The Homework Debate - Is It Time to Get Rid of Homework?
Oct 2, 2006
Where do you stand on the homework issue?
You may have noticed that there is a lot of talk surrounding the topic of Homework. A number of books(see below) have recently appeared criticizing homework claiming that kids gain nothing from doing the tons of homework they are assigned. Some even go so far as to say that homework is waste of time. These books draw on research that suggests that, for lower grades (1-6), homework does little-to-nothing to help improve grades. However, for the upper grades there has been some research that shows that homework can help with standardized testing scores — though there isn't much research to thoroughly prove anything.
The books:
- The Homework Myth
by Alfie Kohn - The Case Against Homework:
by Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish - The Battle Over Homework
by Harris Cooper
The books come at a crucial time, as parents have been saying that their children have too much homework, and that the increased amount of homework is putting stress not just on the students, but on the families too. An article on Newsday.com says that since 1981, time spent on homework is up 51 per cent.
Author Bennett agrees that too much homework hurts the whole family. "It takes away from family time, puts parents in an adversarial role with kids and interferes with the child's ability to play and have other after-school activities."
Parents also reported that they hate having to play the bad guy, as more often than not they have to police their children into completing assignments. Or they say that they have to devote hours of their own time in helping their kids with their homework — and that the amount of homework is destroying kids motivation and passion for learning.
But there has to be some good points to having homework, right?
Historically, teachers and parents alike have historically touted homework as being necessary to the development of good study habits, to building character, to teaching discipline, and boosting achievement. These things may be true, but author Kohn notes that they have "never been demonstrated empirically." Kohn cautions that homework is behaviorally conditioning our children to not think for themselves, to just be obedient and do what they are told.
However, Kohn does say that homework has one solid benefit — mainly, if it is used as a tool to develop a love of reading. He also says that the point of education is to turn children into independent, critical thinkers that are responsible, happy people.
Where do you stand on the homework issue?
Comments(142)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2006/oct/2/the-homework-debate-is-it-time-to-get-rid-of-homew/
Clancy - Oct 2, 2006
Bng The Great Homework Debate: Making the Most of Home Study
The amount of homework students are assigned each night varies greatly across grade levels, schools, school districts, and states. Some students come home burdened with heavy backpacks and hours of work to be completed before the next day. Other students are assigned little to no work to be done at home.
How much homework is too much? How much homework is not enough? Research studies differ greatly on the academic merits of homework. Are there justifiable reasons for assigning homework? Why do some believe teachers should de-emphasize homework? How can teachers incorporate homework as a useful learning tool?
An Ongoing Debate
The battle over homework dates back to the 1880s when a Boston school board limited math homework. More recently, the town of Piscataway, New Jersey, received national attention for its efforts to limit the amount of homework assigned by the teachers. The Piscataway School Board voted to accept 90 minutes of homework as reasonable for middle school students each evening and up to two hours could be allowed each evening for high school students.
Other school districts across the United States followed Piscataway by establishing policies to limit homework assignments. Guidelines vary, but most are similar to the endorsement made by the National PTA and NEA (National Education Association), which specified an amount of ten minutes per grade level per day.
Why the Recent Homework Overload?
Homework has increased over the last decade for several reasons. Academic standards have increased in most states, creating a situation where more content must be taught during the school year. To maximize classroom time, homework is used to introduce and learn new skills and concepts, rather than to review material taught in the classroom.
In some cases, parents have pressured teachers for more homework, in hopes that more work will increase performance and increase their child’s choices for college.
[Edited for length]
This article was contributed by Mollie Crie, an educator with 22 years in the classroom. She currently teaches for Bedford County Schools in Forest, Virginia.
ummm... - Feb 21, 2007
i do not want homework. it takes time off with my friends and family.. plus.. the rest of my dayy!
thenn the next day i have to get up and goo right back to school again. whatever.
soo...
NO HOMEWORK!
someone - Feb 27, 2007
homework hella sucks you do it and do it and nothing happens and if you mess up the teacher always calls u making u look STUPID
sme 1 who dsnt wnt hw - Feb 27, 2007
homwork does nothin 2 my brain it means nothin it dsnt even help me i agree wit someone the teacher does call u out and does make u look stupid I HATE HOME WORK
????? - Feb 27, 2007
Homework is just a reminder of what the teachers told us in class, there for it is completely pointless
afa - Mar 2, 2007
You guys are all just lazy. How do you expect to achieve hi standards without hard work and trials?
TGJ - Mar 6, 2007
I agree with ?????. i hate homework, and because of it i have to take summer school! I have nothing to look foreward to this summer!
Emma - Oxford Learning Educator - Mar 6, 2007
I understand that homework can be frustrating and feels like a waste of time. It was one of my least favourite things in school. However, when I had a project or an independent study due I was my own worst enemy! I'd leave everything until the last minute. Then I would be up half the night trying to finish it. It wasn't until I was in grade 12 that I realized if I did things gradually I save myself a lot of grief. (I wish I'd discovered this earlier). Then at University I actually learned how to organize myself, my friends, my homework, my projects and my part time job. Presto! I had time to do it all. Granted there were some weeks that I had to concentrate more on different areas, but prioritizing things really helped.
I really do empathize with all your homework frustrations, but honestly if you do a little every night it will not only ease your stress it will also transfer the concepts you've learned into your long term memory (you'll remember this information). Homework "is just a reminder of what teachers told us in class"...this is great! It should be a review. It will help you learn and remember the information. Reviewing a new concept taught for just ten minutes a night will make a world of difference. (but we'll discuss this on another blog). So, to all of you "frustrated" students please just hang in there, do your homework and do it well! It will pay off! I promise!
dudster - Mar 7, 2007
homework isnt good as long as you dont have over 3 hours!
pirate - Mar 12, 2007
i live at school or doing school work... it's bad enough i have to wake up early and then go to school... now i have to come home and do more school work? what a ridiculous waste of time... it don't help me time manage either... i can time manage other things like reading, painting, family time, job, sports, sickness, friends, church... etc... homework is taking too much of my life!
andy cripps - Mar 14, 2007
i hate school it the worst thing that ever happend to me exept my mums death.i wish people could see how diprest homework makes kids like me.
