In August, a second-grade teacher named Sarah Mitchell informed parents that she would not assign homework. She explained, “Studies have not shown a significant link between homework and improved academic performance. Instead, I encourage you to spend your evenings engaging in activities that truly foster student success. Enjoy family dinners, read together, play outdoors, and ensure your child gets to bed early.”
As a father of two elementary school kids, one in second grade and the other in fourth, and as an educator at the college level, I have seen both sides of this debate. I began my academic career in Minnesota in 2009 and have since worked in various roles at state universities in Oregon. My experience spans teaching, academic counseling, and coordinating programs that help students transition from high school to college. Throughout this journey, I have noticed a concerning trend: many incoming college freshmen struggle to grasp the expectations of coursework outside of the classroom. It seems an increasing number of these students face challenges not due to a lack of intelligence but rather because they do not understand the level of effort required for academic success.
I am not disputing Mrs. Mitchell’s assertion that “studies have not proven that homework enhances student performance.” This claim holds true for elementary-aged children. Additionally, some research indicates that homework can lead to physical and emotional strain, create negative sentiments about learning, and reduce precious leisure time for young ones.
However, our world is vastly different from the one I grew up in during the 1980s in rural Utah. My childhood was filled with labor—mowing the lawn, repairing fences, and herding cattle. I learned the value of hard work from my grandfather, who toiled daily on his farm. Though I often fought against chores, those experiences instilled in me a work ethic that benefited me throughout my academic and adult life.
In contrast, my children live in a suburban environment on a smaller lot, without livestock to tend to. While they do have chores—caring for their cat, cleaning their rooms, and helping with the garden—they lack the substantial physical labor I experienced. So, what constitutes “real work” in their generation? In my father’s time, a strong work ethic and mastering a trade were essential, but today, obtaining a college education has become paramount for financial stability.
In our shift from manual labor to intellectual engagement, I fear we may have lost something vital: the understanding of what it means to truly work hard. This leads me to question whether eliminating homework is the right choice for our children.
I grapple with the homework battles at home. My daughter often resists, echoing the same arguments I used to present when asked to help with household chores. While I preferred watching television, she gravitates toward her tablet.
I genuinely do not know what the appropriate amount of homework is for elementary students. Perhaps the “10-minute rule” is a guideline, or it could be more. However, I worry that setting the homework standard to zero may not be the best approach, especially when considering the diverse range of students I encounter in college. Some require significantly more time to master concepts than others.
This concern intensifies when I think about my children potentially entering college even less prepared to handle the workload than the freshmen I see today. In a culture that values resilience, it’s crucial for my children to learn how to work diligently and face challenges. I want them to understand that academic success often hinges more on effort than intellect and that education extends beyond the classroom—it culminates in mastering a subject. For this reason, I believe homework has its place in their growth.
For more insights on parenting and education, check out our post on how to boost fertility. Additionally, for expert advice on toddler furniture, visit here. And if you’re looking for valuable resources on pregnancy, the NICHD provides excellent information.
In conclusion, the debate over homework’s role in education is complex. While some argue for its removal, we must consider the skills and work ethic children need to succeed in their future academic endeavors.