much work, it can do more harm than good. Studies have shown that if a student gets less Homework, it’s good, but if it’s too much, it’s bad.

Q2. Why is too much Homework bad for mental health?

Ans. Studies conducted at Stanford University in 2013 have found that top-performing students are distracted and mostly spend more time on Homework than on improving academic skills. As a result, they experienced more stress, problems related to health, lack of social skills, and many more.

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Why Homework Is Bad For Students And What To Do

Is homework harmful or helpful? That is the question that education experts have been grappling with for years. Initially, some homework was thought to provide students with time to do more practice. After years of study and assessing the impact of homework, experts, and respected education organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA) are now in agreement about one thing: Homework is bad! Here is a closer look at why students should not be given homework.

Table of Contents

Why homework is bad statistics, reasons homework is bad, why kids should not have homework, homework is bad…. ample free time makes learning fun.

Is homework good or bad? While school is very important in helping students gain important skills in life, it must be carefully balanced to ensure they also get time to develop socially. Multiple studies have found that many students get too many homework assignments resulting in stress and other health problems. Here are some statistics about why homework is bad for students.

There are many studies and statistics available on why is homework bad, here are some below:

In one of the studies done by Stanford Graduate School, 56% of students consider homework their main source of stress. Only 1% of students, according to the study, consider homework not being a stressor.

The National Education Association (NEA) and the National PTA (NPTA) recommend only 10 minutes of homework for kids. Anything beyond there is considered harmful.

In another study published in the Journal of Experimental Education, researchers concluded that anything beyond two hours of homework every night for college students is detrimental.

In his book, The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing, Alfie Kohn indicates there are no facts about homework and how helpful it is. He established that most schools give students too much homework because their schools have decided it is necessary, not because doing so meets specific needs.

Many psychologists have even come to a conclusion that the negative effects of homework call for the need to ban homework for good. You may take a look at their arguments here and decide, whether you are ready to support this idea.

The growing list of homework statistics and facts about homework being bad has made experts in education start looking deeper into the problem. What are the negative effects of homework, especially when you give too much?

• Causes a Lot Of Stress to Students Giving students too many assignments result in high levels of stress. When a student is bombarded with many lessons in school and expected to continue at home with more homework, he/she is likely to feel stressed if unable to complete the assignments. This could get worse and become a major source of anxiety.
• Homework can Be a Burden Most studies exploring homework and stress have found that most students consider homework a major burden. With all the homework assignments, students are left with no time to do other tasks. Even when they get some moment, they are tired and would rather relax.
• Homework is Counterproductive Instead of improving students’ achievements, a lot of homework can negatively affect educational achievements. One of the negative effects of stress on students is that it pulls down the performance academically and socially. This means that when a teacher gives a lot of homework to a student, it works against the main goal of molding the student’s skills. Well, why give homework when it will, in reality, pull down the students’ performance?
• A Major Cause of Poor Health Does homework cause stress? As researchers sought to answer this question, it emerged that homework indeed causes more damage. As students struggle to complete multiple homework assignments, they take many hours at night, get stressed, and do not have enough sleep. Other health-related conditions included headaches, exhaustion, stomach problems, and weight loss.

For institutions dealing with kids, the effects of too much homework are even more severe compared to high school learners. Indeed, trainers should look for creative ways to engage learners and ensure they can easily identify with what they learn and find every subject fun. Here are the main reasons why kids should not have any homework:

• Your Kid Should Read for Pleasure If your kid is busy doing homework, he/she will not have time to intensify the horizon of knowledge. Instead of giving a lot of homework to the kid, teachers should allow the child to read good books for pleasure, practice poetry, paint images of familiar objects, and follow their own talent.
• Kids are Always Learning If you thought that a kid could only learn through doing homework, you are wrong. In the 21st Century, kids are learning progressively. Using the smartphone, computer at home, and reading platforms such as kindle, kids are always learning. For example, if you want the kid to practice using specific words; why not let him/her look for such words on the smartphone and write sentences about them? Why not get help from a homework writer ? Well, it is time to get smart and let kids be kids.
• Your Kid Needs Ample Time Outdoors While the time that a kid takes learning is crucial, so are the outdoor activities. Education experts have demonstrated that giving kids more time outdoors is helpful because it allows them to experiment with what they have learned in class.