Big Cheese @ Oxford - Mar 15, 2007
Hey Andy;
I am really sorry to hear about your mother. That is very hard to deal with.
I hope you are finding some comfort in just holding onto her memories. If you need any help, please call us collect(reverse charges) and we can arrange something for
you.
About homework -I hear you and most of what you (and other kids) are saying is true. Most homework is useless. For the most part, it doesn't teach you anything that you need to learn for later life - except one thing and I'll
tell you that in a minute. I agree with your feelings. School officials and government officials never seem to pay attention to need emotional needs of kids when it comes to homework. When your life is crowded or you are not motivated, it is hard to care about something as apparently silly as
repetitive homework.
I can only offer you this advice. It doesn't make any sense now but learning how to organize your life when it is too busy, learning how to do thingsthat you don't want to do and learning how to solve problems will help your
life in the long run. You will have to trust me on that. It will give you a feeling of accomplishment - of beating back bad feelings, or not giving up -it is a cool feeling. So, even if the homework assigned is useless and,
maybe even stupid, it does have value to you. That's the important part - it helps you. Plus, when you graduate from school you get to work at better jobs that pay more money and can help make your life more enjoyable by giving you more choices that you can afford.
Hang in there.
carly - Mar 19, 2007
i think that homework tells us that we should not have family time it takes up all my family and friend time.
carly ahonen - Mar 19, 2007
i think homework takes all of my family and friend time i agree with carly
haleyPAULEY - Mar 19, 2007
I think homework takes up my time with my friend carly ahonen
****** homework - Mar 22, 2007
I hate homework. i found this blog site while doing my homework. I'm lookin for info for a essay paper on the homework debate I think I just found a really biased room tho im gonna hav to find an oppos biased room. I think its rakin to long. I hav to cm up with 20 diff resources. then 40+ note cards from them. its due tomorrow. tnmad i got distracted again.
Artur Kepinski from Poland - Mar 26, 2007
I live in Ireland an I have homework for tommorow I must write a debate about "Homework is a wast of my time" I don`t know that why my teacher give for my class tahat simple work to do I think hi is stupid . WHO DON`T KNOW WHY HOMEWORK WAST MY TIME ??????
ARTUR KEPINSKI
ST.JOSEPH`S C.B.S DROGHEDA IRELAND
Kayla - Mar 30, 2007
Homework in my perspective is a waste of time. I spend 1-3 hours on it every night, and I don't see a point in reviewing things we have already learned. I get in math, it is helpful, but we don't need 30 problems to understand it. I we 5 problems we could tell if we knew it or not. I don't see why we have to answer billions of questions in history because it doesnt make sense. I think we are assigned too much homework, between extra- curricular activities, projects, family life, and friends. My main problem is teachers think the more days we have off the more homework is assigned!
Lana2007 - Apr 10, 2007
As a parent, I think that some homework it good to help teach organizational skills, but it should be limited to less than one hour a night. This allows for the student to still have a life beyond school. After all what are we teaching our children to do in their own careers - bring home extra work and spend your evenings working rather than spending time with your family. I think society really needs to open it's eyes to what we are teaching our children when it come to what is important (ie: more work at home or spending time with your family).
lance - Apr 24, 2007
no hw but really if you can read this MAKE THE [----] LETERING BIGGER I CANT READ A [----] THING
[Moderator Note: edited for language and the website font size will be adjusted today]
chase - Apr 30, 2007
all i hane to say is homework is gay. i dnt nderstnd it
pie - Apr 30, 2007
i agree with chase
TJ Morrison - May 1, 2007
I am in grade 12 right now and I can safely say that homework is the reason that I am not doing as well in school as I could. I believe that school should not be a job and burden that you have to take home with you.
When I get home from work and going to the Gym with my mom, is homework really the first thing I want to do after a long day of school, work and physical exersize? NO! I think I'd rather eat the dirt from the ground than waste another minute of my time with this crap.
There are so many studies being done and books that are out now that protest homeworks adverse effects on kids. The school boards need to start acknowledging the fact that kids want to be kids and enjoy the little free time they get. And I would bet all the money in the world that a curriculum which was not homework based would yield higher averages than any other.
Big Cheese @ Oxford - May 3, 2007
Hi TJ,
Thanks for your post.
About homework -I hear you and most of what you (and other kids) are saying is true. Most homework is useless. For the most part, it doesn't teach you anything that you need to learn for later life - except one thing and I'll
tell you that in a minute. I agree with your feelings. School officials and government officials never seem to pay attention to need emotional needs of kids when it comes to homework. When your life is crowded or you are not motivated, it is hard to care about something as apparently silly as
repetitive homework.
I can only offer you this advice. It doesn't make any sense now but learning how to organize your life when it is too busy, learning how to do thingsthat you don't want to do and learning how to solve problems will help your
life in the long run. You will have to trust me on that. It will give you a feeling of accomplishment - of beating back bad feelings, or not giving up -it is a cool feeling. So, even if the homework assigned is useless and,
maybe even stupid, it does have value to you. That's the important part - it helps you. Plus, when you graduate from school you get to work at better jobs that pay more money and can help make your life more enjoyable by giving you more choices that you can afford.
Hang in there.
JOSH - May 8, 2007
Homework is the biggest load of crap. On TV you hear all these morons complaining about obesity but seriously we go to school and then we have no time to do anything with our lives exept sit on our ass like we did for about 6 hours about an hour ago and then do it for atleast another 2-3 hours, when i get home i wanna go outside and do stuff like hang out with my mates and go and play sport but homework doesnt let me do that
missMARYmack - May 31, 2007
homework sucks i never do it, i think it is pointless and a waste of time, my teachers mever grade it so who cares?
softballlover17 - May 31, 2007
i agree with missmarymack
bill sucks alot - Jun 1, 2007
i care
Michelle - Jul 26, 2007
I never liked homework when I was in school, unless it was reading work. When getting my University degree, I did do a lot of homework, preparing for classes by reading textbooks and articles, or preparing essays. That kind of work I don't think is bad for kids, reading or the occasional writing assignment. However, I agree with posters who say it should not be in excess of an hour a day even at the high school level. In fact, I think an hour a day every day is excessive.
