Maharashtra Govt should rethink move against homework
The Centre and states are implementing various experiments in education. Although some have been beneficial, there are a few proposals such as doing away with homework in school that need to be reconsidered. Recently, Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated in a report that the state government is contemplating to eliminate homework for students from the first to the fourth standard.
“Children’s brains need to be developed. Also, homework cannot be an easy way out for teachers. They should teach in an easy-to-understand manner so that there is no need for homework,” he claimed.
Is handing out homework to students an easy escape route for teachers? We need to consider what makes it essential in school education. Most students dread the word homework, but it is an integral part of traditional schooling. Homework is important, because it develops key skills in children which help them in school and in everyday life.
Improving grades, discipline, time management, using resources, and improving communication are all key life skills. One can improve upon them with homework, opening doors to unique opportunities, helping children succeed in their careers.
Regular homework should be considered as an investment in a child’s future, as it leads to several benefits. Many people believe that one of the positive effects of homework is that it inculcates a discipline for practice. Although it’s time- consuming and tedious, this is necessary to master any skill. Homework helps make concepts clearer. Every child learns at a different pace and classroom time may be insufficient for some to fully grasp key concepts of a subject.
Having extra time to study at home helps children gain a deeper understanding of subjects. Homework is important because it gives parents and children the freedom and time to focus on subjects they may be struggling with. This extra time makes a big difference when it comes to examinations and grades.
Homework makes it necessary for parents to be involved in their children’s lives. It motivates them to participate in their academic success and allows them to keep up with what exactly the child is doing in school.
In short, homework acts as a bridge and helps teachers and parents know how to approach learning and development of the child.
Homework encourages children to plan their time and complete all their assignments on time. Homework helps students practice their problem-solving skills and independent thinking by learning to manage their time. Another positive effect of homework is that it encourages children to learn decision-making and fight for excellence.
Regular homework helps children the practice they need for important tests and examinations. Children who are familiar with homework find it easier to adjust to a schedule for completing it. Children learn skills such as accessing learning materials, time management and discipline. Hence their grades improve. School hours are not enough for the children to understand basic concepts. Homework, on the other hand, overcomes time constraints. It benefits children in the long run. It helps children control their workload and improve their time management skills. Homework helps children think independently, solve problems and develop skills. Time management is an important life skill, which helps children in higher education and their careers.
Most children spend hours watching TV. If they are not in school, these hours increase even more. Although homework is often unwanted, it encourages good study habits and discourages spending time in front of the TV. We can also think of it as an extracurricular activity.
It is like a medicine or a dietary supplement. It can cause complications - even if one takes too much or too little of it. Therefore, it would be useful to do away with the viewpoint of “no homework” and adopt it for the utmost benefit of a child.
(The author is from Maharashtra: Charkha Features)