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27 Top Homework Pros and Cons

27 Top Homework Pros and Cons

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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homework pros and cons

There are both pros and cons of homework. This makes whether schools should assign homework a great debating topic for students.

On the side of the pros, homework is beneficial because it can be great for helping students get through their required coursework and reinforce required knowledge. But it also interferes with life outside of school.

Key arguments for homework include the fact it gives students structure, improves their learning, and improves parent-teacher relationships.

Arguments for the cons of homework include the fact it interferes with playtime and causes stress to children, leading to arguments that homework should be banned .

Pros and Cons of Homework (Table Summary)

Pros of homework, 1. homework teaches discipline and habit.

Discipline and habit are two soft skills that children need to develop so they can succeed in life.

Regular daily homework is a simple way that discipline and habit are reinforced. Teachers can talk to students about what they do when they get home from school.

They might develop a habit like getting changed into a new set of clothes, having an afternoon snack, then getting out their homework.

Teachers can also help students visualize these habits and disciplines by talking about where they will do their homework (kitchen table?) and when .

2. Homework helps parents know what’s being learned in class

Parents often appreciate being kept in the loop about what is going on in their child’s classroom. Homework is great for this!

Teachers can set homework based on the current unit of work in the classroom. If the students are learning about dinosaurs, the homework can be a task on dinosaurs.

This helps the teachers to show the parents the valuable learning that’s taking place, and allows parents to feel comfortable that the teacher is doing a great job.

3. Homework teaches time management

Children often have a wide range of after school activities to undertake. They need to develop the skill of managing all these activities to fit homework in.

At school, children’s time is closely managed and controlled. Every lesson ends and begins with a bell or a teacher command.

At some point, children need to learn to manage their own time. Homework is an easy way to start refining this important soft skill.

4. Homework gives students self-paced learning time

At school, a lesson has a clear beginning and end. Students who are struggling may be interrupted and need more time. Homework allows them to work on these tasks at their own pace.

When I was studying math in high school, I never got my work done in time. I understood concepts slower than my peers, and I needed more time to reinforce concepts.

Homework was my chance to keep up, by studying at my own pace.

5. Homework can reduce screen time

Paper-based homework can take students away from their afternoon cartoons and video games and get them working on something of more value.

Screen time is one of the biggest concerns for educators and parents in the 21 st Century. Children spend approximately 5 to 7 hours in front of screens per day.

While screens aren’t all bad, children generally spend more time at screens than is necessary. Homework tasks such as collecting things from the yard or interviewing grandparents gets kids away from screens and into more active activities.

6. Homework gives students productive afternoon activities

Too often, children get home from school and switch off their brains by watching cartoons or playing video games. Homework can be more productive.

Good homework should get students actively thinking. A teacher can set homework that involves creating a product, conducting interviews with family, or writing a story based on things being learned in class.

But even homework that involves repetition of math and spelling tasks can be far more productive than simply watching television.

7. Homework reinforces information taught in class

For difficult tasks, students often need to be exposed to content over and over again until they reach mastery of the topic .

To do this, sometimes you need to do old-fashioned repetition of tasks. Take, for example, algebra. Students will need to repeat the process over and over again so that they will instinctively know how to complete the task when they sit their standardized test.

Of course, the teacher needs to teach and reinforce these foundational skills at school before independent homework practice takes place.

8. Homework helps motivated students to get ahead

Many students who have set themselves the goal of coming first in their class want to do homework to get an advantage over their peers.

Students who want to excel should not be stopped from doing this. If they enjoy homework and it makes them smarter or better at a task, then they should be allowed to do this.

9. Homework gives parents and children time together

When a parent helps their child with homework (by educating and quizzing them, not cheating!), they get a chance to bond.

Working together to complete a task can be good for the relationship between the parent and the child. The parents can also feel good that they’re supporting the child to become more educated.

10. Homework improves parent-teacher relationships

Parents get an inside look at what’s happening at school to improve their trust with the teacher, while also helping the teacher do their job.

Trust between parents and teachers is very important. Parents want to know the teacher is working hard to support students and help them learn. By looking at their children’s homework, they get a good idea of what’s going on in the classroom.

The parent can also feel good about helping the teacher’s mission by sitting with the child during homework and helping to reinforce what’s been learned at school.

11. Homework helps teachers get through the crowded curriculum

Teachers are increasingly asked to teach more and more content each year. Homework can be helpful in making sure it all gets done.

Decades ago, teachers had time to dedicate lessons to repeating and practicing content learned. Today, they’re under pressure to teach one thing then quickly move onto the next. We call this phenomenon the “crowded curriculum”.

Today, teachers may need to teach the core skills in class then ask students to go home and practice what’s been taught to fast-track learning.

12. Homework provides spaced repetition for long-term memorization

Spaced repetition is a strategy that involves quizzing students intermittently on things learned in previous weeks and months.

For example, if students learned division in January, they may forget about it by June. But if the teacher provides division questions for homework in January, March, and May, then the students always keep that knowledge of how to do division in their mind.

Spaced repetition theory states that regularly requiring students to recall information that’s been pushed to the back of their mind can help, over time, commit that information to their long-term memory and prevent long-term forgetting.

13. Homework supports a flipped learning model to make the most of time with the teacher

Flipped learning is a model of education where students do preparation before class so they get to class prepared to learn.