Kids need free time, to hang out with friends, to DO things, to live. Three hours a day on top of the time spend in school is excessive, exhausting, and cuts into socialization and fun time.
Schools need to understand that kids are not little learning automatons. They are people, and the need their own time and their own lives.
Chasity - Sep 19, 2007
I have debated the homework issue for a long time. It does take away from family time. We recently moved to Florida and not only did I find out they don't have recess, but they are bombarded with homework each night. I have a 1st, 3rd, and 4th grader and even my 1st grader has a lot of homework. It takes me anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours to help them with all of it and it's ridiculous. For most people, work is work and home life is separate from that. I believe school should be the same. That's what school is for...to teach them. But when that school bell rings, they are given back to us and we should be able to have our family time from that moment on until they are back in school the next morning. We don't bring family time to school so school should not interfere with our time either!
Foxgirl - Sep 25, 2007
I dont like homework much either but I'm willing to do it. If teachers would stop giving us so much then we would have much more time for a life outside of school. You'd think that they'd figure that out why most kids are sent to the guidence counselor everyday for family problems, I'm so caught up in homework that I've barely said more then a small greeting to my mother these past few weeks, and now she thinks I'm angry at her. I think that they should limit homework to just a worksheet instead of having to heave around text books all day. Then I really wouldnt mind taking just a half hour to an hour when I get home to do my homework. SOME OF US DO WANT TO LIVE WHILE WE'RE STILL YOUNG
Homework_Consumed College_Student - Sep 26, 2007
I am a senior college student majoring in Computer Science. I will say that homework in small amounts is helpful to understanding material. However, the homework that is assigned is typically beyond what should be expected of anyone. Today I spent 3 hours at class, 5 hours at work and have been spending 7.5 hours on homework specifically (I took a 10 minute break to eat something so I can stay alive). I am still not done with my "homework". Also I do not wait until the last minute. I've been doing this much homework every night for the last 3 weeks. Here's the kicker I'm a part-time student!! Also I have had to cut my hours at work back to 15 hours / week in order to sleep enough to not be considered clinically insane. So all of this debate about homework really needs to focus on how much homework is OK to expect from students. Due to the amount of homework I have I do not have time to create friendships and often end up having to neglect my relationship. The amount of work expected has had profound effects on my self esteem and personal relationships. Anyways, back to my last item of the day and then tomorrow to start again. Thank goodness I'm graduating this semester.
Natasha - Oct 2, 2007
I don't see the point of homework,the same as most people.It causes stress,depression and even violence.
kade - Oct 4, 2007
homework wrecks lives, i need time to chill with my hommies!
nicOlee. - Oct 31, 2007
im not a homework fan but if we stop doing it i think we would get stupid i mean like at school if we dont pay attencion(thats me) and then we get the homework we have a chance to ask about what we need to do instead of just not doing it so yeaa.
CARL - Oct 31, 2007
um ok nicole wow
Adam - Nov 10, 2007
Sorry if I wasn't supposed to advertise a link. Anyway, I get too much homework, and am not a fan of it.
Corporate Drone - Nov 12, 2007
Do your homework.
Smile.
Pay your taxes.
Your Masters demand it.
Slave Boy - Nov 12, 2007
[Moderated due to inappropriate content]
bob - Dec 3, 2007
Homework DOES help you get better grades, but the grades only get better in the "Homework completion" area. If there was no homework, kids could enjoy themselves after six hours of having to sit at a desk doing mind-numbing work, without having to come home and spend another two or three hours doing more. Why not just extend the school day another couple hours, it would be just the same.
cody - Dec 6, 2007
homework can actually make you dumb it was proven
Bob - Dec 7, 2007
Homework takes away family time.
Taters - Dec 7, 2007
You know, I really dislike homework, and it often causes my grade to drop.
But some of these people seem to need it, badly.
I'll quote some of them:
__________________________________
sme 1 who dsnt wnt hw
homwork does nothin 2 my brain it means nothin it dsnt even help me i agree wit someone the teacher does call u out and does make u look stupid I HATE HOME WORK
__________________________________
Really? If you look at this and understand it instantly, then you are a better person than me.
This person really could use MORE homework, if anything.
Homework doesn't make you look stupid, Your typing makes you look stupid.
_________________________________
someone
homework hella sucks you do it and do it and nothing happens and if you mess up the teacher always calls u making u look STUPID
__________________________________
Another case, this one is not as bad, but still, no puncuation, and that gosh darn typespeek everyone seems to love.
Now, I will admit, I am not the best speller, and I am very lazy, but really, does anything need to be typed like that?
I am against homework, even in higher grades, where it does not help as much as one would imagine.
But hey, who am I to rant on, I'm just passing through the web.
bungee - Dec 16, 2007
Homework is gay. I am a dancer and I dance 3 days a week for about 5 and a half hours. Then I do other sports for 1 day of the week, and whenever I can fit work in, I do. So my week is taken up completely by after school activities.
There is no time for homework whatsoever except at night. So I usually stay up late getting my homework done before I have to get up early to go back to school. It's getting rediculous.
It's not that homework is completely bad, sometimes it helps..but there is definately the slimmest chance on that. I bet if you asked everyone in your school if they did their homework, maybe half would say no..because they don't have time and it is pointless. If you were to ask those who actually did their homework if it helped them at all? ..They would say no.
IT BUGS ME that grown ups, parents and teachers, think they get it. They can give us as much homework as they want and it will always benefit us. Nope, we just do it for the grade..if that. It does not help us get anything.
