Homework is a staple in virtually every education system across the world. Students have to complete their assigned homework within the stipulated timelines after school. The debate usually surrounds the significance and impact of homework on kids, especially in shaping their health and mental awareness. So is home good or bad for kids?

The Homework Gist

Most teachers test the level of student understanding beyond the classroom by assigning them homework. The level of intensity and type of the assignment often varies from teacher to teacher, the curricula type, the study discipline, and level of study.

Most students, therefore, have to learn for eight hours in school, come home tired, have dinner then dive right back into schoolwork. So is it worth it?

Expert Opinions Against Homework for Kids

• Khon Alfie, who authored “Homework Myth,” argues that there is a lack of evidence on how homework helps students in middle and elementary school. He believes that education systems should embrace a total lack of homework for kids and terms homework as education malpractice.
• Dr. Vatterott Cathy, a professor of education and author of the book “Rethinking Homework,” believes schools and teachers confuse assignments with rigor. They would rather continue and maintain the status quo in fear of repercussions. He further argues that the tiny pieces of research findings on homework are unambiguous and can’t benefit elementary students.

Expert Opinion in Support of Homework for Kids

Most experts and parents agree that homework, when properly applied, can help a student. Especially if the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity and the child’s age is also considered.

• Dr. Montalto Daniela, a clinical director and a pediatrician, argues that for young kids, homework isn’t important though it can help in building specific skills. Daniela explains that at least twenty minutes every day for reading and handwriting practice, etc., for kids aged between 4-10 years is essential. Such can work better than conventional homework.
• Cooper Harris from Duke University found evidence suggesting students who undertook homework had better success academically in schools. The study also found a stronger correlation between performance and homework with students of 7^th – 12^th grades compared to kindergarten to the 6^th grade. He, however, notes that early practice assignments enhance the school’s test scores for all the age groups. It also forms strong study routines, thereby setting the students for lasting success.
• Dr. Hafeez Sanam, a psychologist, argues that homework as a whole is a great thing. The brain’s capacity to learn in eight hours has a certain threshold. Therefore, when in a relaxed home environment, a student can reprocess and reshuffle the information consumed earlier to a better and solid understanding with the help of parents when necessary.

Homework is only as good if properly administered. When a kid has a lot of homework that keeps them late in the night and stresses them, then it is best to reconsider the homework administration process as this can negatively affect the development and performance of your child. Check available guidelines such as a 10-20-minute homework period for first graders and subsequent homework timelines for higher grades at NEA.

When children feel anxious or spend the whole evening doing assignments, parents have to talk with their teachers to find out challenges and how to address them.

Conclusion

Homework has benefits and constraints based on the type of administration imposed. If applied well, homework can help your child, and the contrary is also true if not correctly administered.