Examples of flipped learning include pre-teaching vocabulary (e.g. giving children new words to learn for homework that they will use in a future in-class lesson), and asking students to watch preparatory videos before class.

This model of homework isn’t about reinforcing things learned in class, but learning things before class to be more prepared for lessons.

14. Homework improves student achievement

An influential review of the literature on homework by Mazano and Pickering (2007) found that homework does improve student achievement.

Another review of the literature by Cooper, Robinson and Patall (2006) similarly found that homework improves achievement. In this review, the authors highlighted that homework appeared more beneficial for high school students’ grades than elementary school students’ grades.

Several progressive education critics , especially Alfie Kohn , have claimed that homework does not help student grades. We have not found the critics’ evidence to be as compelling.

15. Homework helps the education system keep up with other countries’ systems

All nations are competing with one another to have the best education system (measured by standardized tests ). If other countries are assigning homework and your country isn’t, your country will be at a disadvantage.

The main way education systems are compared is the OECD ranking of education systems. This ranking compared standardized test scores on major subjects.

Western nations have been slipping behind Asian nations for several decades. Many Asian education systems have a culture of assigning a lot of homework. To keep up, America may also need to assign homework and encourage their kids to do more homework.

See Also: Homework Statistics List

Cons of Homework

1. homework interferes with play time.

Play-based learning is some of the best learning that can possibly occurs. When children go home from school, the play they do before sunset is hugely beneficial for their development.

Homework can prevent children from playing. Instead, they’re stuck inside repeating tasks on standardized homework sheets.

Of course, if there is no homework, parents would have to make sure children are engaging in beneficial play as well, rather than simply watching TV.

2. Homework interferes with extracurricular activities

After school, many children want to participate in extracurricular activities like sporting and community events.

However, if too much homework is assigned to learners, their parents may not be able to sign them up to co-curricular activities in the school or extracurricular activities outside of the school. This can prevent students from having well-rounded holistic development.

3. Homework discourages students from going outside and getting exercise

Homework is usually an indoors activity. Usually, teachers will assign spelling, math, or science tasks to be repeated through the week on paper or a computer.

But children need time to go outside and get exercise. The CDC recommends children ages 6 to 17 need 60 minutes of moderate to intense exercise per day.

Unfortunately, being stuck indoors may prevent children from getting that much needed exercise for well-rounded development.

4. Homework leads to unsupervised and unsupportive learning

When students get stuck on a task at school, the teacher is there to help. But when students are stuck on a homework task, no support is available.

This leads to a situation where students’ learning and development is harmed. Furthermore, those students who do understand the task can go ahead and get more homework practice done while struggling students can’t progress because the teacher isn’t there to help them through their hurdles.

Often, it’s down to parents to pick up the challenge of teaching their children during homework time. Unfortunately, not all students have parents nearby to help them during homework time.

5. Homework can encourage cheating

When children study without supervision, they have the opportunity to cheat without suffering consequences.

They could, for example, copy their sibling’s homework or use the internet to find answers.

Worse, some parents may help their child to cheat or do the homework for the child. In these cases, homework has no benefit of the child but may teach them bad and unethical habits.

6. Homework contributes to a culture of poor work-life balance

Homework instils a corporate attitude that prioritizes work above everything else. It prepares students for a social norm where you do work for your job even when you’re off the clock.

Students will grow up thinking it’s normal to clock off from their job, go home, and continue to check emails and complete work they didn’t get done during the day.

This sort of culture is bad for society. It interferes with family and recreation time and encourages bosses to behave like they’re in charge of your whole life.

7. Homework discourages children from taking up hobbies

There is an argument to be made that children need spare time so they can learn about what they like and don’t like.

If students have spare time after school, they could fill it up with hobbies. The student can think about what they enjoy (playing with dolls, riding bikes, singing, writing stories).

Downtime encourages people to develop hobbies. Students need this downtime, and homework can interfere with this.

8. Homework creates unfairness between children with parents helping and those who don’t

At school, students generally have a level playing field. They are all in the same classroom with the same resources and the same teacher. At home, it’s a different story.

Some children have parents, siblings, and internet to rely upon. Meanwhile, others have nothing but themselves and a pen.

Those children who are lucky enough to have parents helping out can get a significant advantage over their peers, causing unfairness and inequalities that are not of their own making.

9. Homework causes stress and anxiety

In a study by Galloway, Connor and Pope (2013), they found that 56% of students identified homework as the greatest cause of stress in their lives.

Stress among young people can impact their happiness and mental health. Furthermore, there is an argument to “let kids be kids”. We have a whole life of work and pressure ahead of us. Childhood is a time to be enjoyed without the pressures of life.

10. Homework is often poor-quality work

Teachers will often assign homework that is the less important work and doesn’t have a clear goal.

Good teachers know that a lesson needs to be planned-out with a beginning, middle and end. There usually should be formative assessment as well, which is assessment of students as they learn (rather than just at the end).

But homework doesn’t have the structure of a good lesson. It’s repetition of information already learned, which is a behaviorist learning model that is now outdated for many tasks.

11. Homework is solitary learning

Most education theorists today believe that the best learning occurs in social situations.

Sociocultural learning requires students to express their thoughts and opinions and listen to other people’s ideas. This helps them improve and refine their own thinking through dialogue.

