What's the point of homework?

The controversial topic of homework has always made students wonder how it truly facilitates their learning process or if this time consuming activity is all in vain. Some researchers have stated the fact that homework is not an important factor of academic success. If anything, it only improves reading skills and, of course, the immense amount of work takes up a significant amount of time. Harris Cooper, a professor at Duke University, conducted a study that proved high school students who spend more than two hours a night on completing homework assignments receive no educational benefit.
    Teachers tend to defend the idea that homework is the key ingredient to success. Different opinions and theories about the purpose of homework caused researchers to discover many problems brought on by this issue. In the 1930s, children’s health problems such as tuberculosis were partially blamed on homework. With the everlasting confusion on whether this method of teaching is useful or not, students continue to struggle with this challenge that has existed for more than a century.
    On the other hand, this academic requirement is thought to teach students a life lesson on the importance of responsibility, organization and time management skills. Educators believe that homework offers students the chance to select priorities and focus on a schedule. It also prepares them for the strict courses and heavy workload given in college.
    “My goal is to make sure the work a student is doing is really helping them learn the material rather than doing busy work,” said Andrew Suddarth, a World History II teacher.  
    “It’s not that I don’t know the material, it’s just that teachers are pretty much making me do the same thing I did in class but on my own time and I don’t think that’s fair,” said sophomore Anna Walker. Students have their own preferences when it comes to applying strategies while doing homework. It becomes more effective if students develop personal ways of doing their work because it makes them feel more comfortable when completing the assignments.
    “On the rare occasion when I do my homework, I like to listen to music because it helps me focus on the work instead of paying attention to everything else around me,” said Walker.
    The amount of homework given to students each night varies for every class. However, most teachers assign at least one major project per quarter, a quiz or test per week and daily homework.
    “If you see the material once you may or may not remember it, so you need to keep using and reviewing the material,” said Suddarth, who sees homework as a continuation of what was presented in class.
     In order to see homework as something useful rather than just a waste of time, teachers suggest a few basic ideas to keep in mind throughout this process. Taking notes during class is fundamental as they might be helpful when practicing the material at home. Establishing an appropriate environment where there will be no distractions and keeping a homework calendar or agenda are important for students to successfully complete homework.
    “I think homework is beneficial because it can reinforce skill and it provides an opportunity for students to discover new information,” said Scott Hambrick, a Psychology and Government teacher. Even though recent studies show that homework is not necessarily the key element to mastering material, its still included in the curriculum. Students continue to demonstrate effort into the work and hope to attain academic success.