Take the example of a topic in science, such as parts of a plant. Giving the kid a lot of assignments will yield a lot of homework stress. Instead, the teacher should consider asking kids to identify plants in their compound and on their smartphones. And you know what? The kid will find the topic fun and will even tell the guardian when being driven to school: “That tree looks like the one I read about yesterday.”

From the above discussion, there is no doubt that there are many reasons why homework is bad. Homework statistics and facts have demonstrated many reasons why homework is bad. It causes stress and could result in serious health problems.

The better way to help your kids is getting smart. Teachers should make subjects more interesting and associate them with the students’ environment. This will make students learn continuously in class and even when playing outdoors.

If you are a college or high school student and have homework problems and are looking for a good homework solution , do not let stress become part of your life. Consider using affordable help for your homework. The experts will help you complete the assignments fast and professionally!

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• Why Too Much Homework can be Harmful for Children?

How Much Homework Is Too Much and How Lots of Assignments Affect Students' Health?

• How Much Homework Is Too Much and How Lots of Assignments Affect Students' Health?

Why Students Need Homework?

• How Much Homework is Too Much? Negative Affect of Too Much Homework

How Parents May Help Children Who Have Too Much Homework?

Figure out the problem.

• Check if Your Child is Focused on Homework

Check the Homework Corner of Your Child and Create Homework Routine

Visit a teacher if needed, how to find a balance between school and home.

Modern children are under pressure. High standards, fast-changing life, complicated relationships with schoolmates and parents make them feel anxious and depressed. If a child wants to succeed at school, he must show excellent results, complete challenging projects, lead active social life and learn a body of information. Homework is one of the most difficult assignments students have to complete at the elementary school or college. What if it is too complicated to them? How much homework is too much for kids? In this article from HW Helper , we’ll find out how too much homework may affect health and productivity, and how parents may help their kids with this task.

Homework is an essential part of education. It provides plenty of benefits and may improve students’ grades and knowledge. Why is homework important ? Here are the obvious facts that prove homework is beneficial to kids.

• When students do their assignment in the evening, it helps to reinforce knowledge.
• It helps to train crucial skills like time management and problem-solving.
• Parents can see children’s results and help them to level up their knowledge.
• It is a good practice that is the only way to train automatic skills and remember the information.

Students have to train their skills at home, read books, and complete various tasks. Parents can be involved in this process. It helps to strengthen family relations and improve the learning process. The key to succeeding with homework is a balance. Enormous assignments can be harmful to students and make education less effective. That's why you may need homework help from professional academic assistants. 

How Much Homework is Too Much? Negative Affect of Too Much Homework    

Every teacher is responsible to the amount of tasks he gives students to finish at home. It is important because young children don’t have to work on too much homework  at night. Such activities must be engaging and useful. Teachers have to think about the effectiveness of the assignments. How does too much homework affect students? If you think about the answer to this question, let us give you a few negative effects of excessive homework at schools.

• Decrease learning activity. Getting too much homework leads to a wrong attitude to education and lower overall grade of a student. If he spends hours to complete homework, he won’t have a mind to learn additional materials. It seems unrelated, but extra homework load reduces the ability to memorize other topics essential to a future career or personal life.
• Worsen social communication. Children who have too much homework don’t have time to interact with schoolmates and friends. It is hard to communicate with other people and learn how to solve some issues that may occur if you don’t have enough experience.
• Increase stress and ruin work-life balance . Spending spare time with complex tasks leads to an increased level of stress and other psychological issues. Students sleep less and have lower cognitive abilities at class.
• Reduce productivity. If teachers give too much homework, children become overloaded. They don’t have the opportunity to develop their skills, solve issues, create interesting projects and more.

How much homework is too much in high school? This question doesn’t have a single answer. Every teacher has to choose his own strategy and try to make homework challenging and at the same time exciting and stimulating students to learn and become smarter.

Parents are responsible for their children’s health and well-being. If you see that your child is overwhelmed with assignments and spends all the time with homework, try to understand the reasons and find the solution. Maybe your child simply lacks homework motivation or is there indeed a lot of homework assignments. 

To recognize the problem, you have to know how much homework is too much for a kid. There is a general 10-minute rule recommended by the National PTA . According to this rule, a first grader doesn’t have to spend more than 10 minutes on homework; a second grader doesn’t have to spend more than 20 minutes. Remember that the rule is general in schools, and every teacher may have specific requirements.