But homework usually takes place alone at the kitchen table. Students don’t have anyone to talk with about what they’re doing, meaning their learning is limited.

12. Homework widens social inequality

Homework can advantage wealthier students and disadvantage poorer students.

In Kralovec and Buell’s (2001) book The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning , the authors argue that poorer students are less likely to have the resources to complete their homework properly.

For example, they might not have the pens, paper, and drawing implements to complete a paper task. Similarly, they might not have the computer, internet connection, or even books to do appropriate research at home.

Parents in poorer households also often work shift work and multiple jobs meaning they have less time to help their children with their homework.

Homework can be both good and bad – there are both advantages and disadvantages of homework. In general, it’s often the case that it depends on the type of homework that is assigned. Well-planned homework used in moderation and agreed upon by teachers, parents and students can be helpful. But other homework can cause serious stress, inequality, and lifestyle imbalance for students.

Cooper, H., Robinson, J. C., & Patall, E. A. (2006). Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research, 1987–2003.  Review of educational research ,  76 (1), 1-62.

Galloway, M., Conner, J., & Pope, D. (2013). Nonacademic effects of homework in privileged, high-performing high schools.  The journal of experimental education ,  81 (4), 490-510. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220973.2012.745469

Kralovec, E., & Buell, J. (2001).  The end of homework: How homework disrupts families, overburdens children, and limits learning . Beacon Press.

Pressman, R. M., Sugarman, D. B., Nemon, M. L., Desjarlais, J., Owens, J. A., & Schettini-Evans, A. (2015). Homework and family stress: With consideration of parents’ self confidence, educational level, and cultural background.  The American Journal of Family Therapy ,  43 (4), 297-313. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2015.1061407

Ren, H., Zhou, Z., Liu, W., Wang, X., & Yin, Z. (2017). Excessive homework, inadequate sleep, physical inactivity and screen viewing time are major contributors to high paediatric obesity.  Acta Paediatrica ,  106 (1), 120-127. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.13640

Yeo, S. C., Tan, J., Lo, J. C., Chee, M. W., & Gooley, J. J. (2020). Associations of time spent on homework or studying with nocturnal sleep behavior and depression symptoms in adolescents from Singapore.  Sleep Health ,  6 (6), 758-766. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2020.04.011

Chris

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i love this it helped me a lot in class and it can be used more around the United States of amarica

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The Pros and Cons of Homework

advantages and disadvantages of doing homework essay

Updated: July 16, 2024

Published: January 23, 2020

The-Pros-and-Cons-Should-Students-Have-Homework

Remember those nights when you’d find yourself staring at a mountain of homework, eyes drooping, wondering if you’d ever see the light at the end of the tunnel? The debate over homework’s role in education is as old as time. Is it a crucial tool for reinforcing learning or just an unnecessary burden?

For college students, this question takes on new dimensions. Juggling homework with the endless amount of classes, part-time jobs, and social lives can feel like walking on thin ice. The pressure to maintain grades, meet deadlines, and still find time for friends and relaxation can be overwhelming. So, is homework a friend or foe?

A college student completely swamped with homework.

Photo by  energepic.com  from  Pexels

The homework dilemma.

A large amount of college students report feeling overwhelmed by their academic workload, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety. According to Research.com , 45% of college students in the U.S. experience “more than average” stress, with 36.5% citing stress as a major impediment to their academic performance. This stress often stems directly from the homework load, leading to symptoms like headaches, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping. The intense pressure to manage homework alongside other responsibilities makes us question the true impact of homework on students’ overall well-being.

And then there’s the digital twist. A whopping 89% of students confessed to using AI tools like ChatGPT for their assignments. While these tools can be a godsend for quick answers and assistance, they can also undermine the personal effort and critical thinking necessary to truly understand the material.

On the brighter side, homework can be a powerful ally. According to Inside Higher Ed , structured assignments can actually help reduce stress by providing a clear learning roadmap and keeping students engaged with the material. But where’s the balance between helpful and harmful? 

With these perspectives in mind, let’s dive into the pros and cons of homework for college students. By understanding both sides, we can find a middle ground that maximizes learning while keeping stress at bay.

The Pros of Homework

When thoughtfully assigned, homework can be a valuable tool in a student’s educational journey . Let’s explore how homework can be a beneficial companion to your studies:

Enhances Critical Thinking

Homework isn’t just busywork; it’s an opportunity to stretch your mental muscles. Those late-night problem sets and essays can actually encourage deeper understanding and application of concepts. Think of homework as a mental gym; each assignment is a new exercise, pushing you to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in ways that strengthen your critical thinking skills .

Time Management Skills

Do you ever juggle multiple deadlines and wonder how to keep it all together? Regular homework assignments can be a crash course in time management . They teach you to prioritize tasks, manage your schedule, and balance academic responsibilities with personal commitments. The ability to juggle various tasks is a skill that will serve you well beyond your college years.

Reinforcement of Learning

There’s a reason why practice makes perfect. Homework reinforces what you’ve learned in class, helping to cement concepts and theories in your mind. Understanding a concept during a lecture is one thing, but applying it through homework can deepen your comprehension and retention. 

