Re: Homework Discursive Essay
Emmanuelle Riker
Homework: A Necessary Evil or a Waste of Time? A Discursive Essay
Homework is a common practice in schools and colleges, where students are assigned various tasks to do outside the classroom. Homework can include reading, writing, researching, solving problems, or revising for exams. Homework is supposed to help students learn better, improve their skills, and prepare them for future challenges. However, homework also has many drawbacks and controversies. Some people argue that homework is beneficial and essential for education, while others claim that homework is harmful and unnecessary. In this discursive essay, I will examine both sides of the argument and present my own opinion on the issue.
The Benefits of Homework
Those who support homework believe that it has many advantages for students and teachers. Some of the benefits of homework are:
- Homework reinforces what students learn in class and helps them practice and master the material.
- Homework develops students' self-discipline, responsibility, time management, and study habits.
- Homework allows students to explore topics of their interest and deepen their knowledge and understanding.
- Homework provides feedback to teachers on students' progress and difficulties, and helps them adjust their instruction accordingly.
- Homework prepares students for tests, exams, and other assessments, and improves their academic performance and grades.
According to some studies, homework can have positive effects on student achievement, especially when it is well-designed, appropriate, and meaningful. For example, a meta-analysis by Cooper et al. (2006) found that homework had a positive impact on student achievement in secondary school, but less so in elementary school. The authors also suggested that the optimal amount of homework for secondary school students was about one to two hours per night, while for elementary school students it was less than an hour per night.
The Drawbacks of Homework
However, not everyone agrees that homework is beneficial and necessary. Some of the drawbacks of homework are:
- Homework can cause stress, anxiety, frustration, and boredom for students, especially when it is too much, too difficult, or irrelevant.
- Homework can interfere with students' physical, mental, and social well-being, and affect their sleep quality, health, hobbies, and family time.
- Homework can create conflicts between students and parents, teachers and parents, or students and teachers, especially when there is a lack of communication or support.
- Homework can widen the achievement gap between students from different backgrounds, abilities, and resources, as some students may have more access to help and materials than others.
- Homework can reduce students' motivation, interest, and curiosity for learning, and make them view education as a chore rather than a joy.
According to some studies, homework can have negative effects on student well-being, attitudes, and achievement, especially when it is excessive or inappropriate. For example, a study by Galloway et al. (2013) found that high school students who spent more than two hours per night on homework reported more academic stress, physical health problems, and lack of balance in their lives than those who spent less time on homework. The authors also found that homework quality was more important than quantity for student outcomes.
My Opinion on Homework
In my opinion,
My Opinion on Homework
In my opinion, homework is a useful and necessary part of education that should be assigned with care and moderation. I believe that homework can help students reinforce what they learn in class, develop their skills and habits, explore their interests, and prepare for their exams. I also think that homework can provide feedback to teachers and help them improve their teaching methods. However, I also acknowledge that homework can have negative effects on students' well-being, attitudes, and achievement if it is too much, too difficult, or irrelevant. Therefore, I think that teachers should design homework that is meaningful, appropriate, and engaging for students, and that they should consider the individual needs and circumstances of their students. I also think that students should have some say in their homework assignments and that they should receive adequate support and guidance from their teachers and parents.
Some Suggestions for Improving Homework
Based on my opinion, I have some suggestions for improving homework for both teachers and students. Some of these suggestions are:
- Teachers should align homework with the curriculum and the learning objectives of the course.
- Teachers should vary the types and formats of homework to suit different learning styles and preferences.
- Teachers should give clear instructions and expectations for homework and provide examples and rubrics.
- Teachers should monitor and evaluate homework and give timely and constructive feedback to students.
- Teachers should communicate with parents and inform them about the purpose and benefits of homework.
- Students should plan their time and manage their workload effectively.
- Students should seek help from their teachers, peers, or online resources when they encounter difficulties or confusion.
- Students should review their homework and learn from their mistakes and successes.
- Students should reflect on their homework experience and share their feedback with their teachers.
- Students should enjoy their homework and find ways to make it fun and interesting.
