Essay Sample on Homework: Pros and Cons of its Use in Education

Introduction

Since its invention in 1905 by Robert Nevilis, homework has become essential to teachers in every teacher and school. However, across the world, most learners have always complained about homework, with some of them crying over its stressful nature (Bempechat 36). Even though some people argue that homework is helpful, especially when it comes to giving the students more time for practice, some believe that it stresses the learners too much (Lacina-Gifford and Russell 279). As such, this paper presents a reasoned argument for and against homework and concluding on such premises.

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To begin with, homework helps the students to understand subjects and concepts better since they are given more time to practice away from the classroom environment (Wilson and John 3). For instance, in case a learner does not understand something, they may carry it home where they could get assistance from parents, thus enabling them to improve on their understanding (Simplicio 5). After a long day in school, the brain can then focus on one subject, which enhances the ability to understand it. When duly adopted, homework has a positive correlation with high performance for the learners since it is one effective primary method for reinforcement of educational learning goals.

However, even though homework boosts the ability of the learners to understand concepts better, it has been linked with depression and stress (Bempechat 36). This is because they find it overwhelming to stay in school for more than eight hours than get back home to work on even more assignments from school. This raises the question regarding what amount of homework that should be given to the learners (Simplicio 5). Too many tasks, for instance, has often caused depression and stressful ordeals for the learners. Everybody enjoys relaxing after a long monotonous and stressful day, but the learners are unable due to the extra assignments they have to carry home in the form of homework.

Again some people argue that homework does not bring any academic improvement among students, especially of tender age who haven't been well conversant with the current system and the way assignments are done despite the instructions given to them by their teachers to guide them (Bempechat 36). More significant percentages still find it difficult to handle out of class tasks which according to their parents, give them stress and consumes much of their time they could have spent on another curriculum such as sports, exercises and playing (Lacina-Gifford and Russell 279).

However, these homework assignments may only be significant for older students who have the full knowledge of what is done and how, but then the challenge is to create among their parents since the time they could have spent in helping at home with household chores is spent doing homework, and this even denies them ample time with their parents.

Another reason why homework should be assigned to students is to improve their knowledge about whatever is taught in the classroom. Through this, a teacher can estimate the strengths and weak areas of the student hence finding it easy to explain (Simplicio 8). An analysis of the student's weak areas is done, and the teacher takes a bit a good time to expound on the areas the student does not have a clear understanding of and then assigns homework to find out if he /she grasped some ideas and concepts in due course (Lacina-Gifford and Russell 279). As such, homework should be assigned to students to prepare them also for exam periods ahead. Exams usually test on what the brain can hold after a given period of learning and classwork practical. When homework is assigned to a student, it helps them in revising. Through that, they are reminded of what they had learned but had forgotten as such homework has led to improved academic performance for the students across the world.

Again, the parents play a significant role in the general well-being of the children, including their academic performance. Research has shown that both the teachers and the parents play an essential role in the development of positive behaviors and believe in the learners who are crucial elements in fostering motivation and subsequently improved academic achievement (Bempechat 36). As such, parental involvement in the education of their children through helping in homework does not only help in boosting academic performance but also influences the motivation and the general perception about the abilities of the learners (Simplicio 5). It is through the homework that the children get to feel appreciated and valued by their parents, thus boosting their sense of appreciation and worth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homework is a learning tool that has been adopted by various schools and teachers across the world. However, even though there are problems associated with homework such as stress and depression to the students, it should be adopted in schools since it has a positive correlation with the improved performance of the students at all levels. Again, it is essential to reinforce various learning concepts that are taught in the classroom environment. As such, parental involvement in the education of their children through helping in homework does not only help in boosting academic achievement but also influence the motivation and the general perception about the abilities of the learners. It is through the homework that the children get to feel appreciated and valued by their parents, thus boosting their sense of appreciation and worth.

Works Cited

Bempechat, Janine. "The case for (quality) homework: Why it improves learning, and how parents can help." Education Next 19.1 (2019): 36-44.

Lacina-Gifford, Lorna J., and Russell B. Gifford. "Putting an end to the battle over homework." Education 125.2 (2004): 279-282.

Simplicio, Joseph SC. "HOMEWORK IN THE 21 ST CENTURY: THE ANTIQUATED AND INEFFECTUAL IMPLEMENTATION OF A TIME HONORED EDUCATIONAL STRATEGY." Education 126.1 (2005).

Wilson, Jan, and John Rhodes. "Student Perspectives on Homework." Education 131.2 (2010).