Preparation for Exams

Think of homework as a sound check and warm-up for exams. Regular assignments keep you engaged with the material, making it easier to review and prepare when exam time rolls around. By consistently working through problems and writing essays, you build a solid foundation that can make the difference between cramming and confident exam performance.

Encourages Independent Learning

Homework promotes a sense of responsibility and independence. It pushes you to tackle assignments on your own, encouraging problem-solving and self-discipline. This independence prepares you for the academic challenges ahead and the autonomy required in your professional and personal life.

A female student who doesn’t want to do homework.

The Cons of Homework

Despite its potential benefits, homework can also have significant downsides. Let’s examine the challenges and drawbacks of homework:

Impact on Mental Health

Homework can be a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health . While it’s meant to reinforce learning, the sheer volume of assignments can lead to stress and anxiety. The constant pressure to meet deadlines and the fear of falling behind can create a relentless cycle of stress. Many students become overwhelmed, leading to burnout and negatively impacting their overall well-being. 

Limited Time for Other Activities

College isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s also a time for personal growth, exploring new interests, and building social connections. Excessive homework can eat into the time you might otherwise spend on extracurricular activities, hobbies, or simply hanging out with friends. This lack of balance can lead to a less fulfilling college experience. Shouldn’t education be about more than just academics?

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to homework, more isn’t always better. Piling on assignments can lead to diminished returns on learning. Instead of diving deep into a subject and gaining a thorough understanding, students might rush through tasks just to get them done. This focus on quantity over quality can undermine the educational value of homework. 

Inequity in Education

Homework can sometimes exacerbate educational inequalities. Not all students can access the same resources and support systems at home. While some might have a quiet space and access to the internet, others might struggle with distractions and lack of resources. This disparity can put certain students at a disadvantage, making homework more of a burden than a learning tool. 

Dependence on AI Tools

With the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT , homework has taken on a new dimension. While these tools can provide quick answers and assistance, they also pose the risk of students becoming overly reliant on technology. This dependence can take away from the actual learning process, as students might bypass the critical thinking and effort needed to truly understand the material. Is convenience worth the potential loss in learning?

Finding the Balance

Finding the right balance with homework means tackling assignments that challenge and support you. Instead of drowning in a sea of tasks, focus on quality over quantity. Choose projects that spark your critical thinking and connect to real-world situations. Flexibility is key here. Recognize that your circumstances are unique, and adjusting your approach can help reduce stress and create a more inclusive learning environment. Constructive feedback makes homework more than just a chore; it turns it into a tool for growth and improvement.

It’s also about living a well-rounded college life. Don’t let homework overshadow other important parts of your life, like extracurricular activities or personal downtime. Emphasize independent learning and use technology wisely to prepare for future challenges. By balancing thoughtful assignments with your personal needs, homework can shift from being a burden to becoming a helpful companion on your educational journey, enriching your academic and personal growth.

Homework has its pros and cons, especially for college students. It can enhance critical thinking, time management, and learning, but it also brings stress, impacts mental health, and can become overwhelming. Finding the right balance is key. 

Focus on quality assignments, maintain flexibility, and make sure your homework complements rather than dominates your life. With a thoughtful approach, homework can support your educational journey, fostering both academic success and personal growth.

How can I manage my time effectively to balance homework and other activities?

Create a schedule that allocates specific times for homework, classes, and personal activities. Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of deadlines and prioritize tasks. Don’t forget to include breaks to avoid burnout.

How can I reduce the stress associated with homework?

To manage stress, practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Break assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time. If needed, seek support from classmates, tutors, or mental health professionals.

Is using AI tools for homework cheating?

While AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful for quick assistance, relying on them too much can hinder your learning process. Use them as a supplement rather than a replacement for your own effort and critical thinking.

How can teachers make homework more equitable?

Teachers can offer flexible deadlines, provide resources for students who lack them, and design assignments that account for different learning styles and home environments. Open communication between students and teachers can also help address individual challenges.

What are some strategies to make homework more meaningful?

Focus on quality over quantity by designing assignments that encourage deep thinking and application of knowledge. Integrate real-world problems to make homework more relevant and engaging. Provide constructive feedback to help students learn and grow from their assignments.

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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20 Pros and Cons of Homework

Homework. It’s a word that sends a shudder down the spine of students and parents alike.

It is also a question that has become divisive. Some people feel that homework is an effective way to reinforce the concepts that were learned at school. Others feel like the time that homework demands would be better spent with a meaningful activity that brings the family together.

Is homework important? Is it necessary? Or is the added stress that homework places on students and parents doing more harm than good? Here are some of the key pros and cons to discuss.

List of the Pros of Homework

1. It encourages the discipline of practice. Repeating the same problems over and over can be boring and difficult, but it also reinforces the practice of discipline. To get better at a skill, repetition is often necessary. You get better with each repetition. By having homework completed every night, especially with a difficult subject, the concepts become easier to understand. That gives the student an advantage later on in life when seeking a vocational career.

2. It gets parents involved with a child’s life. Looking at Common Core math can be somewhat bewildering to parents. If you see the math problem 5×3 expressed as an addition problem, 5+5+5 seems like the right answer. The correct answer, however, would be 3+3+3+3+3. By bringing homework to do, students can engage their learning process with their parents so everyone can be involved. Many parents actually want homework sent so they can see what their children are being taught in the classroom.

