Is homework really necessary?

Studies shown that too much homework isn't beneficial to students, but many researchers think some amount of take-home work is valuable.

By Charyn Pfeuffer - MSN Living Editor Jan 10, 2013 7:46PM

Lynn Stoddard’s years as a teacher and administrator in northern Utah schools produced a few opinions on the educational system. Among them, homework isn’t needed, at least from a traditional standpoint, reports KSL.com.

"It's such a strong myth in our society that teacher-assigned homework is good for kids," Stoddard was quoted.

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He debates that take-home work is detrimental for a few reasons:
•         It is an excessive burden on parents.
•         It interferes with family activities.
•         It puts much stress on many students.
•         It makes less time for other beneficial interests.
•         It gives children an aversion to learning.

When it comes to homework, Stoddard says kids tend to learn what’s necessary to pass a test and then ditch the information as soon as it’s no longer needed.

Instead, Stoddard said children should have self-chosen home study.

"If you can get a child curious about something, you can't stop them from reading about it," he was quoted. “It’s time to look at individual children, instead of a standardized public system we have now.”

But a review by researchers at Duke University of more than 60 research studies on homework between 1987 and 2003 showed that, within limits, there is a positive interaction between the amount of homework which is done and student achievement. The research supports the ‘10-minute rule,’ the widely accepted practice of assigning 10 minutes of homework per day per grade-level.

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Do you think homework improves academic achievement? Why or why not?

Photo: Tooga/Getty Images

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5Comments

Newest

Mar 6, 2013 10:23PM

My child is in the 8th grade and has a ridiculous amount of homework. She not only has to study for tests, but usually has several projects going on at once. She has no time after school to enjoy herself, let alone get involved in any other activities besides going to church on Wednesday nights. It is also hard on me. I get home from a long day and I have to help her with homework. She gets to the point of hating school! I have a college degree from a good University and I never had as much homework as she has now. They are not getting them ready for college, they are creating students who hate to learn and hate school.

Previous replies

B B (B Wagemann)

Jan 23, 2013 7:40PM

I believe homework should be discontinued. My youngest brings home his folders and I have to sign his behavior sheet, he has to read for 15 minutes and I have to sign this sheet, plus he has to read another sheet which is timed. Then I get to my oldest who has learning disabilities and I have to help him with his homework. Plus cook dinner, wrestling two nights a week, laundry, grocery shopping, and etc. It doesnt leave time for family time or other activities.

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Angel4two2

Jan 17, 2013 7:31PM

I feel that Homework causes unnecessary anxiety and that it should be left in its place. When you get a job, the saying is to leave your work , AT work! I feel that should be for school as well, unless a student needs help with something from their parent or sibling. At home means you are "off the clock", isn't it good to get in that habit right away? Start off with good ethics right from the start?