At Orono High School, students are expected to use homework to enhance their learning. However, the debate over its effectiveness continues. While some argue that homework is essential for success, others question whether it’s the best way to learn, especially as students juggle numerous extracurricular activities.
“Overall, I think it’s really hard to have homework when you have seven classes or seven class periods in a day… I think it’s beneficial because of the types of classes I teach, but I don’t think homework, in and of itself, is beneficial,” history teacher Mrs. Naylor said.
Mrs. Naylor and Oxford Learning both agree that homework may not have enough significance for students to receive the amount that they do. One argument Oxford makes against homework refers to the level of stress students undergo when trying to complete all that they’re assigned. It was found that too much homework can have negative effects on a student’s performance in school: including sleep deprivation, headaches, and eventually it can lead to students being more prone to cheat.
Stress aside, there are many more reasons students struggle with their homework. A good majority of students are involved in other activities, like sports, jobs, clubs, etc; which get in the way and sometimes take precedence over their homework.
“There are days when I don’t have enough time to do all of my homework, especially with hockey and work… I unfortunately put sports before [homework] sometimes, ” junior Gianna Parrish said.
With all the arguments against homework, there are also many agreeable benefits for students. The self-learning/practice that students are assigned to complete at home is not designed to overwhelm students, but rather to deepen their understanding of in-class content.
“I think everyone realizes that you benefit from [homework]. If [students] say they struggle with it, that’s fine, that should happen. [Students] should have some struggle, and then ask questions when [they] need it,” math teacher Jesse Allex said.
Math teacher Nathan Porter agrees with Allex about the benefits of homework.
According to Boston University, homework is advantageous as it brings essential academic skills and positively impacts students’ future academic success.
“We do know that beginning in late middle school, and continuing through high school, there is a strong and positive correlation between homework completion and academic success,” developmental psychologist Janine Bempechat said.
The debate over homework at Orono High School reveals a spectrum of perspectives on its effectiveness and impact. While some highlight the potential downsides, such as stress and other health effects, others emphasize the importance of practice and reinforcement of academic skills.
Ultimately, finding a balanced approach that respects students’ time and outside commitments while still promoting academic growth may be the key. By adjusting the volume and type of homework, Orono can aim to support students in a way that promotes both learning and well-being.