I hate homework. It can die.
Starry - Dec 19, 2007
My daughter's both have alot of homework but my 6th grader has it the worst. It's ridiculous that they spend all day at school and then have 1-4 hours of homework almost every night! She is a straight A student, very organized and plays sports. All this homework has done nothing but burn her out to the point that she has meltdowns. She has no free time and isn't retaining much of what she brings home. I feel like I have a robot who is going through the motions because that is what the school wants. It's become a case of get the homework done at all costs! The highly flawed No Child Left Behind Law is not doing our children any good. It is doing the opposite, Leaving burned out children behind! If anyone would like to read a nice analogy type No Dentist Left Behind into a search engine. It's a good parody of the NCLB law
someonefromthailand - Jan 9, 2008
Our teachers at our school understands us. They don't give too much homework. I think homework is useful because without it, what will the we do...i know i would do smt reasonable, but some ppl would just play games and internets ALL the time. But I do agree that too much HW can stress u out ALOT.
G-nome - Jan 10, 2008
i'm slightly Bias at the moment because i am a student and i have two hours left in my day to do well over 10 hours of work. we are having mid-terms in school right now and teachers aren't suppose to schedule regular tests or projects, however i have more homework, tests, and projects due this week than i have in a long time. I go to a tech school, so my class time is limited in history and electives, however i have more hours of English, math, and science than the average high school student. The bulk of my homework tonight consists of English. more specifically English Lit. we were told to pick out a non-fiction book last Friday an to have had it read by this past Tuesday. Not much of a big deal, but now all of a sudden we have been assigned a 3 page essay, to write 3 poems(1 pg. min. per poem.),make a poster board display(one of those 3 fold things), and give a presentation on said book. this was issued yesterday, however because of midterms i only completed a rough draft of my essay yesterday. And because of drivers ed. not only was my school day over 10 hours long, but i came home to an equal amount of homework. I haven't decided on whether to attempt completing this or not, but my grades aren't great in English right now so I'm in a bit of trouble. This homework will most surely not make me any "Smarter" if anything it will just take away any sleep i may have gotten tonight, lowering my midterm exams. I use to be a straight A student, now I'm more like a C student. I scored an 1800 on my pSAT and advanced in both categories in MCAS(Massachusetts test thingy). I have gotten so sick of remedial school work I've ruined most scholarship programs that were looking my way by "being lazy" as others have said. I passed in a math test a while back, relatively lengthy, about 50 questions, with only a single incorrect answer (forgot to multiply by -1 XP). My grade for this test however was a 20/100. i did not show work, which was apparently 4/5 of the test, which made me realize that your grades tell you nothing about how "smart" your are, and the work only stresses your out to the breaking point, all to impress some fat balding executive of some company sitting behind a computer desk 10 years from now. so in retrospect, I am going to go to bed now, I have had a post high school reading level since the fifth grade, and i use to even read for FUN, how many kids do that. This stupid english project isn't worth it in my eyes.
Student09145 - Jan 10, 2008
just throwing this out there for any other students out there that have a different teacher for every subject. Does it seem that every teacher either thinks there subject is somehow the most important, or doesn't realize that there 1-2 hours of homework will stack up with your other 6 classes.
i can understand studying and practicing for in class tests or activities but this is just getting to the point where i stop doing it.There are not enough hours in the day to be doing such a bulk of homework every night.
Chase - Jan 14, 2008
Currently I have to study for 4 exams, and study for EQAO Gr 9, And ontop of that I have to anwser a load of english questions from a book we have only read to in class to chapter 5, but we HAVE TO anwser the questions for every chapter (Theres 17) in one day.
Colten - Jan 14, 2008
Homework is stupid everybody hates homework, even my grandma hates homework.
Colten - Jan 14, 2008
screw homework
Kyle - Jan 14, 2008
homework sucks we spend soooooooooooooo vmuch time on it
Matthew - Jan 15, 2008
Homework sux!!!!!!
Screw the evil homework!
Homework killed my hamster.
My brother ate it!
Joe - Jan 15, 2008
@54 - about the overload of homework. You'd think that teachers would talk to one another and sort out homemuch home work gets sent out and when. How about math on Mondays, English on Tuesdays and so on.
me - Jan 15, 2008
i hate homework
doodle - Jan 15, 2008
Home work is definetly not as good as teachers think it is
Very Mad 6th Grader - Jan 17, 2008
I just don't see the whole POINT. I say homework is just something that kills family and fun time. DOWN WITH HOMEWORK!!!
blahh - Jan 26, 2008
Hm, I actually don't have a problem with the homework too much, but instead the way that classes are run because of it. Maybe it's not true of all schools, but at ours it feels kind of like the teachers have given up trying to make learning interesting or exciting. There's hardly any mention of how it can apply to our lives, few chances to work with friends on creative projects that would force us to use what we have learned, and lame efforts to try to appeal to the different learning types. Especially in today's society, I thnk that the best way to learn (or...the preferred way, at any rate) is through movement and hands-on activities, not just sitting in class and listening to a lecture/taking notes. I think that if time was used more effectively in classrooms (because I mean, honestly...how many people actually absorb most of what they learn in class? or even part of it?) and a REAL effort was made to try to interest kids in learning - not just for the grade, but for the knowledge itself - then we wouldn't need to have so much homework each night. Maybe kids would want to go home and learn on their own, without prompting. And I agree with some of the other comments that it would definitely help in decreasing stress, obesity, depression, and other detrimental health problems that are common in America today. :/ I'm sure it's been noted, but why do you think suicide rates are so high in Asia? I could be wrong, of course, but I always imagined it was at least partially due to the level of stress and amount of studying the kids over there have to do! It really makes life seem depressing when you realize that everything is just preparation for the next step in life (studying in middle school to get into a good high school, studying in high school to get into a good college, studying in college to get a good job, working hard at your job to prepare for retirement...). I mean...when does that leave us time to develop our own individual interests and talents? And realize that there's definitely more to life than studying and learning. I don't think that this sort of life style was actually meant for everyone, but we're all forced to go to school and try it anyways. Then again, I think it's good that everyone has the opportunity (forced as it is) to be exposed to that kind of environment. :) There are definitely a lot of positive things about school.
