Is homework beneficial to student development?

The research available regarding the benefits of homework seems to vary based on the different studies that have been done. I would say homework is beneficial for student development in most cases. Projects, selected readings, and some writing activities which are done outside the classroom allow for more class time to be used covering material instead of working on those tasks.

In today’s world, more jobs require people to do work at home. Homework establishes...

The research available regarding the benefits of homework seems to vary based on the different studies that have been done. I would say homework is beneficial for student development in most cases. Projects, selected readings, and some writing activities which are done outside the classroom allow for more class time to be used covering material instead of working on those tasks.

In today’s world, more jobs require people to do work at home. Homework establishes discipline for this work within a student, prepares students for the expectations they will face in college, and helps students deal with workplace demands requiring work to be done at home.

There are some important considerations to make when dealing with homework. Very young students should have very little homework. Students in kindergarten through second grade shouldn’t have more than 20 minutes of homework on a given night based on a guide from the National PTA and the NEA. Giving large amounts of homework isn’t helpful, either. Students shouldn’t have three to five hours of homework per night on a regular basis. Also, homework should have a purpose. Giving homework as busywork does not benefit students. For special education students, having a parent available to help with homework seems to be beneficial. There appears to be evidence that homework is more beneficial for students after grade five based on the Leone and Richards study in 1989.

With these considerations in mind, it is my belief that homework is beneficial to students in both the short-term and long-term. Homework facilitates student learning, prepares students for the expectations of college professors, and helps students adjust to the demands they may face in their future careers. Banning homework would do more harm than good for our students.