Homework: Worth the Hassle?
Mercedes Hoyos
Homework: Dashing Hopes or Giving Rise to Them?
The Purpose of Homework
In a short survey, which was administered to Coppell High School teachers, the reasons for which homework is assigned were determined to be:
- Reinforcement of what has been learned in class
- Preparation of students for a new investigation, text (novel), and so on
- Integration of skills (e.g. reading, writing, and subject comprehension)
- Development of work habits, such as self-discipline & time management
- Improvement of thinking & memory
- Encouragement of positive study skills & habits that will serve throughout one’s life
- Giving rise to individualism
- Immersion into subjects not otherwise specified in class
- Being informative to parents (realize what is being taught)
Overall, it may allow students to not only advanced themselves in class, but in their general knowledge and recognition of their own passions.
Its Criticisms & Negative Repercussions
Greater Stress
Detriments to Physical & Mental Health
Infiltration Upon Personal Endeavors
Personal Accounts & Research Studies
Amy Joyce, an avid writer for The Washington Post, interviewed John Seelke — a father, as well as a professor for the University of Maryland’s College of Education. To him, there is a great overemphasis on take-home assignments, as evidenced by his two daughters’ late night wraths and fatigue. However, he does not agree with a ban; he believes that a mere reduction of it, as well as new coping strategies, would suffice. For example, younger students would need to learn to prioritize school over play, and those who are older must become more heavily reliant on effective study strategies (e.g. “spacing-out”). They would receive no more than 30 minutes and 2 hours, respectively.
This has also been encouraged by Harris M. Cooper of Duke University, a professor in the department of psychology and neuroscience. In consonance with his research, those who are privileged tend to believe that "homework is irksome," and should, therefore, be prohibited (Cooper). The parents of these individuals have the resources and capacity to substitute all academics after school hours. For immigrants, the impoverished, or those who work long hours, however, it has proven to be a great supplement. A reduction would be a great intermediary between these two contrasting ideas (or desires).
Solutions (10 Minutes Rule)
An alternative would be the individualization of assignments, that tap into students’ existing skills or interests (they will be more motivational).
The Coppell School Board: Taking Action
Works Cited
"Homework." Gale Student Resources in Context, Gale, 2016. Research in Context, Accessed 15 May 2017.
Joyce, Amy. "Too much homework? Some parents are just opting out." Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2016. Science in Context, Accessed 15 May 2017.
"Homework: A New User's Guide." Weekend Edition Saturday, 19 Sept. 2015. Student Resources in Context, Accessed 15 May 2017.
"Scottish Primary School Stops Setting Homework." BBC News. BBC, 07 Nov. 2016. Web. 15 May 2017.
"Coppell High School Hosting Homecoming Parade on Monday." Coppell BubbleLife The Online Home for Coppell. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2017.
ISD, Coppell. "Coppell ISD (@Coppellisd)." Twitter. Twitter, 15 May 2017. Web. 15 May 2017.