blahh (part II...oops U^^) - Jan 26, 2008
Mmm, and also on a better note about homework. How many of you who are complaining about homework on here would actually study or learn on your own without some sort of enforced discipline? Maybe the life of a scholar or whatever isn't for everyone, but I still don't think it's good to be ignorant. -^__^- At the very least, it helps people think better of you if you at least know what you're talking about. Then again, maybe you all WOULD study, so I don't know. xD I know that I probably wouldn't have as a kid, so I'm glad that there's some kind of reward system for learning. :D And I've actually learned quite a bit from doing homework. xD I think it's mostly good for people who don't learn well just by seeing or hearing something done, because they actually have the physical motion of doing it themselves, which helps for math and science as well as history and languages. :) I'm sure there's some link between memory and physical movement for certain people, or whatever. xD hehe
And anyways, it's not as if people who study a lot can't have lives. ^^ Although...they're probably not nearly as exciting as you'd want them to be. :/ I know that my friends and I have "study groups" when we can't hang out under any other pretense, and at any rate...I think it's a good thing that we never have time for parties and such, because you can get into all kinds of stupid things while you're at them (drugs being a good example?). x] Better to have no life now and a life later, than to party now and die or be miserable later, I guess. But again, that doesn't apply to everyone.
Oh well. :) It's nice to rant, but it doesn't get anywhere in the end (unless you plan on working in the government and changing things or running a school or something. >__<) so I guess all that's left is to just do the work and get it over with. xD As soon as high school is over, you're free to do what you want with your life, and no one can really stop you (short of doing illegal things, of course) so just try your best (or at least just try to get through it, I guess x]) until it's all over. -^___^- I think as long as you realize that homework and school are NOT equivalent to life (haha, seems silly to say, but then again, there are some people out there who feel like that and don't even realize it! >_<) and that life actually does go on after high school and college (again, same as before x]).
So...:D Don't give up!
(also, just a hint....xD if you actually do work when it's assigned and study a bit every week, you probably wouldn't feel that bogged down. Yeah, I know it's way overused, but that's the truth, I guess. x] It just sucks to do until you get used to it. hehe :D)
genericuser62637 - Jan 28, 2008
I hate homework! It's just the same thing we learn every day, and you ge detention whenever you don't do it. I'd also say it interferes with my social life but since I have no social life, I'll stick up for my friends and say it interferes with THEIR social lives. Plus, do you really think teachers want to spend so much time grading it all? Homework may pay off in college, but what about those of us who aren't in college? Is it really even helping us academically, or is it just tearing us down? And plus, before exams, do we get less homework so we can get more studying done? NOPE! We get even more homework! Homework is pointless and a lot of people will probably agree with that.
Mr. Dude - Jan 28, 2008
I agree with genericuser62637. GET RID OF HOMEWORK NOW!!!!!!
Carmen McLean - Jan 30, 2008
Home work has its value. Children have a lot of time on their hands to devote some of it to their continued learning. I do not agree with giving students tons of homework that take them away from their peers and family but a ittle homework will not hurt.
Students who love to do homework are the ones who will go on to be the intellectuals, philosphers and the great thinkers of tomorrow (I don't have the research, I am just speculating). The homework conversation will continue as long as the earth lasts and school exists because there are students who do not love to do homework which challenges them in a lot of cases.
Mr. Dude - Feb 1, 2008
Well, not everybody is going to be an intellectual, philosopher, or great thinker. That's just a fact of reality. Besides, I agree that a LITTLE homework wouldn't be too bad. Of course, we get a lot of homework, so that doesn't really help much.
Mr. Wiggles - Feb 4, 2008
HOMEWORK SUCKS! IT CAN DIE!
Brit - Feb 12, 2008
Hell ya it can DIE!! My god! I think teachers are hired to teach not hand out work and tell us to do it at home!
<("<) - Feb 12, 2008
I agree with Brit.
<('<) - Feb 12, 2008
Actually i do think it is good to have a little homework because it helps to make sure we understand what the teacher told us..... but the 6 or 7 hours of homework I have is just stupid.
<("<) - Feb 12, 2008
Btw Brit you grammer is really bad.
Meighen <3 - Feb 13, 2008
Homework is given because teachers don't have enough time to teach all that they have to during the day...
Instead, they pile it all on our backs, and get paid to make us do extra hours of work at home.
Homework takes up too much time.
Because of it, most kids and teens don't get any sleep, excercise or free time. Basically, it ruins your school years becuase that's all you do. :O
Homework kills kids...most are burnt out becuase they are so exhausted.
Without homework, I'm almost 100% sure most kids would be happier with their lives... :]
We don't need no education... :]
Teachers...just leave us teens alone :]
LMAO
Meighen <3 - Feb 13, 2008
Oh yeah...
And people wonder why much of the population suffers from obesity...
Maybe...just maybe if students were given less homework, they would have more time to excercise and spend less time eating midnight snacks becuase they're starving from doing a bagillion hours of 'devoirs' and maybe..just maybe the pounds would start shedding off...and they will become more healthy/active :]
Homework = sit on your butt for hours studying and writing, and staring at a computer screen.
No homework = free time, relaxation time, hang-out w/freinds time, EXCERCISE time...
Get my point??? :]
<333
Joe - Feb 13, 2008
@Meighen - that's an interesting point. I hadn't thought about the connection between excercise and homework.
Meighen <3 - Feb 18, 2008
haha.
Thanks!!
Well, I have to write a thesis paper this month..and I decided to do it on the negative effects of homework...so I thought posting my ideas here was a good idea :D
And of course, I myself have to endure hours of homework every night...so I know the effects.
