Here at EPSL, we’ve long had our ear to the ground with regards to the ongoing arguments that have surrounded this topic. Given that we’re providers of supplementary reading materials, school exercise books, and personalised exercise books, we’ve had to keep up-to-date with all the latest developments and findings that fuel this topic of discussion.
So, here is our summary of the most compelling arguments both for and against the use of homework in your classroom.
Benefits
- Helps to develop important skills - homework is a good way for you to introduce your students to useful skills that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives, such as time management, organisation, and independent learning. It gives them the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning, which will help them further down the line if they decide to go down the university route and beyond.
- Revision of classroom topics - homework serves as a great opportunity for students to revise what they’ve learned that day. Revision helps to reinforce knowledge that students have learned, which increases the likelihood that they will remember what they’ve been taught. The more knowledge that students retain, the better the progress they’ll be able to make when it comes to classroom exercises.
- Provides a good indication of understanding - homework gives you, as a teacher, a good insight into how well your students are managing to understand what they’re being taught in class. Using homework, you can analyse any gaps in comprehension, and tailor your approach to suit the specific needs of each student. For example, if you identify a student that is struggling in a certain area, you can offer them extra support. On the other side, you can identify those who are maybe finding their work too easy, and offer them more challenging material moving forward.
Drawbacks
- Stress - It’s no overstatement when we say that homework can instil a real sense of dread in certain students. If the work you set them is too much and too difficult for them, this can lead to them becoming unmotivated and depressed. A student’s state of mind can quickly deteriorate, and stress-induced sleep deprivation and changes in behaviour can ensue.
- Reduces leisure time - home-time gives pupils the opportunity to relax and decompress after a long day of school work, and the opportunity to discover the world on their own terms. Their free time serves as an opportunity for them to pursue valuable life skills, such learning to ride a bike, reading books and interacting with friends. All of which are vital stages in a child’s development. Plus, many students use their leisure time to engage in physical activities like team sport, which can help to boost cognitive function. All of these activities are hindered by the introduction of a strict homework regime.
- Not always effective - different students require different teaching techniques to effectively engage them. Some, do not respond well to homework. John Hattie, Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne, has found that homework in primary school has an effect of around zero if it’s not used to reinforce learned knowledge. Concluding that homework is only beneficial at primary and secondary levels, if it’s used as a revision technique.
Of course, Professor Hattie only represents one side of this complex argument, and there are plenty of other well renowned academics out there who would happily rebuke his claims. Regardless of where you stand on the subject of homework though, you’ll always need the best quality exercise books and materials at hand so that you and your students have everything you need to stay organised, motivated, and productive in the classroom. Take a look through what we’ve got available on our site - and if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call on 01254 686 500. We’re always happy to help!
