I took part in a very interesting discussion on LinkedIn today regarding the new idea from the Ministry of Education about banning homework. Here is also a link to an interesting conversation on this topic on another website: Link
The topic arouses many emotions. I am studying in postgraduate studies and I have a son in elementary school so I decided to share my thoughts.
I am against the elimination of homework. Homework shapes the habit of consistency and responsibility for one’s own learning, but also provides an excellent opportunity to repeat the material discussed in class. There are many research results confirming that such reinforcement brings excellent results. I also know from my own experience that if something is not mandatory, it is much less likely to be done.
I am concerned that this change will lead to greater relaxation and deepen students tendency to spend time on their phones instead of dedicating it to study. Many parents may not even check their children’s notebooks because they won’t have to verify if everything has been completed.
Homework should be tailored to individual abilities and the pace of students learning, motivating weaker students more and not being boring for the better ones. Therefore, it doesn’t have to be defined as a mandatory task. It is also a way of conducting classes, and interest in the subject should spark a young person’s desire to learn more. Learning makes sense when it arises from the desire to explore, rather than fear of assessment or the dull necessity of completing a task.
Homework is necessary, but only when it is attractive and does not occupy the child’s entire afternoon. Such tasks should give students the opportunity to demonstrate creativity and pride in their own solution to a problem. Let’s teach our children logical thinking, quick adaptation to a constantly changing world, and consistency. Let’s make them want to learn.
This text was written by me and not by ChatGPT