I'm exhausted and stressed...and I just need a break!!! :O
I really wish teachers would just cut down on the homework load.
Another thing that's always bugged me...if the teachers are going to assign us this much homework...and governments are so concerned about the overweight population...why is it students are only offered phys ed...once or twice/week???
It's ridiculous!!!
BAHH.. :D
Mike C - Feb 19, 2008
The only homework that any student should have is a research assignment, reading assignment, long term project or skill development work. There is NO reason for any student to bring home daily classwork. If a student is running behind on their class assignment, they should have spare time during breaks to catch up. If the backlog becomes too much, there should be a "spare" time after school. They do it for sports teams, why not have some extra time for students who are a little behind in the class?
Joe - Feb 19, 2008
I look forward to a coles-notes version of your thesis. There have been a few recent studies on the effectiveness of home both in the US and in Canada.
JOHN DAKER - Feb 19, 2008
I believe that homework o.k in small amounts, but seriously all of you, need to do more homework caus you are all really bad at english, learn to spell...............
Mizuki - Feb 19, 2008
Homework takes my life away from me.
I start at 3 and sometimes don't finish until after 9! Being dyslexic does not help too much also! I don't think they should band it, but put a limit on it FOR SURE!
I get 21 page packets for Christ's sake!
I can hardly do after school activities like marching band!
Give us teens a brake pleas!
luv2lrn - Feb 21, 2008
I honestly believe that although homework may be redundant and boring, it's important to keep it in schools. It helps a child become disciplined and organized...how is that a bad thing? If parents didn't put so much emphasis on extra-curricular activities (Which I highly support btw) and free up the childs' evenings, there would be ample time to do homework. I find it amazing how a parent will wake up early to take their kids to hockey or swimming or whatever sport they chose, or take them to dance lessons at 8pm but they can't spend an hour or so helping their kids do homework. I know that the burden of homework has become overwhelming, but it's our children's future at stake here. North American children are already the most obese children on earth so believe me, I do support sports and extra curricular activities of any kind, but I don't want our children to become the dumbest, most self indulgent, spoiled children either. Unfortunately, it looks like we're headed that way unless parents change. I don't blame the kids for hating homework...I did too, but it did help me and if parents stopped over indulging kids with electronic toys and gadgets and just sat with their kids and helped them learn to love homework, things would change. Our children are in for a very difficult future and it's up to us to prepare them. Let's look at other cultures and try to understand how and why they put so much emphasis on school and why we are so behind. Our kids deserve the very best we have to offer and the most important thing we can offer them is a good solid education.
catsmeow - Feb 21, 2008
Just reading some of these posts proves that our education system is poor...Most of these teens can barely spell. What's worse is that they ARE our future leaders.
SCARY!!!
Bear - Feb 21, 2008
Just wait until you guys reach grade 12, then you will really hate it. But you can prevent you taking so long, if you do it now you will become accustomed to it and eventually it will not be so bad. And just curious here but how many people use spell check for your English assignments?
Mizuki - Feb 24, 2008
I use spell check because of my dyslexia.
Yes we are the futures of tomorrow and all, but because our teachers stack us with homework, we don't have a chance to learn anything.
All we have time for is to copy from the book to the paper!
genericuser62637 - Feb 25, 2008
And that's why it needs to go. We can't be the future if our near future is filled with homework.
Ayana J - Feb 25, 2008
i think they should get rid of hw b/c it takes up way to much time and its frustrating to almost ALL children or even people i collage. i also think we should not get rid of hw b/c if you want a good job when you get older than you need to be smart and if you dont know your 1's times tables your in trouble. THAT'S ALL FOR NOW BYE!!!!!
nathan robertson - Feb 27, 2008
homework is not good man like i love foot ball and the stupid homework is like leaving no time for me to play foot ball
anonymous - Feb 27, 2008
I am 17 now and every year i get more homework and i have less time to spend with my family so i think this should stop homework is a big problem
anonymous - Feb 28, 2008
I HATE HOMEWORK
Sam - Mar 3, 2008
I'm in the 8th grade, and each day my minimum amount of homework is 21 pounds (so far) and 6 1/2 hours (so far). We took a field trip last Wednesday to the Museum of Science and had a 8 page, single spaced, Times New Roman, size 10 font report due the next day (Thursday) on our trip. Does anyone find this unfair!?
Courtney - Mar 4, 2008
I'm in the 6th grade, I get homework almost everyday. Infact, the peice of homework I'm working on right now is the big debate on homework! (Thats the only reason I found this site...)This site has been very helpful though, all of the comments have really helped me on my paper. I have to look at things from a teachers point of veiw, and say whether or not I think 2 much homework is given to children each day. What do I think? 2 much homework! I just got back from vacation, the last thing I want to do is homework! Sure, I know I have catch up and all, but this is insane! I've been working none stop for 3 days just to catch up! (On top of all of my regular homework! About... 3 hours of homework a day!) I h8 this... If someone was careless during class, fooling around, and didn't spend good time doing their assignment, then sure, it can be homework! But, if I did all my work at school and finished it, I shouldn't have to be punished for it! My whole life isn't just about school! I wake up, go to school, get home, do all my homework, eat dinner, do the rest of my homework, go to bed. Interesting day, don't u think? Am I the only1 that thinks our whole life shouldn't be about school, and that we should get time to have some freedome?!
Courtney (Torchic Girl) - Mar 4, 2008
Anonymous? Is that u?! (I know this is off the subject but I need to know this!) It's me, Torchic Girl! U know, from www.cheatsguru.com and www.gaiaonline.com! (And plz, give me a break guys, I haven't seen this guy for ages. If it is really him... If it isn't, this is embarassing...)So, did u leave cheatsguru 4ever or somthing? And your 17?! Ok, never knew that... If it even is u, post it at cheatsguru, k?
P.S Plz don't get made at me other peoples for me posting a message off topic.