Check if Your Child is Focused on Homework  

Sometimes, you may hear from your kid “I have too much homework.” Before you visit his teacher and blame him for some troubles, make sure that your child is focused enough on the particular task. It is a standard situation if children go to their room to complete homework but spend time by texting friends, watching videos or exploring Instagram. How to stay focused on homework ? Limit the distractions of your kid and explain to him that attention concentrating is the key to success and may help to complete the work faster.

If you want to increase the productivity of your children, you have to ensure that they have a convenient studying place. There are some specific requirements to this working space according to the student’s age and demands. First of all, it should be comfortable and spacious. Try to figure out specific homework routine. It helps to develop organization and time management skills and complete the task on time.

In some cases, it can be reasonable to say the teacher that your child has some troubles with homework. You may notice that your kid doesn’t have enough skills to complete the assignment or finish the task that takes 10 minutes in 40 minutes. Some issues with studying need your attention. Your child may need an additional class with the teacher, or he needs your help to train the memory and develop crucial skills. Say about your anxiety to the teacher and support your kid if he needs help with the learning process.

The question of whether students should have homework is not new. With more and more kids and their parents stating that they have almost no time to live because of homework children get at school, educators start wondering whether giving them homework is really such a good idea.Homework assigned at...

Students of all the ages face the problem of getting down to studying and wonder how to get yourself motivated to do homework. It is not surprising; there are many temptations surrounding them: good weather outside, social networks, video games, movies, serials, etc. This list can be just endless.No...

Nowadays children are born and get to the university at once. Parents are obsessed with children’s success and try to create a genius long before getting to a kindergarten. One of these attempts concerns homework. A question ‘How to do homework?’ touches both children and parents. Here you can read ...

Best Ever Guide on 10 Reasons Why Homework is Bad for Students

Unveil the top 10 reasons why homework is bad for students. Investigate the adverse effects of excessive homework on both learning and well-being.

Homework presents a significant hurdle for numerous students. Following an extensive day of classes, the additional worksheets and tasks can become burdensome. However, does homework truly serve its purpose?

Despite its potential to solidify classroom teachings, studies reveal profound drawbacks associated with an excessive homework load. Let’s delve into 10 reasons why homework may be causing more harm than good.

Table of Contents

Definition of Homework

Homework, or schoolwork done outside class, encompasses various assignments given by teachers to be finished at home. These tasks differ based on the subject and the student’s age but typically include:

• Reading assignments
• Writing exercises (essays, reports, etc.)
• Math problems
• Project work
• Reviewing material before a test

Brief History of Homework

The history of homework unveils a multifaceted narrative, stretching beyond a single inventor. Here’s a glimpse into its evolution:

Ancient Origins

Early forms of homework can be traced back to civilizations such as:

Ancient Egypt: Where students engaged in hieroglyphic writing exercises.

Ancient Greece : Notable thinkers like Plato and Aristotle advocated for written tasks to foster intellectual growth.

The Nevilis Myth : Though often attributed as the “father” of homework, Roberto Nevilis, a 16th-century Venetian educator, lacks substantial historical evidence supporting this claim.

Early American Disdain

In the early days of America, with limited access to formal education and an emphasis on household chores and agricultural work, homework was not widely embraced.

Modern Homework Emerges (Late 19th Century)

Horace Mann , an American educational reformer, drew inspiration from Prussian educational methods, which included homework. He championed its integration into the American educational system, where it gradually became a standard practice.

Ongoing Debate

The efficacy and purpose of homework persist as contentious subjects. Research indicates it may not yield significant benefits for younger students. Discussions persist on determining the optimal balance and leveraging homework strategically to enrich learning.

10 Reasons Why Homework is Bad PDF

Purpose of homework in modern education.

Homework in today’s schools has its pros and cons. Here’s why teachers give it:

Just remember, while homework has its perks, it should be manageable and not too overwhelming.

Controversy Surrounding Homework

Homework: a big debate in education circles. Let’s break it down:

Against Homework

For Homework

Balance is key

Homework should be fun, helpful, and just the right amount.

10 Reasons Why Homework is Bad

Check out 10 reasons why homework is bad:-

1. Stress and Anxiety

Overwhelming Workload : Students get stressed when they have too much homework from different subjects, and it makes them anxious.

Example : A high schooler might feel overwhelmed with an English essay, math problems, and a science test all due at once.

