Rethinking Homework: Is It Time to Stop Assigning Tasks?

In a dimly lit classroom, a teacher sits amidst towering stacks of ungraded homework, marking it up late into the night. Her eyes start to glaze over as she checks her watch and sees that it’s long past dinnertime. 

Meanwhile, at home, students juggle mathematics assignments between extracurricular activities, family time, and chores. 

Sound familiar? It’s a scene that’s all too common – to the point where it’s almost become a stereotype – but maybe we can bring those scenes to an end.

Let’s face it – homework has been a staple of education for decades. But have you ever stopped to think if it’s really beneficial? 

With our classrooms constantly evolving, the debate over the value of homework has intensified. Let’s explore whether it’s time to stop assigning tasks for students, and what some viable alternatives might look like.

The Tradition of Homework

Homework has long been seen as a necessary part of the learning process. The basic idea is that it reinforces what has been taught in class, giving students the opportunity to practice and master new skills. 

But as education systems evolve and new teaching methods emerge, the question arises – does homework still hold as much value as we think? 

Let’s take a closer look at what the research says.

Correlation with Academic Success

A meta-analysis of 32 studies published in the Review of Educational Research found a positive correlation between homework and academic achievement. 

However, it’s important to note that correlation doesn’t imply causation. The analysis indicated that while students who did homework tended to perform better, it didn’t conclusively prove that homework was the cause of their success.

Homework and Physical and Emotional Stress

Studies by Duke professor Harris Cooper, who supports the “10-minute rule” (10 minutes of homework per day per grade level), also highlighted some unintended consequences. His research found that excessive homework could cause physical and emotional stress, leading to negative attitudes toward learning. 

This raises an important point – homework should be balanced and not overwhelming.

The Quality of Homework Matters

Research from Indiana University suggests that the type and quality of homework assignments significantly impact their effectiveness. 

For instance, adaptive online math homework tailored to each student’s level can be beneficial. In contrast, more than an hour and a half of homework often leads to diminishing returns, particularly in middle school students.

The Problems with Homework

The problem with homework is that it’s often not delivered correctly. When that’s the case, the following issues can arise:

Creates More Battles for Parents

Homework can add academic pressure and societal stress to families already experiencing various pressures. Many parents find themselves in battles with their children over homework, which can create a divide between those from more and less privileged backgrounds.

Often Doesn’t Teach Skills

Homework sometimes focuses too much on rote memorization rather than teaching critical thinking skills. This can be counterproductive in developing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Over-Reliance on Technology

A 2021 Pew survey found that 25% of lower-income parents reported their children couldn’t complete schoolwork due to lack of computer access at home. This reliance on technology highlights income disparities and can disadvantage students without adequate resources.

Used as Punishment or to Teach New Content

Some teachers use homework as a form of punishment or assign it to introduce new material. Both practices can be counterproductive, leading to increased stress and anxiety among students.

Benefits of Homework

It’s not all bad news – homework can improve students’ standardized test results, according to several studies. This suggests that homework may help students become more familiar with the types of questions they might face on these exams.

Another study found that high school boys who completed their assigned amount of homework were more likely to attend college. This indicates that homework might play a role in developing good study habits and a sense of responsibility.

Homework, when done correctly, also helps reinforce what students learn in the classroom. Since students typically retain only 50% or less of what they hear, read, or see in class, additional engagement with course content through homework can enhance retention.

Being responsible for completing at-home assignments requires some initiative. It helps students practice their time management and organization skills – critical for executive function – and also helps them learn how to follow directions and solve problems on their own. These are valuable life skills that serve them well beyond their academic years.

Last but not least, homework allows parents to be involved with their children’s learning. This involvement can provide insight into what their kids are working on and help strengthen the parent-child bond.

Not Ready to Abandon Homework? Tips for Effective Assignments

As you can see from the research cited above, there are still some compelling reasons to continue giving homework – but you shouldn’t just be randomly assigning tasks. Here are a few ways to use homework to your advantage with your class.

Make Sure It Serves a Purpose

Homework should be meaningful and mindful. It should reinforce classroom learning, help students practice new skills, or prepare them for upcoming lessons. Assignments must be purposeful and tailored to individual student needs.

Consider Assigning Reading Instead

Reading assignments can be a more effective alternative to traditional homework. They encourage students to engage with material at their own pace and develop a lifelong love for reading. 

For example, assigning a chapter from a novel and asking for a short reflection can stimulate both comprehension and critical thinking.

Follow the 10-Minute Rule, But Be Mindful

The “10-minute rule” is a useful guideline, but teachers should ensure that homework remains meaningful and mindful. 

The National Education Association recommends 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night, yet studies show students are often assigned much more than this. For younger students, consider shorter, more frequent assignments that build on daily lessons.

Avoid Assigning Homework That Can Be Completed in Class

If an assignment can be completed during class time, there’s no need to assign it as homework. This approach helps maintain a balance between schoolwork and personal time. For instance, collaborative group projects could be done during class to foster teamwork and reduce after-school workload.

Get Creative with Assignments

Incorporate interesting and creative assignments to increase student engagement. Quality matters more than quantity; making homework fun and relevant can make a significant difference. 

For example, a science teacher might ask students to create a short video demonstrating a scientific principle, merging creativity with academic content.

Key Takeaways

The debate over homework is ongoing, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While homework has its benefits, it’s essential to consider its potential drawbacks and strive for a balanced approach. 

By assigning meaningful, purposeful homework and skipping it when it doesn’t serve a purpose, you can help your students succeed  – without overwhelming them.