Madison-Rayne - Mar 11, 2008
Do you guys actually notice that you can't even type. I'm doing debates on "We should eliminate homework". Although I go to a french school, this site is helpful. You guys all say "HOMEWORK SUCKZ", half of you can't even spell properly. I think it's good you guys HAVE homework.
Samantha - Mar 11, 2008
I say that homework sucks. Also that I'm doing a persuasive essay on NOOOOOOOOOOOOO HomeworKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Samantha - Mar 11, 2008
HOMEWORK SUCKZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's just a waste of time because It's just a review of what you learnd in school. Also it taes away family time,hanging with your friends,watching tv,playing video games,and more.So It's about time to get rid of HOMEWORK AND I'M SO HAPPY ABOUT THAT. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
???? - Mar 16, 2008
im doing an essay and im against homework. but i had to do some research on it and i have found a ton of stuff i didn't know that homework is doing to us. homework can cause obesity since we don't get that much phsyical activity just sitting around doing homework and being in school. and obesity is causing other problems like high blood pressure, high cholestrol, and type 2 disease. and also it takes away family time that you can never get back. homework is just a waste of time.
Joel - Mar 16, 2008
homework is so cool i love it NOT!!!
[vulgar language removed]
Heady - Mar 17, 2008
Sometimes the questions repeat over and over. What is the point of that. You don't even learn anything. I could be reading a book, watching a movie, hanging out with my friends or playing a sport. That is so much more fun then "HOMEWORK"!!!!! We will all grow up nervous if we are always stressed with it!
MALA - Mar 18, 2008
TOO MUCH HOMEWORK GIVEN BY MY TEACHERS DURING THE MARCH HOLIDAYS HAS LEFT ME NO TIME TO ENJOY MY HOLIDAYS
Amberrr - Mar 18, 2008
Actually,
I do think homeowrk is okay,
but,
Enough is enough,
Im tired of it,
Can't we just have it once a week instead of every single night?
It inferes with my social life,
I am actually really stressed and depressed.
That is what school does to me,
I have a stupid teacher RIGHT out of university so she wants to try all this disciplin crap with us.
Soon,
Shes going to get bitten by a dog x]
Im sorry,
Im off topic,
I do enjoy school,
and the work for me is okay,
But PLEASE
give me back my social life,
<3
Amberrr, - Mar 18, 2008
Oh and MALA?!
Pffft,
I had to right up 4 essays on dead guys ver my March Break.
They took up all my time and no time to see my family.
I only got out f the house for a night.
Think positive and then maybe it won't be so hard,
It will pay off in the long run,
after all your future relies on it.
This is coming from a 16 year old by the way,
so all you 10 year olds saying you hate school and that your teacher sucks,
wait untill you get into high school x]
I garuntee that you will hate it then.
Baby bop - Mar 18, 2008
Oh yeahhhh!! I hate homework man does it suck. Fricken reading damn books that no one
Nira - Mar 19, 2008
i had too much homework the day before tuesday that i did not have the time to take my dinner i think too much of homework is a chore
homework troubles - Mar 27, 2008
me and my classe are doing a debate on homework im on the against side im really happy but then i found out we hade to do homework on it im kinda of mad cause it hase no afect on our work at all. All you do is spend 1 to 2 hours of your day doing homework not to meantion school to thats 8 hours of one day then you have to do it all over again the next day
?S? - Mar 31, 2008
Uh... isent this about homework...
David$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - Mar 31, 2008
home work does nothing for the brain....we already learn it in class and it also kills trees....kids r probobly just going to throw it away any way.....
HOME WORK SHOULD BE ILLEGAL AND TOKEN OUT OF ALL SCHOOLS....LOL
Heady - Apr 1, 2008
In Europe they did a study and it shows that kids that get less homework get better results on tests.LOL
... - Apr 6, 2008
All the people that said these people can't spell. I don't think that it's they can't spell, they just choose to spell that way cause it's faster so shut up.
wee - Apr 6, 2008
Homework is stupid. I get homework five days a week, but now I don't always do my homework, because even without doing it, I get "A"s on almost every test.
... - Apr 6, 2008
Yea i don't do homework sometimes and then sometimes teachers don't even check to see if you did it. Plus i still get a's.
So Cal Student - Apr 6, 2008
Well TGJ, maybe if you had homework you wouldn't be such a bad speller.
The point of homework is to give us practice on what we learned but we also have to do 5 or more classes worth of it. So teachers should take into consideration that they aren't the only ones doing it. Too much homework causes stress and there is nothing worse then a stressed teen. Being stressed can lead to loss in interest, loss of appetite and it may lead some to thoughts about suicide. Homework over breaks should be banned. There is no point for it.
Toby Goodwin - Apr 8, 2008
start with straight shots and then pop bottles , flirt with the hood rats and then pop models . uhuh
50 Cent - Apr 9, 2008
you think you gangsta cuz u did time .. u think u gangsta dont cross the line.........
carlos - Apr 9, 2008
we are doing a debate in school and i need some reasons why homework is great..but i dont know any..so if someone does please post them on here!:)
Claudia - Apr 10, 2008
I aggree .Very much so.
carlos - Apr 14, 2008
anyone know good things about homework???:) pleasee post them if you do!! this debate is due soon
IB + Ontario student - Apr 14, 2008
Hello, I have nearly graduated high school and currently I have a teacher who is very stubborn and truely blieves that homework is beneficial for everyone and everybody. She doesn't take my learning style into account and I sometimes see homework to make up for her lack of class preperation. Although she tries to be fancy with a projector it is just a show. The worst part is she won't even consider the idea that the purpose/usefulness of homework is debatable. I am not sure what to do as I want to prevent other students from going through the same torture. Any ideas?
**** homework!!!!! - Apr 15, 2008
such a waste of my time. i would rather practice guitar and do productive things with my time rather that repeat what i have already spent seven hours of my day doing. i work longer hours than my parents sometimes. private schools are worse. i get about three hours average. lots of times i get more. i don't see why people need to keep pushing the educational standards. life is not to be taken so seriously. if our time on earth is limited then let me enjoy what time i have.