The Future of Homework
Homework is a topic that has been debated for decades and will continue to be debated in the future. As the world changes and education evolves, homework will also have to adapt and respond to the new challenges and opportunities. Some of the factors that may influence the future of homework are:
- The development of technology and the internet, which can offer new ways of delivering, accessing, and completing homework.
- The emergence of online learning and blended learning, which can change the role and purpose of homework in relation to classroom instruction.
- The increase of diversity and globalization, which can require more cultural awareness and sensitivity in homework design and evaluation.
- The rise of student-centered and personalized learning, which can demand more flexibility and choice in homework assignments and assessment.
- The recognition of social and emotional learning, which can emphasize the importance of homework quality over quantity and the balance between academic and non-academic activities.
These factors may pose some challenges and opportunities for both teachers and students in terms of homework. Therefore, it is important that both parties keep an open mind and a positive attitude towards homework and seek to improve it continuously.
A Personal Example of Homework
To illustrate my opinion and suggestions on homework, I would like to share a personal example of a homework assignment that I did in my English class. The assignment was to write a discursive essay on a topic of our choice. The teacher gave us some guidelines and tips on how to write a good discursive essay, and also provided us with some examples and rubrics. We had two weeks to complete the assignment and submit it online. We also had to peer-review two other essays and give feedback to our classmates.
I chose to write about homework as my topic, as I was interested in exploring the different perspectives and arguments on this issue. I did some research online and found some sources that supported both sides of the debate. I also asked my friends and family about their opinions and experiences with homework. I organized my essay into an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. I tried to present both sides of the argument fairly and objectively, and then state my own opinion in the conclusion. I also used some linking words and transitions to make my essay coherent and cohesive.
After I finished writing my essay, I checked it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. I also used an online tool to check the plagiarism level of my essay. I made sure that my essay was original and that I cited all my sources correctly. I then submitted my essay online and waited for the feedback from my teacher and peers.
I received positive feedback from both my teacher and peers. They praised me for my clear structure, balanced argument, strong evidence, and personal voice. They also gave me some suggestions for improvement, such as adding more examples, using more varied vocabulary, and avoiding repetition. I appreciated their feedback and learned from their comments. I was happy with my grade and felt that I had done a good job on this homework assignment.
The Role of Parents in Homework
Another aspect of homework that is often debated is the role of parents in homework. Some parents are very involved in their children's homework, while others are not. Some parents help their children with their homework, while others let them do it on their own. Some parents monitor and check their children's homework, while others trust them to complete it. Some parents praise and reward their children for doing their homework, while others criticize and punish them for not doing it.
The role of parents in homework can have positive and negative effects on students' attitudes and outcomes. On the one hand, parental involvement can show students that their parents care about their education and support their learning. It can also help students with their homework difficulties and provide them with guidance and feedback. On the other hand, parental involvement can also pressure students and make them feel anxious or stressed. It can also interfere with their autonomy and self-regulation and undermine their intrinsic motivation. It can also create conflicts and arguments between parents and children over homework issues.
Therefore, I think that parents should play a balanced and appropriate role in homework. They should encourage and assist their children with their homework, but not do it for them or control them. They should communicate and cooperate with their children's teachers and follow their homework policies and expectations. They should respect and appreciate their children's efforts and achievements in homework, but not bribe or coerce them. They should also create a positive and conducive environment for homework at home, such as providing a quiet and comfortable space, setting a regular schedule, and limiting distractions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homework is a complex and controversial issue that has both pros and cons. Homework can help students learn better, improve their skills, and prepare them for future challenges. However, homework can also cause stress, affect their well-being, and create conflicts. Therefore, homework should be assigned with care and moderation, and it should be meaningful, appropriate, and engaging for students. Teachers should design homework that aligns with the curriculum and the learning objectives, and that varies the types and formats of homework. Students should plan their time and manage their workload effectively, and seek help when they need it. Parents should support and assist their children with their homework, but not interfere or pressure them. Homework can be a positive and productive part of education if it is done well and with the best interests of students in mind.
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