3. It teaches time management skills. Homework goes beyond completing a task. It forces children (and parents, to some extent) to develop time management skills. Schedules must be organized to ensure that all tasks can be completed during the day. This creates independent thinking and develops problem-solving skills. It encourages research skills. It also puts parents and children into a position where positive decision-making skills must be developed.

4. Homework creates a communication network. Teachers rarely see into the family lives of their students. Parents rarely see the classroom lives of their children. Homework is a bridge that opens lines of communication between the school, the teacher, and the parent. This allows everyone to get to know one another better. It helps teachers understand the needs of their students better.

It allows parents to find out their child’s strengths and weaknesses. Together, an educational plan can be developed that encourages the best possible learning environment.

5. It allows for a comfortable place to study. Classrooms have evolved over the years to be a warmer and welcoming environment, but there is nothing like the comfort that is felt at home or in a safe space. By encouraging studies where a child feels the most comfortable, it is possible to retain additional information that may get lost within the standard classroom environment.

6. It provides more time to complete the learning process. The time allotted for each area of study in school, especially in K-12, is often limited to 1 hour or less per day. That is not always enough time for students to be able to grasp core concepts of that material. By creating specific homework assignments which address these deficiencies, it becomes possible to counter the effects of the time shortages. That can benefit students greatly over time.

7. It reduces screen time. On the average school night, a student in the US might get 3-4 hours of screen time in per day. When that student isn’t in school, that figure doubles to 7-8 hours of screen time. Homework might be unwanted and disliked, but it does encourage better study habits. It discourages time being spent in front of the television or playing games on a mobile device. That, in turn, may discourage distracting habits from forming that can take away from the learning process in the future.

8. It can be treated like any other extracurricular activity. Some families over-extend themselves on extracurricular activities. Students can easily have more than 40 hours per week, from clubs to sports, that fall outside of regular school hours. Homework can be treated as one of these activities, fitting into the schedule where there is extra time. As an added benefit, some homework can even be completed on the way to or from some activities.

List of the Cons of Homework

1. Children benefit from playing. Being in a classroom can be a good thing, but so can being on a playground. With too much homework, a child doesn’t have enough time to play and that can impact their learning and social development. Low levels of play are associated with lower academic achievement levels, lower safety awareness, less character development, and lower overall health.

2. It encourages a sedentary lifestyle. Long homework assignments require long periods of sitting. A sedentary lifestyle has numerous direct associations with premature death as children age into adults. Obesity levels are already at or near record highs in many communities. Homework may reinforce certain skills and encourage knowledge retention, but it may come at a high price.

3. Not every home is a beneficial environment. There are some homes that are highly invested into their children. Parents may be involved in every stage of homework or there may be access to tutors that can explain difficult concepts. In other homes, there may be little or no education investment into the child. Some parents push the responsibility of teaching off on the teacher and provide no homework support at all.

Sometimes parents may wish to be involved and support their child, but there are barriers in place that prevent this from happening. The bottom line is this: no every home life is equal.

4. School is already a full-time job for kids. An elementary school day might start at 9:00am and end at 3:20pm. That’s more than 6 hours of work that kids as young as 5 are putting into their education every day. Add in the extra-curricular activities that schools encourage, such as sports, musicals, and after-school programming and a student can easily reach 8 hours of education in the average day. Then add homework on top of that? It is asking a lot for any child, but especially young children, to complete extra homework.

5. There is no evidence that homework creates improvements. Survey after survey has found that the only thing that homework does is create a negative attitude toward schooling and education in general. Homework is not associated with a higher level of academic achievement on a national scale. It may help some students who struggle with certain subjects, if they have access to a knowledgeable tutor or parent, but on a community level, there is no evidence that shows improvements are gained.

6. It discourages creative endeavors. If a student is spending 1 hour each day on homework, that’s an hour they are not spending pursuing something that is important to them. Students might like to play video games or watch TV, but homework takes time away from learning an instrument, painting, or developing photography skills as well. Although some homework can involve creative skills, that usually isn’t the case.

7. Homework is difficult to enforce. Some students just don’t care about homework. They can achieve adequate grades without doing it, so they choose not to do it. There is no level of motivation that a parent or teacher can create that inspires some students to get involved with homework. There is no denying the fact that homework requires a certain amount of effort. Sometimes a child just doesn’t want to put in that effort.

8. Extra time in school does not equate to better grades. Students in the US spend more than 100 hours of extra time in school already compared to high-performing countries around the world, but that has not closed the educational gap between those countries and the United States. In some educational areas, the US is even falling in global rankings despite the extra time that students are spending in school. When it comes to homework or any other form of learning, quality is much more important than quantity.

9. Accurate practice may not be possible. If homework is assigned, there is a reliance on the student, their parents, or their guardians to locate resources that can help them understand the content. Homework is often about practice, but if the core concepts of that information are not understood or inaccurately understood, then the results are the opposite of what is intended. If inaccurate practice is performed, it becomes necessary for the teacher to first correct the issue and then reteach it, which prolongs the learning process.

10. It may encourage cheating on multiple levels. Some students may decide that cheating in the classroom to avoid taking homework home is a compromise they’re willing to make. With internet resources, finding the answers to homework instead of figuring out the answers on one’s own is a constant temptation as well. For families with multiple children, they may decide to copy off one another to minimize the time investment.