COME ON... GIVE ME MY LIFE BACK!!!!!
someone needs to take this issue to the government for both public and private schools!
Anonomyous - Apr 15, 2008
Instead of completely getting rid of it, I personally think teachers should give homework to a level that is completable and gives us time to do other activities. I personally have experienced homework burden, with teachers giving at least 100 lbs. of homework. But the answer is not the opposite extreme but rather moderation.
Surely God Knows Best
- anonomyous
WEED - Apr 17, 2008
hashhahshsaha. homework is so gay man
\liek reallyyyyyy
just let kids chill when there outta school npot liek... do moer school casue thats stupid and its takeing up myt time to smoke weed.
peace
Jack Rodden Education center - Apr 21, 2008
i would strongly like to ban homework, it cuts into everyones day and personal life. why not just let kids have fun after school, they have 6 hours of work at school all ready.
Kids need time to be kids, not waste there time on homework.
-Jack Rodden
Jack the Ripper - Apr 21, 2008
homework is bull, it takes up to much time...ppl should play not do EVEN MORE HOMEWORK then wahts assigned in class..
[Edited for language]
hi!!!!! - Apr 21, 2008
i love homework!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mike rrrrrrriiiiicchards - Apr 22, 2008
heyyy yalllll ilu s.s.
MAsh- - Apr 22, 2008
hello,
mr.weed, you say that kids need moe time to somke weed wtf..
geez like, whats with that
geeeeeeeeezzzzz-louuuuezzzzzzzzzz
Queen Elizabeth II - Apr 23, 2008
Home work is a sort of way to make you bored. one nether likes getting bored you now what my butler said “I hate all this dam homework !” I was very shocked at his saying so I would like to agree not to have homework
^_^ - Apr 23, 2008
Homework should be either limited or banned.
boarder - Apr 24, 2008
hey,
im at home...
if anyones from my school see's this anwswer back :)
carlos - Apr 24, 2008
hey..emma thanks for you your help but the link went to some bad things about homework?? anyone else got some good ideas on why homework is good??
bubba - Apr 29, 2008
i aggre way to much homework.it does cut into the students and teachers time.
Madison - Apr 29, 2008
I'm just a simple 5th grader.But some times I just think Homework takes time away from spending it with Your Parents,Grandparents,aunts,uncles,your whole family,And YOUR FRIENDS!!!! I love spending time with Johnny(my Best friend) BUT I CANT CAUSE OF HOMEWORK!!!!!!!!!! I hope who ever reads this gets the NO HOMEWORK IDEA NO HOMEWORK YAH!!!!!!
Taco Stuffer - May 1, 2008
Well, Im in grade 8 and i usually get a large amount of homework. But i never have time to spend with my family then. because i play instruments and after school criculum sports, and i have many friends. So i dont really get much time to spend with my family. So i think they should band Homework..Thats all i wanted to say!
Xiao Yz - May 1, 2008
i'm getting fat because of too much homework
: ) - May 5, 2008
Homework is not as bad as you think! It reminds you of what you learn in class. It also teaches you how to manage your time. Besides, to most people who have commented, homework doesnt make you look stupid. Your typing does.
Admin - May 9, 2008
Hi all. We do our best not to moderate (remove comments). We have to delete these comments as they do not contribute the discussion.
There are many chat tools which you can use. We can even put up a board but we would rather you not use the blog as chat room.
Thank you.
Moderator
Very mad cedarview student - May 13, 2008
Ihate homework but it's to help us learn
someone - May 13, 2008
i agree, I vote against homework!!!!!
idk - May 20, 2008
hi im in school and i have to do this project about homework my topic is we should banned homework
i think we should because some of us get to much stress and the stress dosent let u hang out with friends or do fun thing so a really think we should get rid of homework
parks - May 21, 2008
I personally hate homework lol, but i also do need a review most of the time. So homework is good sometimes but also has it's downfalls as it can stress you out very much and put alot of pressure on you when you have things to do. Im acually doing a homework debate essay right now. and i have many other things to do and i would rather not have it.
I would have to say they really need to minimize the ammount of homework given out it would really help.
GUSTREX - May 22, 2008
THIS WEB PAGE HELPED ME A LOT! BECAUSE I HAVE A DEBATE "SHOULD HOMEWORK BE GIVEN EACH DAY"
AFTER WHAT I READ... I AM WITH HOMEWORK TO BE GIVEN EACH DAY
spelling - Jun 2, 2008
though i hate homework with all my life I think half of u ppl can't spell or type or both
musy - Jun 17, 2008
i hate homework i get stressed cant keven rud band homework
PEOPLE I HATE HOMEWORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt - Jun 19, 2008
Hey guys,
On one side, practice makes perfect. Homework lets you try out the things you learn in class and figure out if you truly "get it" in the comfort of your home, at your own pace.
On the other hand, lengthy assignments and overly repetitive self-tests are nothing but frustrating.
I think the key is in reducing the amount of homework, getting rid of repetitive questions, and ensuring that the little bit of homework assigned is done correctly.
I'm sure any young student on here wouldn't mind 30 minutes of homework a few times per week.
Hugh d'Entremont - Jul 23, 2008
I am a fairly new teacher and one thing I found is that homework with no purpose is a waste of time. While taking my degree I found that students who were current in their reading had low stress levels, learned a great deal and had good marks.
We also had good assignments, (homework), that forced us to go out and research and think about a subject and as a result learn more. Dr. Kohn makes a good point when he talks about the need for developing critical thinking and independent reading skills. Homework should be designed with those goals in mind. Look at the curriculum and find ways to allow students to develop mastery over the material by creating assignments that build on classroom work not just repeat the same thing again.
If that cannot be done give up daily homework and encourage reading through the use of creative assignments combining visual, theatre arts with reading.
One thing I have discovered in a work career that covers almost 30 years there is always more reading needed to stay current in any field or another proposal to write. Homework is not really fun but it may play a part in your future.
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