Why Homework is Important

Last updated on July 25, 2022

Ensuring that knowledge is effectively enforced at school is mainly applied through at-home learning. In other words — homework. During my very early experiences in elementary school, I discovered the importance of this idea. For example, skipping a homework assignment cost me the understanding of a topic and led me to fail a test. 

Mandatory homework provides students with more opportunities to deeply absorb and appreciate the knowledge they gain in class. Studies have found a positive relationship between the amount of time spent on homework and the scores received on standardized tests. However, this correlation was not seen in groups of students below the elementary school level. While these young children are at the age where their education system greatly influences them and thus they would learn with an open mind, several setbacks are present in elementary schools. This can be chatting with friends as a distraction, the lack of breaks between classes which causes burnout, or even lack of attention from teachers. For that reason, homework serves as a second chance to digest given materials and instructions. 

Additional work to be brought home allows students to challenge themselves by pushing them to focus on their own ideas and thought processes. With that, the skill of independence and developing personal strategies for studying, researching, and practicing different subjects most certainly is valuable for students. Every person has their own problem-solving method which can be more extensively incorporated into their work without needing to follow the immediate demands of teachers. Being able to bring resources to a more comfortable environment encourages children to work at their own pace and reach their best level of understanding. 

While some may say that homework is tiring and tedious and that more review is pointless to their understanding, schoolwork further opens children’s eyes to new pursuits. That being said, discovering a hidden passion for wisdom gives students something to work towards, therefore boosting their enthusiasm and bringing them more knowledge. To quote Aristotle, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Life can be seen from a different, more appreciative perspective with a brain that understands its surroundings and is more open to new ideas.

When students are able to learn on their own path and on their own time, education becomes integrated into their daily routine and is a more significant element of their life. The requirement of homework would bring attention to this issue and further motivate children to reach their maximum academic and learning potential.