Since the 19th century, there has been an ongoing debate among educators, parents, and students about the relevance and purpose of homework in U.S. schools. Attitudes toward homework often reflect the trends of a society and the leading educational philosophy. Additionally, historical events consistently influence the homework debate and drive the movement for or against homework. The past arguments for and against homework are familiar to educators because they are similar to the current arguments waged in today's debate over homework.
Throughout the first few decades of the 20th century, educators commonly believed that homework helped create disciplined minds. By 1940, growing concern that homework interfered with other home activities sparked a reaction against it. This trend was reversed in the late 1950s when the Soviets' launch of Sputnik led to concern that U.S. education lacked rigor. Schools started to view more rigorous homework as a partial solution to the problem. By 1980, the trend had reversed again when some learning theorists claimed homework could be damaging to a student's mental health (Marzano & Pickering, 2007). Since then, arguments for and against homework continue to flourish causing many to …show more content…
Research has not consistently shown a positive correlation between homework and academic success. During elementary school, I believe students should be able to go home to their families and friends in the evenings after spending seven to eight hours in school. When I get home from my long work day, it is a struggle to get started on homework or housework. All I want to do is spend quality time with my family and friends and to take part in activities that capture my interest. I believe young students need time to unwind from the demands that school can bring. Because research has shown that free reading does improve academic performance, I will encourage parents to read to or with their children in the
Throughout the first few decades of the 20th century, educators commonly believed that homework helped create disciplined minds. By 1940, growing concern that homework interfered with other home activities sparked a reaction against it. This trend was reversed in the late 1950s when the Soviets' launch of Sputnik led to concern that U.S. education lacked rigor. Schools started to view more rigorous homework as a partial solution to the problem. By 1980, the trend had reversed again when some learning theorists claimed homework could be damaging to a student's mental health (Marzano & Pickering, 2007). Since then, arguments for and against homework continue to flourish causing many to …show more content…
Research has not consistently shown a positive correlation between homework and academic success. During elementary school, I believe students should be able to go home to their families and friends in the evenings after spending seven to eight hours in school. When I get home from my long work day, it is a struggle to get started on homework or housework. All I want to do is spend quality time with my family and friends and to take part in activities that capture my interest. I believe young students need time to unwind from the demands that school can bring. Because research has shown that free reading does improve academic performance, I will encourage parents to read to or with their children in the