Should Schools Forbid Homework?

Research by Duke University Professor Harris Cooper found that for elementary school students, the average correlation between time spent on homework and achievement hovered around 0. However, there is no consensus on whether homework improves student achievement or is harmful. A Stanford researcher found that too much homework can negatively affect kids’ lives away from school, where family, friends, and activities matter. The homework debate has strong arguments on both sides, with common reasons being that it is often a waste of time.

The rise of the no-homework movement during the Covid-19 pandemic tapped into long-running disagreements over homework’s impact on students. There are several reasons why homework should be banned, including the idea that it takes up all time, interferes with sleep and health, and lacks time for exercise. Over 80 of the students reported at least one stress-related symptom recently, and 44 claimed they experienced 3 or more symptoms.

With the increasing pressures of modern day life, there is a growing call for homework to be banned. Excessive homework can lead to burnout and disengagement from learning, rather than fostering a love for it. More than half of survey respondents are in favor of banning homework for elementary grades, worried about kids not having enough time to complete their assignments.

Banning homework could significantly reduce stress and pressure on students while promoting a more equitable and effective educational system. Reasons for not banning homework include repetition, fostering independence, project experience, and promoting a more equitable and effective learning environment.