Time Pressure : Homework deadlines add pressure to finish quickly, making stress and anxiety worse.

Example : A student may worry about finishing a long assignment before the due date while dealing with other responsibilities.

2. Lack of Time for Other Activities

Extracurricular Activities : Homework can eat up time needed for sports, clubs, or hobbies.

Example : A student who loves playing piano may have to sacrifice practice time for homework.

Family Time : Lots of homework means less time with family, which can hurt relationships.

Example : Missing out on family dinners or outings because of homework.

3. Negative Impact on Health

Physical Health Issues : Too much sitting and staring at screens for homework can cause headaches, eye strain, and back pain.

Example : A student may get frequent headaches from staring at a computer screen for hours.

Mental Health Concerns : Stress from homework can lead to depression, anxiety, and feeling burned out.

Example : Feeling overwhelmed by assignments can make a student feel hopeless and emotionally drained.

4. Diminished Family Time

Lack of Bonding : Homework takes away time for families to talk and connect.

Example : Missing out on conversations with parents or siblings because of homework.

Disrupted Family Dynamics : Homework can cause arguments and tension at home.

Example : Arguments might happen when homework interferes with family plans or expectations.

5. Limited Opportunities for Exploration

Pursuing Interests : Too much homework leaves little time for hobbies and passions.

Example : A student who loves photography struggles to find time for it because of homework.

Personal Growth : Exploring interests outside school helps personal development, but too much homework gets in the way.

Example : Missing out on experiences that help a student learn about themselves because of homework.

6. Inequity

Access to Resources : Not all students have the same access to things like books or the internet for homework.

Example : A student without internet at home struggles with online research for a project.

Academic Support : Some students don’t have extra help outside of school, making homework harder.

Example : A student without a tutor or extra resources finds it tough to understand homework.

7. Reinforcement of Inequality

Widening Achievement Gap : Homework can make the gap between high and low achievers bigger.

Example : A student with more resources consistently gets better homework grades than one without.

Socioeconomic Factors : Differences in money and resources can make homework harder for some students.

Example : A student from a poor neighborhood struggles to finish homework without quiet space or materials.

8. Reduced Engagement and Interest

Boring Tasks : Homework that’s repetitive or dull makes students lose interest.

Example : Endless worksheets or memorization tasks can make students not want to learn.

Lack of Relevance : Homework that doesn’t feel useful or connected to real life doesn’t engage students.

Example : Students wonder why they have to do certain homework tasks that don’t seem to matter outside of class.

9. No Guarantee of Mastery

Superficial Understanding : Doing homework doesn’t always mean a student understands the material.

Example : A student might copy answers without really knowing what they mean.

Missed Learning Opportunities : Rushing through homework means missing chances to learn deeply.

Example : Skimming readings to finish a worksheet on time means missing out on understanding.

10. Negative Impact on Relationships

Strained Student-Teacher Relationships : Too much homework can make students and teachers frustrated with each other.

Example : A student might get upset with a teacher who gives too much homework.

Peer Competition and Comparison : Homework can make students feel like they have to compete with each other.

Example : Students might feel like they’re not good enough if their classmates always do better on homework.

Alternatives to Traditional Homework

Homework. Just hearing the word can trigger sighs and eye rolls from students everywhere. But what if there were ways to encourage learning outside the classroom that were actually exciting, effective, and didn’t involve endless worksheets?

Here are some fresh alternatives to traditional homework that can ignite curiosity and reinforce understanding:

Dive into Projects

Let students explore topics through hands-on projects! They can create presentations, models, experiments, or even artistic pieces. This approach promotes research, critical thinking , and teamwork – all crucial skills.

Real-Life Connections

Link classroom lessons to real-world scenarios! Assign tasks where students apply what they’ve learned to solve everyday problems. This boosts engagement and shows the practical side of their education.

Choice Boards

Give students the power to choose! Offer a range of activities related to the week’s lessons, letting students pick tasks that grab their attention. This caters to different learning styles and keeps motivation high.

Digital Learning Games

Infuse learning with fun through educational games and activities! Apps, websites, and certain video games can offer interactive practice and reinforce concepts in a fresh way.

Reading Pleasure

Cultivate a love for reading! Instead of specific texts, let students select books that captivate them. This nurtures a lifelong passion for learning and enhances reading skills.