11. Too much homework is often assigned to students. There is a general agreement that students should be assigned no more than 10 minutes of homework per day, per grade level. That means a first grader should not be assigned more than 10 minutes of homework per night. Yet for the average first grader in US public schools, they come home with 20 minutes of homework and then are asked to complete 20 minutes of reading on top of that. That means some students are completing 4x more homework than recommended every night.

At the same time, the amount of time children spent playing outdoors has decreased by 40% over the past 30 years.

For high school students, it is even worse at high performing schools in the US where 90% of graduates go onto college, the average amount of homework assigned per night was 3 hours per student.

12. Homework is often geared toward benchmarks. Homework is often assigned to improve test scores. Although this can provide positive outcomes, including better study skills or habits, the fact is that when children are tired, they do not absorb much information. When children have more homework than recommended, test scores actually go down. Stress levels go up. Burnout on the curriculum occurs.

The results for many students, according to research from Ruben Fernandez-Alonso in the Journal of Educational Psychology, is a decrease in grades instead of an increase.

The pros and cons of homework are admittedly all over the map. Many parents and teachers follow their personal perspectives and create learning environments around them. When parents and teachers clash on homework, the student is often left in the middle of that tug of war. By discussing these key points, each side can work to find some common ground so our children can benefit for a clear, precise message.

Quantity may be important, but quality must be the priority for homework if a student is going to be successful.

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The Pros and Cons of Homework: a College Student's Perspective

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Published: Mar 8, 2024

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Advantages of homework:, disadvantages of homework:.

  • Reinforces Learning: Homework is an extension of classroom learning that is designed to reinforce concepts taught during class. Practicing what you've learned helps to solidify understanding, helping you to feel more confident in your abilities when the time comes to apply knowledge in the long term.
  • Encourages Responsibility: Homework requires a great deal of responsibility and discipline that can be beneficial for students in the longer term. Completing assignments on time and to a high standard can help to instill a sense of responsibility that can be applied in both academic and professional settings.
  • Preparation for Exams: Homework is seen as a form of preparation for the exams because it provides you with an opportunity to practice solving problems and answering questions similar to those that will be on the exam. This way, you can identify gaps in your knowledge and work towards improving on these areas before the exam day.
  • Improvement of Time Management : Homework requires effective time management to complete, and when done correctly, it helps to develop essential time management skills that are crucial in most aspects of life. Knowing how to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively can help students complete their assignments on time while still having enough time for studying, leisure, and other activities.
  • Development of Self-Discipline: Homework permits self-discipline that is vital when it comes to managing deadlines, holding oneself accountable, and also handling day-to-day activities.
  • Time Constraints: Students have a lot on their plates regarding college life that they need to manage effectively, such as classes, social life, and other extra-curricular activities. Homework can eat away at precious time that could have been spent on other essential activities.
  • Overburdened: When assigned too much homework, some students may feel overburdened, and find it difficult to balance their workload. This may lead to stress and burnout, particularly for students who are trying to balance part-time or full-time work and school activities.
  • No Time for Creative Activities: Homework might take up much time preventing students from engaging in activities that are rather creative such as dance, art, music, and other hobbies that can enhance overall skills.
  • Inequality: Students who do not have resources such as internet access or requisite text books may end up struggling to do homework, making them likely to fall behind in their studies.
  • Reduction in Quality Family Time: With a pile of homework waiting behind, family times are cut short as they need to meet with deadlines to avoid penalties.

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The Pros and Cons of Homework: What You Need to Know

Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of homework.

Homework has been a long-standing educational tradition, but it has also been a topic of debate. While some believe it reinforces learning , others argue that it adds unnecessary stress to students. In this article, we'll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of homework to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact on students and their learning journey.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, understanding the pros and cons of homework can shed light on its effectiveness as a learning tool. Let's dive deep into the subject to uncover the truths and myths surrounding homework.

Homework, often seen as a mundane task, actually offers several unexpected advantages that contribute to a student's overall academic growth and personal development. Let's explore some of the lesser-known benefits of homework.

Missing a pro?

While homework has its merits, it also carries certain drawbacks that have sparked discussions about its efficacy in modern education. It's essential to weigh these disadvantages to understand the potential challenges associated with homework completion.

Missing a con?

The debate surrounding homework will likely persist, but a balanced understanding of its advantages and disadvantages is crucial for informed decision-making in educational settings. By recognizing the potential benefits and drawbacks of homework, educators and parents can strive to implement strategies that maximize its positive impact while mitigating its limitations.

What do you think?

Do you think the pros outweigh the cons?

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advantages and disadvantages of doing homework essay

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advantages and disadvantages of doing homework essay

The Pros and Cons of Homework: An In-Depth Analysis

Homework has been an integral part of the education system for decades, linking classroom learning and independent study. However, its effectiveness and impact on student academic performance have been subjects of ongoing debate and research. 

This comprehensive article will explore the multifaceted relationship between homework and student achievement, analyzing the factors, theories, and research findings that shape our understanding of its advantages and disadvantages.

