Heavy homework loads may hurt more than help a student. Students of all ages and learning levels have been assigned a steady supply of homework by teachers. The accepted viewpoint is that it strengthen the learning and builds character. Today, a growing number of researchers and educators question the logic of assigning homework. In fact, there are some benefits associated with avoiding it.
Children attend school for about one third of a typical day. Coming home to a big stack of homework adds more time to school-related activities. This takes away potential opportunities parents have to spend quality time with their children. Additionally, homework offers another possible conflict between parents and children regarding how much help is too much and how much help is too little.
Any benefits resulting from assigning homework are mythical. No studies demonstrate a direct correlation between homework and academic performance, including study habits in general. This proves especially true with younger children.
Students who feel overloaded by homework are prone to depression, unhealthy study habits and a distorted view of success. Children overwhelmed by homework could easily develop bad habits such as copying the answers from a friend or otherwise engaging in cheating activities.
If students grow accustomed to the standard take-home worksheet format of homework, the learning experience may become bland or repetitive. Over time, this could dampen a child’s passion for learning.