Unleash Creativity

Encourage artistic expression! Assign tasks like writing stories, poems, or songs linked to the curriculum to deepen understanding and tap into students’ creative sides.

Reflective Learning Logs

Foster self-awareness and assessment! Have students maintain learning logs where they jot down their understanding, challenges, and “aha” moments. This helps them track progress and pinpoint areas needing more attention.

Peer Collaboration

Harness teamwork’s power! Assign projects or activities that promote collaboration, discussion, and mutual learning among students. This cultivates communication and teamwork skills.

Community Connections

Tie learning to the community! Tasks involving volunteering, interviewing local figures, or exploring local history create a deeper link to the world around them.

Bridge school and home life! Assign activities for families to do together, reinforcing concepts in a enjoyable, family-centered way. This encourages communication and strengthens the learning bond.

Remember, the key is to make alternatives engaging, relevant, and aligned with learning objectives. By swapping out memorization for active learning , these alternatives can transform homework into a springboard for exploration and deeper comprehension.

Expert Opinions

The homework debate has two sides. Here’s what some experts say:

Arguments Against Lots of Homework

Alfie Kohn: Homework stresses kids out and makes them like learning less. He says kids should play more.

Jessica Lahey: Homework can make educational differences bigger. She thinks we should focus on mastering things, not just doing lots of work.

Arguments for Good Homework

Paul Cooper: Homework should be short, focused, and help kids practice what they’ve learned.

Harris Cooper: Homework can help older kids, especially in subjects like math. But it should be balanced, not too much.

Finding the Right Mix

National PTA: Homework can be hard, but it’s important for parents, teachers, and students to talk about how much is enough.

The Need for Research

Experts say we should keep studying homework to see what works best for different kids.

Even though we might not settle the homework debate, listening to different ideas and staying up-to-date can help us make homework better for everyone.

What are 10 disadvantages of homework?

Check out the 10 disadvantages of homework:-

Tiredness: After a long day, students might be too tired for good homework.

Why is no homework good?

Check why no homework is good:-

But it’s important to balance it. Here’s how:

By finding this balance, homework can be a helpful tool without being overwhelming.

While homework serves as a reinforcement tool, research and these 10 reasons highlight its concerning downsides. Excessive homework can induce stress, reduce leisure time, and inhibit creativity. Moreover, it can worsen educational disparities and offer minimal benefits to younger students.

The solution isn’t to abolish homework entirely, but to use it strategically. Engaging activities that complement classroom learning and address individual needs can enhance the educational experience.

Let’s nurture a passion for learning, not a burden of assignments. By striking a balance and emphasizing quality, homework can support student development without compromising their well-being or love for exploration.

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-political-leaders-have-said-about-the-trump-rally-shooting

What political leaders have said about the Trump rally shooting

President Joe Biden said in remarks Saturday night that “everybody must condemn” the attack at the Trump rally . “There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” Biden said. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”

The president said he is relieved that Trump is reportedly “doing well” and he hopes to speak with his 2024 presidential rival soon.

WATCH: Biden condemns shooting at Trump rally, ‘no place for this kind of violence’

Biden said he was waiting for additional information before formally calling the attack an attempted assassination. “I have an opinion, but i don’t have any facts,” he told reporters, pledging to provide updates as he learns more.

The president also pledged to update the public later on whether they speak as well as additional details about the investigation.

Here’s how other leaders have responded

Vice President Kamala Harris: “Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. … We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office: “We are shocked by the scenes at President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. We condemn all forms of political violence in the strongest terms and we send our best wishes to President Trump and his family at this time.”

Nikki Haley, Republican former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador: “This should horrify every freedom loving American,” and “Violence against presidential candidates must never be normalized.”

Democratic Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren: “Political violence is wrong and I condemn it. I hope everyone who attended the rally is ok and I am glad the former president is safe.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican: “Thank God President Trump seems to be okay. Just another reminder of the times in which we live. We need to pray fervently for anyone who may have been injured at the rally.”

Former President Bill Clinton: “Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”

Former Democratic Vice President Al Gore: The country “must join together to wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemn political violence,” and “the former president and those affected today are in my prayers.”

Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson of Milwaukee, which is hosting the upcoming Republican National Convention: “No one should be shot — not like this. Not kids, not churchgoers, and not a candidate for President of the United States,” Johnson, a Democrat, said. “We must demand peace, whether it is in the political sphere or in homes and neighborhoods everywhere.”

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