The Homework Argument

Pro Homework vs Anti Homework

There is a huge and highly contentious body of literature on the question of homework. There are defenders of homework, writing articles with titles like “A Teacher’s Defense of Homework.” And there are enthusiastic haters, books like The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing.

On the pro-homework side: 

• homework may reinforce in-school learning. 

• more complicated homework assignments may push kids to develop problem-solving skills on their own that are harder to teach in a classroom context. 

• homework may encourage the development of non-cognitive skills by requiring students to be organized, and remember to do and return their homework to school.

On the anti-homework side:

• we see arguments that student time is being wasted in piles of busywork, 

• homework is taking away time from free and imaginative play or time with family. Or possibly sleep. 

• homework may make students hate school and resent learning. And it may be unfair if it favors higher-income students whose parents have time to help.

It is very hard to evaluate these questions. Both sides have plausible arguments, and many of the outcomes they care about — non-cognitive skills, love of learning — are difficult to measure. Moreover, the benefits or costs of homework may vary across children. A child with better-developed executive functioning skills may benefit less.

The somewhat scattered nature of this discussion reflects, I think, the character of the debate. A thoughtfully designed homework program probably could enhance learning for many or most kids. But whether there are downsides — and if they are avoidable — is less clear. 

Sleep is important for kids. If there is one big data takeaway in The Family Firm, it is that finding. Kids who are sleepy during the day are less able to learn and focus, and they have more behavioral issues. If homework amounts are so onerous for young kids that they are getting in the way of sleep, that is likely a time to try to step in and see if changes can be made.