Schools are the most primary educational institutions of our society. They are purposed to make students capable of learning basic concepts about life, which they shall cherish for the rest of their lives. Besides knowledge, schools also teach students how to behave and communicate appropriately and how to express different emotions. It has been studied and observed that good schooling has a great impact on the confidence, discipline and overall attitude of a student throughout his or her life (Cohen 62). Most schooling takes place for around 4-6 hours in a day in which a student learns new things, revises what has already been learnt, and interacts socially with their classmates. Students are also given work on a daily basis, which they are expected to do from home. Homework is opposed by many educationists and there are some schools that do not give homework to their students, but the vast majority do. Homework should be banned as it increases mental pressure on the children, makes them hate studies and consumes the time of other healthy, important activities.
One of the most important reasons why homework should be banned is the immense pressure it builds on children’s minds. When a child is merely 6 or 7 years old, the regular practice of homework begins. The child, after putting in a lot of hard work at school, comes to know that there is more work to be done from home. Many students fail to complete their homework and are then subjected to humiliation, which further shatters their confidence. The students who do their homework on time do so to avoid being humiliated or punished. This pressure can build inside a child’s mind and can lead to different personality disorders and other related issues (Marzano 78).
If someone is asked when the last time was that they enjoyed learning, they may think of Montessori, making blocks, putting letters one after another, and recognizing colors. The reason for this is that, in the early days, knowledge was not imposed on the students, but was made attractive and enjoyable. Homework is imposed on students, without fun, and which they have to deliver under short deadlines. Under these conditions, a feeling of hatred towards studies and school prevails in the heart of the student, which makes them skip classes, lie to their teachers and escape study (Daud 89).
Once home from school, students are left with 6-8 hours before they go back to sleep. In this short time, they have to do many things such as eating, playing sports or games, watching TV, and spending time with their parents. However, these important activities are interrupted and shortened by homework (Goldberg 75). This creates an imbalance in the student’s life: they are literally spending all of their time working and no time playing.
Works Cited
Cohen, Daniel, and Marcelo Soto. "Growth and human capital: good data, good results." Journal of economic growth 12.1 (2007): 51-76.
Daud, Ranna, and Cynthia Carruthers. "Outcome Study of an After-School Program for Youth in a High-Risk Environment." Journal of Park & Recreation Administration 26.2 (2008).
Goldberg, Kenneth. "The homework trap." Encounter 20.4 (2007): 70-89.
Marzano, Robert J., and Debra J. Pickering. "Special topic: The case for and against homework." Educational leadership 64.6 (2007): 74-79.
