One may think, can something with so much benefit and positivity have a loophole or disadvantage. A popular saying says; when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. It may sound like a fix, but an intended good can yield a terrible outcome if the procedures or, better still, the terms and conditions are ignored.
Many scholars have argued on the usefulness and effectiveness of homework. Some claim it is beneficial. Some believe it is detrimental to human health. Others are indifferent and believe in balancing the equation- in other words, homework should be given, but in small and significant proportions.
The benefits or pros of homework can only be underestimated, and it includes:
- It helps to boost students’ performance. The right proportion of homework given to students will help them develop their skills and tentatively improve their performance in class. Not only will it make students smart, but it will also help them build skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, reading, research, among many others. Homework is the building block for a child’s developmental process. Often times than not, students who perform excellently in the class are those who do homework regularly and pay attention in class.
- Homework helps to reinforce learning. After a long day at school, children tend to forget what was taught in class, except there is another reminder at home or school the next day. Homework helps to instill what is taught in school. It is easier to teach children things while still young. Trying to force learning at the adult stage is challenging.
- Homework allows parents or guardians to be involved in their child’s learning. Many parents want to be involved in their child’s learning process, and homework provides that opportunity.
The cons of homework include:
- Homework can harm a student’s mental health. Excessive homework after a long day at school contributes to mental stress. Students need time to rest and play after school, not another serious learning; it wears them out. Students who rest well and sleep early after school tend to perform better in the classroom than those who spend their time at home- reading and studying till midnight or dawn.
- Homework is biased. Children from low-income homes are treated unfairly by homework teachers assign. This is because they do not have the resources needed to do their homework, and teachers do not spare them because they are poor. Rich kids tend to bully them and look down on them. They may lose confidence in their ability and doubt their intelligence. This is not a good measure of performance, as being disadvantaged might be a significant setback for those who can but do not have the means.
- Homework severs family ties. The time that should be spent bonding within families is eaten up by homework. Everyone faces their assignment and barely gets time to discuss with one another and gradually become strangers without an idea of what another is up to.