Understanding the Burden of Homework: Insights from a Former Student and Educator

The question of how much homework should you do? varies widely depending on individual circumstances. A retired educator and a current tutor in grades 7-12 shares her unique perspective on the evolving nature of homework and studying expectations through different academic stages.

The Transition from Work to Retirement

The author, while no longer in the workforce, reflects on the stark contrast between her pre-retirement life and her current situation. She muses, 'It’s worse. I’m retired. Saturday used to be project and chore days when I was working. Now … every day is Saturday!' This candid observation highlights the relaxation of the daily routine that once defined her work life, pointing to a new found freedom that can be both liberating and overwhelming.

The Efficiency of Academic Homework

While students often complain about the amount of homework they receive, the author emphasizes the importance of efficiency and time management. She shares, 'I found it took me about an hour to wind down so I could begin my homework. At college I averaged 3 hours of homework for every hour in class. Grad school was 4–6 hours per hour in class.' This insight underscores that the quality of time spent on homework is just as crucial as the amount of work assigned. Efficient students can often get their work done quicker, allowing for more leisure time.

High School Homework Expectations

A significant portion of the author's reflections pertains to the homework expectations during high school. She provides a clear outline of the time allocation recommended for homework based on grade level:

Grade 8: 1–1.5 hours per day Grade 9: 2 hours per day Grade 10: 2 hours per day Grade 11: 2.5–3 hours per day Grade 12: as long as it takes (approx. 3–4 hours sometimes)

These figures are meant as general guidelines, with the recognition that some nights may require less time and others more, especially during exam periods when additional time may be needed for studying.

College and University Homework Expectations

Transitioning to higher education, the author recollects her university experience. In her college years, each subject was worth 12 credits, requiring a substantial time commitment.

Credit hours: 12 hours per week per subject Lecture and tutorial hours: Typically, this equates to 2 hours of lectures and 1.5 hours of tutorials, totaling 3.5 hours for the week. The remaining time is expected to be spent on independent study.

The author explains that this is 'not an exact science,' and that weeks can fluctuate. Some weeks may have less work to do, while others might have more, depending on the specific assignments and exams at hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the amount and intensity of homework varies greatly between different academic levels and subjects. Efficient study habits and time management are key to making the homework load more manageable. As a retired educator and current tutor, the author provides a valuable perspective on the evolving dynamics of academic work and stress.

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