Students in high-achieving neighborhoods who spend too much time on homework have more health problems, stress, and alienation from society.

Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at the Stanford University School of Education and a co-author of a study published in the Journal of Experimental Education, has found that too much homework has negative effects on well-being and behavior. What's more, the negative effects can extend to students' lives outside of school, including family, friends, and other activities.

 

"Our findings on the effects of homework challenge the traditional assumption that homework is inherently good," says Pope.

 

 

PROS

Homework helps to  consolidate and clarify what was learned during the school day.

It gives practice with content, concepts and skills.

Homework improves performance in standardized tests.

It is an extension of class work that allows students to achieve mastery of the content or skills to be learned.

Students do not have enough time during the day to fully understand all the information they are given.

Homework facilitates rote learning.

It  lets parents see what their children are doing at school.

Homework teaches self-discipline, time management and research skills.

It reduces time for TV and video games and promotes good study habits.

It increases interest in schoolwork when it is corrected quickly.

CONS

Homework must be corrected quickly or students get frustrated and lose interest.

It can be too burdensome and stressful at times.

Homework disturbs family life and prevents students from doing household chores.

Parents or relatives may do the homework for the student.

Students need time to relax, play and pursue sports and hobbies.

Homework can make students too tired after a long day at school.

It keeps them up too late at night.

Homework is often meaningless busywork which does not promote real learning.

Students from middle- and upper-class homes have better resources to help them with homework.