Article 2 : HOMEWORK by Ilka Bradshaw

How much homework should children do? Is homework a required part of good learning and an essential part of schooling, or should it be scrapped altogether? Of all the topics for discussion amongst teachers and parents, the issue of homework is the one most likely to start a heated argument.

Many experienced teachers and parents view homework with a high degree of suspicion. They argue that children go to school to study and that they do not need to bring work home after a full day’s learning. The American academician, Alfie Kohn, shares this view. In his book, The Homework Myth, Kohn uses comparative international studies to make the case for teachers setting no homework at all. Kohn’s research suggests that children perform better at school when they use their free time outside school to relax and play. Kohn suggests that children who play together at home develop closer family bonds and more attentive social skills. The evidence suggests that children who do no homework also retain a better work/life balance later on in the workplace.

Many teachers in Britain share Kohn’s view. At a recent teacher’s conference in the UK, a large number of teachers denounced the steadily rising tide of homework that the national curriculum seems to expect. The amount of homework is rising especially fast for children in the early years of primary school. As one head teacher at the conference put it: “Homework is a waste of children’s time and many parents think it is a waste of time as well”. While many teachers question the value of homework, almost all agree that children benefit enormously when parents read to them. This simple activity creates a close family connection and seems to really boost the learning ability in a child. By contrast, homework often falls as a hated chore that creates more pressure and stress in homes that are already busy and chaotic.

One increasingly popular solution to the problem of homework is the after-school homework club. This allows children to get their homework done but without any family conflicts or frictions. Most teachers agree that homework should only ever be about recapping work that the children already know from classes during school hours. However, because a teacher is present at the after-school clubs, they are on hand to help if pupils are struggling. Another benefit of after-school clubs for homework is that they provide a “level playing field”. At home, some children are advantaged by having highly educated parents ready to help and complete the homework for them!

COMMENT : Homework is a necessary for children! It can help children for more understanding about the particular topics. In fact, it can contribute for children to manage their time wisely. Besides, the children can be more appreciate their time since they can avoid from doing any wasting thing like loafing, chatting and many more.