By Editorial Staff |
Homework is a common chore for almost all students in the U.S. Although homework seems like a beneficial teaching technique, this topic is rather controversial among schools. Many students tire of putting in extra effort into their education outside of classes. Students also develop different techniques of learning throughout their years of schooling, whether that includes homework or not. The Paw Print editorial staff decided to share and challenge their opinions on homework.
Jeslyn, Copy Editor, began the conversation by referring to homework as a purely personal preference. “In my education,” she said, “I’ve found that homework is most helpful when I am intrinsically motivated by a class, rather than being extrinsically motivated.” Lilliana, Editor-in-Chief, agreed on how motivation impacts a person’s willingness and added that the intended purpose behind homework can also contribute to how it is perceived. Homework designed to improve a student’s understanding of important concepts or critical thinking motivates differently than homework designed to meet point values or add to assignment grades.
Levi, Associate Editor, added to the discussion by differentiating between high school and college. “In high school, homework almost always felt like meaningless work,” he said. He made the point that spending eight consecutive hours in school and then having even more work to complete at home can be unmotivating for a student. Lilliana also noted that high school homework is typically expected to be completed before school the next day, preventing students from providing quality work because of the time-crunch. Levi suggested that homework should not go towards a student’s grade, but rather be an optional tool for the student to sharpen their skills. However, Levi also discussed flaws in this technique, such as preventing students from using assignments to help their grades, especially if they struggle with standardized tests.
Lilliana recognized that it is easier to be motivated to do homework in college because students’ schedules are generally spread out, allowing them to divide up their time accordingly. She also contrasts the amount of time she is given to complete homework assignments in college, in which there is an adequate amount of time to do it, and to do it well.
Jeslyn suggested the perspective of teachers, who may struggle with the decision to assign homework or not, due to the contrast of motivation between high school and college. Lilliana brought up the fact that teachers and professors are also burdened with the duties to grade any homework they choose to assign.
The editorial staff concluded that, although homework seems like a hindrance to high school students, it can be beneficial in preparing them for college, where students feel more motivated to complete assignments outside of classes to truly help them understand a subject.
What should the editorial staff discuss next? Send your suggestions to pawcopy@gmail.com, and we will work to incorporate them into future print issues of The Paw Print.
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