All play, ‘no homework’ will make kids forget lessons: Schools

Schools in the city have opposed the ‘no homework’ policy directive of the human resource development ministry, claiming it will make students lethargic and consequently, increase the teachers' workload. School authorities feel if no homework is given to students of Classes 1 and 2, they will forget what they have learnt at school and teachers will have to keep repeating lessons.

According to the ministry circular, schools across the country have been directed not to give any homework to students of Classes 1 and 2. But authorities of various schools claim this will not help the growth of students, as homework helps students practise their lessons at home and helps them better understand concepts.

Students of Classes 1 and 2 tend to forget their lessons easily, schools say. Ida D’souza, principal of a suburban school, said, “Five- and six-year-olds have a short memory. When these students go home, they are exposed to cartoons on television, games, storybooks and other attractions, which make them forget what they learnt in their classroom on that particular day. Homework is a way to help them memorise their lessons, from an early age.”

The state education department revealed, the no homework policy is being initiated in order to reduce the burden on students.

On the contrary, teachers claimed they are trying to their wards' stress by making homework creative and interesting. Teacher Kishan Ghadge said, “We give homework which includes activities like drawing, painting, writing alphabets, memorising mathematical tables or paper art. We are trying to keep it light and creative so that students enjoy working on assignments at home.”