School Homework Debate: Harmful Practice vs. Helpful Learning Tool

[FAM Times reporter Lee Kyung-han] The claim has been raised that homework assigned for after-school preview and review is useless.

According to Australian family psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg, giving homework to elementary school students is pointless.

Carr-Gregg said, “Parents’ demands for modern homework are a harmful practice that is slowing the development of our education system. Countries such as Finland never assign homework.”

Several experts agreed with Carr-Gregg, arguing that homework can cause conflict between parents and children and damage family relationships.

But there are opposing views. Tony Hirst, principal of Emmaus College, said, “Where homework is done matters. You cannot trust a student who says they did homework for two hours in front of the TV.”

According to Hirst, students graduating from elementary schools that do not assign homework face a transitional challenge because they must then be taught about homework and the responsibilities that come with it.

Hirst said, “Simple elementary school homework has improved children’s writing, numeracy, skills, habits, and life skills.”

Angela Torelli, acting deputy principal of Avila College, said homework offers the benefit of developing independent learning, time-management skills, self-motivation, and initiative.

“Homework helps consolidate concepts and enables students to apply what they learned during school hours,” Torelli said. She added, “Homework is important, but students should not spend more than a reasonable amount of time on it, nor should it cause tension or stress.”

Allan Shaw, principal of The Knox School, emphasized that teachers’ feedback plays an important role in making homework effective.

Reporter Lee Kyung-han fam1@pcss.co.kr