Defining Homework and Its Purpose

Before examining the pros and cons, defining what homework entails and its intended purpose is essential. Homework includes a variety of tasks assigned by teachers to be completed outside of regular classroom hours, such as practice exercises, reading assignments to cultivate reading habits in your child , projects, and essays. Its primary objectives include reinforcing classroom learning, fostering independent study habits, and providing opportunities for skill development and application.

Table of Contents

Advantages of homework, 1. reinforces classroom learning.

Homework is most effective when it allows students to review and practice what they’ve learned in class. Assigned tasks that revisit taught concepts reinforce acquired knowledge and increase the likelihood of students retaining key information. By applying learned skills to other subjects and practical situations, homework helps students consolidate their understanding and transfer knowledge to real-life contexts.

2. Develops Important Study Skills

From time management and organization to self-motivation and independent learning, homework teaches students a range of valuable skills that they will carry with them throughout their academic and professional lives. Home learning encourages students to take responsibility for their workload while promoting the development of positive research practices, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

3. Provides Insight into Student Comprehension

Assigning learning tasks at home is an effective way for teachers to assess whether students are grasping the curriculum. By analyzing gaps in comprehension or information through homework, teachers can tailor their approach to each student’s needs, identifying those who require extra support or may benefit from more challenging learning tasks.

4. Promotes Parent-Child Bonding

When parents assist their children with assignments, it creates an opportunity for them to bond and spend quality time together. This collaboration fosters a supportive learning environment at home and helps parents stay informed about their child’s academic progress and areas where they may need additional guidance.

5. Encourages Self-Discipline and Responsibility

Homework instills a sense of self-discipline and responsibility in students. By managing their time effectively, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines, students develop essential life skills that will serve them well beyond their academic years. Regular homework completion also teaches students the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving their goals.

6. Facilitates Individualized Learning

Homework allows students to work at their own pace and delve deeper into subjects that interest them. By providing opportunities for independent exploration and research, homework encourages students to pursue their curiosity and develop a love for learning. This individualized approach can lead to a more personalized and engaging educational experience.

Read More – 10 Benefits of Homework: Enhancing Student Success with Guru at Home  

Disadvantages of Homework

1. causes unnecessary stress.

The mere mention of homework can evoke feelings of anxiety and dread in students. When the workload becomes excessive and tasks increasingly challenging, homework can cause students to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and demotivated. This can lead to sleep deprivation, behavioral changes, and a negative perception of homework as a burdensome aspect of school life.

2. Interferes with Leisure Time

Free time allows children to relax, explore the world on their own terms, and engage in activities that teach valuable life skills. Healthy levels of physical activity, which can boost cognitive function, may be hindered by sedentary time spent completing homework. Striking a balance between academic responsibilities and personal pursuits is essential for overall student well-being.

3. Effectiveness Varies by Grade Level

It suggests that the relationship between homework and academic performance is influenced by grade level. We have found that homework in primary school has a minimal effect, as students often complete separate and unrelated projects rather than reinforcing learned knowledge. The effectiveness of homework appears to increase in higher grades when students are assigned tasks that ask them to revise taught information.

4. Contributes to Inequality

Homework can create disparities between children with parents who are available and willing to help and those who lack such support. Some parents have invested in study stations or hired private tutors for their children , while others may not have the capacity to provide these resources. This disparity in access and assistance can widen the achievement gap and perpetuate social inequality.

5. Potential for Overload and Burnout

When homework assignments are excessive or poorly designed, they can lead to student overload and burnout. If students are consistently overwhelmed by the volume or difficulty of homework, they may experience decreased motivation, reduced engagement, and a negative attitude towards learning. This can have long-term consequences for their academic and personal well-being.

6. Limited Quality Family Time

Excessive homework can encroach upon valuable family time, reducing opportunities for meaningful interactions and shared experiences. When students are burdened with hours of homework each day, it can strain family relationships and limit the time available for family bonding, leisure activities, and personal pursuits. This can have a detrimental impact on overall family well-being and work-life balance.

The Role of Online Tutoring in Optimizing Homework

Online tutoring platforms like Guru At Home offer personalized, affordable virtual tutoring that can help students navigate the challenges associated with homework and optimize their learning experience. Here’s how Guru At Home can assist with the pros and cons of homework:

