Homework is a good thing

Sydney Czyzon

Homework is typically dreaded by the majority of high-schoolers, but it is the necessary reinforcement of information taught in the classroom. Students gain more knowledge through the implementation of homework. In the novel, The Homework Myth, by Alfie Kohn, the text reads, “There’s obviously some truth to the idea that practice is connected to proficiency.  People who do something a lot often get better at doing it.”

Furthermore, statistics undeniably show the benefit of homework for pupils. Referencing a study conducted by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the results stated, “Across five studies, the average (fiftieth-percentile) homework doer had a higher unit test score than 73 percent of students not doing homework.”

Also, by doing homework, students learn responsibility. They are expected to solely complete the work and demonstrate their ability to individually master the skills that they are expected to acquire. During adulthood, responsibility is a vital component to success and it is completely crucial for students to absorb this principal early on.

Parents or guardians can be introduced to the content that is being taught to their teens when they are asked for help on an assignment. This allows improved communication regarding the parent-child connection that many families lack. This puts students in a situation where they must work together with their parent/guardian to complete a specific task that they have been asked to do. On top of this, students can discover helpful learning resources while searching for credible information.

Critical thinking is an integral aspect to the up-and-coming workforce. It is predicted that robotics will be a prevalent force introduced to the workplace in upcoming years. Occupations that involve repetitive and repeatable tasks are expected to be unnecessary jobs for humans. It is important for adolescents to obtain high-level thinking abilities to earn a desirable profession in the future.

Overall, homework is an essential fundamental device for students to take advantage of. Preparation for significant tests or duties typically results in higher grades and testing scores; therefore, leading to a higher chance of accomplishment for students’ future lives and careers.

Even though many teenagers are busy with other extracurricular activities, homework should be prioritized and completed each week.

No homework please

Patrick O’Connell

It’s apparent that homework is not the most popular component of school amongst most American teenagers. Many claim that it’s stressful and a waist of time. However, we are taught by our teachers and parents that homework will help us do well in our classes, but there may be new evidence to show that may not be the case.

This evidence lies in the students of the Scandinavian nation of Finland. The Finish school system is dramatically different from the United States’ school. In Finland, there is little to know homework for students and their graduation rate is higher than that of the United States.

Along with minimal homework, Finland has much less standardized testing than the US, the class sizes are smaller, there really aren’t any honors or special ed programs (everyone is placed in the same classes), and teachers are required to have a higher amount of education than most American teachers.

So why don’t we follow in Finland’s footsteps? Evidence has shown minimal amounts of homework is a major component in the Finnish school system’s success. If we were to change our school systems like the Finns, it’s likely American students would experience more success without having to do large amounts of homework.

Another issue with homework is that it causes much stress for students. Staying up till the late hours of the night completing homework is extremely stressful. Laziness and procrastination is one thing, but many students have to work and some participate in after school activities, which requires students to stay up for long periods of time.

Stress, over time, can lead to a weakened immune system, lowered self-esteem, and slipping grades. Why give homework if it causes some students’ grades go down because of the stress caused by it? A less stressed life-style increases a student’s chances of graduating from high school and pursuing a college education.

Less stress may also account for the Finland’s educational success.  As a result of less homework, their students don’t need to worry about experiencing the amount of stress their American counterparts may experience.

Finland’s philosophy of education, which includes no homework, has made it considered by many to be one of the best education systems in the world. If the United States were to follow in Finland’s footsteps, we could be  just as successful.