Both sides of the homework issue offer very valid arguements.
Pro: Homework teaches students study skills, self-discipline, and concentration. It is also true that there are some things that require practice and repitition in order to learn. Homework is associated with higher academic performance, especially as students get older. Advocates say that homework keeps students minds "sharp" over vacations and weekends. The myth that most students are overburdened with homework is untrue. Low standards and skimpy workloads in our nations schools are undoubtedly the cause of low performance on a national level. In fact, the majority of American students have been reported to spend less than one hour a night on homework.
Con: Homework results in high amounts of stress put on students in spite of the fact that it does necessarily correlate to better performance academically. It has actually been shown that overloading students with homework results in lower overall performance. Uneccessary homework puts extra burden on students who are already overwhelmed by their own schedules. Homework overlooks the fact that students need time to rest and to socialize in order to maximize their ability to learn. On top of this, studies have found very little evidence that homework in early grades (k-8) has any effect on academic performance at all. Excessive amounts of homework also puts stress on parents, who help their children to confront this task. International studies have shown that countries with that give larger amounts of homework actually perform poorer on standardized tests. Most importantly, the daunting, repetitive nature of homework often robs a student of his or her desire to learn, doing untold damage.
I think that I am going to argue the pro homework side. Doing this makes me feel like a complete hypocrite, but I feel it will be much easier to argue. Also, by arguing the pro side, I would be arguing about the necessity of homework for students who have relatively little. Seeing as I have quite a lot of homework this stance would not really affect me. Even though there is evidence on the negative effects of homework, it does not seem solid enough to me, and I am not going to waste extra time just to find that there is no more substantial evidence on the topic. Instead I will do less work, and argue that other people should do more work. Gotta love the irony.
2 comments:
Hey Neil, I feel your pain, I'm anti-homework as well. If you want to argue the anti-homework side I think you could pull it off, but it's your choice.
I think extracurricular activities and sports take up too much time after school for homework and these things are just as important.
Hypocritical? We know you're taking the pro argument because you secretly adore homework.
Whichever stance you choose, I hope you find enough tangible support. Your best evidence is probably going to come from international studies and attitudes toward homework. How does the amount of homework relate to the academic performance of a nation's students? You state that this supports the con side, although you could probably find evidence otherwise.
But particularly for your pro arguments, I hope you have enough supportive information.
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