  • Personalized Attention : One-on-one tutoring allows for tailored instruction that addresses specific gaps in knowledge or understanding, significantly enhancing a student’s grasp of the material. Guru At Home offers online tutoring for various grade levels, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, ensuring that students receive age-appropriate support.
  • Subject-Specific Expertise : Guru At Home connects students with qualified tutors who specialize in various subjects, including English, Math, Science, Algebra, and more. This access to expertise provides insights and explanations that might not be available in regular classes, helping students tackle challenging homework assignments with confidence.
  • Flexible Scheduling : With the convenience of scheduling online tutoring sessions at times that work best for the student, Guru At Home accommodates busy schedules and allows for a more relaxed learning environment. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students juggling homework with extracurricular activities and other commitments.
  • Language Support : Guru At Home offers online tutoring in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, French, German, and Spanish. This language support ensures that students can receive homework assistance in their preferred language, breaking down barriers to understanding and facilitating effective learning.
  • Exam Preparation : For students preparing for important exams like the SAT, Guru At Home provides dedicated online tutors who can help them navigate the challenges of test-specific homework and develop effective study strategies. This targeted support can alleviate stress and boost confidence leading up to crucial assessments.
  • International Reach : Guru At Home caters to students across the globe, with online tutors available in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, UK, and more. This international presence ensures that students can access high-quality homework support regardless of their location, bridging educational gaps and fostering a global learning community.
  • Coding and Technology Skills : In addition to traditional subjects, Guru At Home offers online tutoring in coding languages such as CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Python, Scratch, C++, and C. They also provide guidance in popular platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. These skills are increasingly valuable in today’s digital world and can enhance students’ problem-solving abilities and computational thinking.
  • Personalized Learning Plans : Guru At Home’s experienced tutors work closely with students to develop personalized learning plans that align with their individual needs, learning styles, and goals. By tailoring homework support to each student’s unique requirements, tutors can optimize the learning experience and help students achieve their full potential.
  • Progress Monitoring and Feedback : Guru At Home’s online tutoring platform provides regular progress monitoring and feedback to students and parents. This allows for timely interventions, adjustments to the learning plan, and targeted support where needed. By tracking student progress and providing constructive feedback, tutors can help students stay on track and continuously improve their performance.
  • Affordable and Accessible : Guru At Home offers affordable pricing options, making high-quality tutoring accessible to a wider range of students and families. With flexible payment plans and the ability to choose the number of tutoring sessions based on individual needs, Guru At Home ensures that personalized homework support is within reach for everyone. Read More – How Does Homework Help Students in the Future?

Homework has both pros and cons, enhancing learning and study skills but also causing stress and widening inequalities. Its impact varies, being more beneficial for older students when tasks are well-designed. A balanced approach is key to optimizing homework’s effectiveness.

Platforms like Guru At Home offer personalized tutoring that can alleviate homework challenges by providing targeted support and flexibility. By leveraging such resources, students can better manage homework, leading to improved academic outcomes and personal growth. Collaboration among educators, parents, and students is crucial to creating a balanced and supportive homework environment.

The appropriate amount of homework varies by grade level and individual student needs. For elementary students, 10-20 minutes per night is recommended, while middle and high school students may benefit from 30-90 minutes per night. Excessive homework can lead to stress and burnout, so it’s important to find a balance.

Research indicates that homework can have a positive impact on academic performance, particularly in higher grades. However, its effectiveness depends on factors such as the quality of assignments, grade level, and individual student needs.

Parents can support their children by providing a quiet and organized study space, setting a regular homework routine, offering encouragement and guidance, and communicating with teachers if issues arise. It’s important for parents to be involved without taking over the work.

Yes, alternatives to traditional homework include project-based learning, hands-on activities, reading for pleasure, and real-world problem-solving tasks. These approaches can engage students in meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

Yes, too much homework can cause stress, anxiety, and burnout in students. It’s important for teachers to assign manageable amounts of homework that are appropriate for the student’s grade level and individual needs.

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  1. The Pros and Cons of Homework - Oxford Learning

    There are many pros and cons of homework. We’ve examined a few significant points to provide you with a summary of the benefits and disadvantages of homework. Check Out The Pros and Cons of Homework. Pro 1: Homework Helps to Improve Student Achievement.

  2. The Pros and Cons of Homework: [Essay Example], 715 words

    In this essay, we will explore the pros and cons of homework, examining its impact on students, families, and the educational system as a whole, and consider how educators can strike a balance to maximize its benefits while minimizing its downsides.

  3. 27 Top Homework Pros and Cons - Helpful Professor

    Key arguments for homework include the fact it gives students structure, improves their learning, and improves parent-teacher relationships. Arguments for the cons of homework include the fact it interferes with playtime and causes stress to children, leading to arguments that homework should be banned. Contents show.

  4. The Pros and Cons of Homework | UoPeople - University of the ...

    Homework has its pros and cons, especially for college students. It can enhance critical thinking, time management, and learning, but it also brings stress, impacts mental health, and can become overwhelming.

  5. Is homework a necessary evil?

    In fact, too much homework can do more harm than good. Researchers have cited drawbacks, including boredom and burnout toward academic material, less time for family and extracurricular activities, lack of sleep and increased stress.

  6. Essay On Homework | Advantages and Disadvantages

    Advantages of Homework. There are a few advantages to homework. First, it can help students stay on track and achieve their goals. Second, it can help students learn more about the subject they are studying. Third, it can help students develop better study habits. Finally, homework can help students improve their grades.

  7. 20 Pros and Cons of Homework - Vittana.org

    Is it necessary? Or is the added stress that homework places on students and parents doing more harm than good? Here are some of the key pros and cons to discuss. List of the Pros of Homework. 1. It encourages the discipline of practice.

  8. The Pros and Cons of Homework: a College Student's Perspective

    While some believe that homework is essential for academic success, others argue that it's a waste of time that should be spent on other activities. In this essay, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of homework from my perspective as a college student.

  9. Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Homework | Pros vs Cons

    Pros. Homework, often seen as a mundane task, actually offers several unexpected advantages that contribute to a student's overall academic growth and personal development. Let's explore some of the lesser-known benefits of homework. +1. Preparation for Tests and Exams.

  10. The Pros and Cons of Homework: An In-Depth Analysis

    This comprehensive article will explore the multifaceted relationship between homework and student achievement, analyzing the factors, theories, and research findings that shape our understanding of its advantages and disadvantages.