HOMEWORK: SHOULD IT BE ABOLISHED OR RETAINED?

AUREO D. BAKING

While it is true that the goal of every teacher for giving homework is to raise the bar of the learners’ achievements, there is really a need to repurpose homework by diagnosing where they are through in a series of mastery checks. According to Cooper (2001), assignment or homework refers to tasks as exercises given by school teachers to their students that are meant to be accomplished during non-school hours, specially at home. Some common assignments include reading, writing, and solving mathematical problems and exercises or drills to be practiced. It is an extension or elaboration of classroom work. NEA (2015) also stated that homework is a common instructional practice that is used to motivate students, develop their studying skills and habits, inform parents about student learning, and increase achievement. In addition, Kalchman (2011) said that homework is an effective way to extend instruction and monitor the learners’ progress in different subject areas. Aside from improving students’ skills, homework enables students to prepare them for their tests. However, Haddock (2006) stressed that an assignment or homework is rote or grind work; designed to eat up most of students’ time, without tangible benefits and therefore needs to be abolished. Bennet and Kelish (2006) also cited that it is of little educational value and just a waste of time. But there are many reasons homework should not be abolished as it is beneficial towards the student, allows the teacher to acknowledge the learners’ weaknesses; in turn will give them opportunity to improve and acquire new skills. Also, in taking each night to do homework is a chance for every student catch up on missed class and further reinforces the day’s lesson so it is permanently etched in the students’ mind. Several studies have proven that homework, in fact, does improve the stability of the student in school; thus, strengthens the statement that time well spent completing homework is time well spent. Overall, homework has a lot of advantages. More and more teachers appreciate its benefit. They recognize the importance of homework in the success of students in school and outside of school.

-oOoTHE AUTHOR IS MASTER TEACHER I AT ANGELES CITY NATIONAL TRADE SCHOOL