The Debate on Excessive Homework: Balancing the Load

The question of whether public schools assign excessive homework has sparked a heated debate among educators, parents, and students alike. While some might advocate for reducing the amount of homework to ensure a better work-life balance, others argue that homework is crucial for reinforcing classroom learning. This article explores this debate, discussing the reasons behind the prevalence of excessive homework and examining effective strategies to manage it.

Understanding Homework and Its Impact

If a parent suspects that homework is excessive, the first step is to discuss it with the teacher. Substituting for regular teachers, I've noticed a pattern where many students prefer to do homework outside of school hours rather than utilizing class time efficiently. This is because, particularly for teenagers, the allure of other activities often outweighs the perceived value of homework.

Homework in Elementary vs. Secondary Education

Homework in elementary school (K-6) should be relatively light, focusing on tasks like termly book reports, weekly spelling, and a few special projects for subjects such as science, history, and geography. However, as students progress to middle school and high school, the nature of homework changes. It starts to become more regular and extensive, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.

There are multiple factors contributing to the increase in homework:

The distribution of a teacher's resources and time is becoming more stretched. The inclusion of students with special needs, including English as a Foreign/Second Language (EFL/ESL) students, as well as the presence of teaching assistants, means that classroom time is split between a broader range of needs. This adds to the workload and necessitates effective time management to cover the entire curriculum for non-special needs students. The addition of social matters, such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Gender, Race, and Sex Education, and computer science, coding, and business-related courses, has led to a reduction in traditional subjects like Civics, Art, Music, Drama, Cookery, Textiles, Design Technology, Metal and Woodworking, Automotive Classes, and Printing. This reduction in time pressures the structured subjects like History, Geography, and others, compelling schools to rely more on homework for reinforcement. The rise of the do-it-yourself (DIY) age means that more tasks that were once handled by professionals are now being done at home. This includes managing finances, booking travel, and handling insurance, among others. Consequently, more school work is being done at home, further increasing the amount of homework required.

Strategies for Managing Homework

At our district, we encourage keeping homework to a minimum, particularly considering that students often have seven classes and multiple activities every night of the week. As a Middle School Math teacher, I emphasize the importance of practice in learning. Without the consistent application of newly learned skills, students may struggle to comprehend and retain the material.

The Importance of Practice

Practice is crucial for honing skills over time. Whether it's woodwork, financial management, sports, dance, band, or even math, consistent practice is essential for mastering the subject. For example, I often share real-life experiences to illustrate the time and effort required to excel in any field. Watching videos or reading about someone else's success is not enough; it requires substantial practice to acquire and refine the necessary skills.

The Case of Professional Athletes

Take, for instance, the example of Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. No matter how many videos one watches of him throwing the ball and making split-second decisions, it is impossible to replicate his ability. This ability comes from years of dedicated practice, blending natural talent with consistent effort.

Math as a Living Example

In mathematics, we cover something new every day. To truly master the subject, students need to practice consistently. The more they practice, the better they understand the process and fine-tune their skills. Quantity of practice is a key factor in achieving proficiency.

How much practice is needed? This depends on the individual's goal. Some may aspire to become exceptional, while others might aim to reach a basic level. Regardless, the commitment to regular practice is essential for any subject.

By understanding the importance of practice and homework, parents and teachers can work together to find a balance that supports students' learning while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.