Homework hovers above every student’s head at one point or another. Whether it be a big slideshow presentation or a simple math sheet, is homework really effective at preparing students for the future?
According to a rule of thumb, by the time you are a senior in high school, you should be doing no more than about 2 hours of homework a night. This isn’t just a general “hope” either. This is coming from both the National Education Association and the Parent Teacher Association. However, around 57% of students according to threepennypress experience 3 to 5 hours of homework, with 14% of those students reporting 6 to 8 hours of homework every night.
Most of these students, around 77%, agree that 0 to 2 hours is the healthiest amount of homework someone should be doing everyday.
Some students at BHS shared their average amount of daily homework. Freshman and seniors had a healthier amount of 1 to 2 hours everyday, meanwhile sophomores had 2 to 3 hours and juniors reported 3 to 4 hours of homework everyday. When you are a highschool student juggling at least four classes at a time, usually six and sometimes seven, there is bound to be some sort of negative mental health “bonus”.
Denis Pope who is a senior lecturer at Stanford Graduate school stated in writing, “Our findings on the effects of homework challenge the traditional assumption that homework is inherently good.” While many people may find homework a necessity in showing persistence, responsibility, and willingness, maybe homework should be viewed from a different approach. Flynn Demapendan-Espana, a senior, reported feeling drained from homework, stating, “I see it as more effective to do said work during school because that is when your brain is fully working and you have people to ask. When you’re at home, your only sources of help are your knowledge, your notes, and the internet.” A freshman, a sophomore, and a junior all agreed that homework is draining, as well.
Not even all adults at BHS believe homework should be a necessity. Mrs. Lynn, the teacher at the wellness center at BHS, believes that homework is“not necessarily” necessary. “I think it would be great if most of the work could be done in class,” she added on. When asked about if homework from teachers is a reasonable request, Mr. C said, “I think it’s very reasonable, but I think it depends on the class or instructor. I would give minimal homework that would be like, ‘Of course I can get that done!’”
These BHS adults, while agreeing homework can be helpful or necessary, also believe that sometimes the amount can be overwhelming or too much. Being told that students average 3 to 5 hours of homework nightly, Mr .C said, “That’s too much. This is just homework, not even the added pressure of being a person!”
So, whether you agree on the idea of homework or think it’s not necessary, it’s clear that some sort of limit should be put on homework based on research, mental health, and personal opinions. Keep homework to help students learn, but reduce the amount to help keep them sane.
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