Why Homework Is Homework

Homework helps students learn essential life skills such as self-discipline, independence, and perseverance; however, according to Alfie Kohn, “no study has ever confirmed the widely accepted assumption”. In modern schooling, all grade levels are given substantial amounts of homework, which causes a multitude of problems regarding physical and emotional health, along with, potential family issues and no leisure time. Therefor, there should be less classes or class time should be extended in order to give students an adequate amount of time to finish assignments in school, rather than at home. After all, what is the point of having a teacher if the student has to learn at home rather than being taught at school? This does nothing but compound

However, because of the extensive amount of homework students are given, emotional health can become an unobtainable goal. When stressed from time constraints due to the demands placed on students from the amount of homework they’re given today, this can lead to issues with family and social bonds. Based on interviews a professor at Boston College had with two-dozen families, he suggests, "the demands of homework disrupts…family relationships". Bonds with parents can be strained, with parents not comprehending the stresses the students may place upon themselves. Children can become argumentative, rebellious, withdrawn, and an overall frustration can be created between parent and child that leads to damaging results. Considering the turmoil between students and their parents because of homework, “arguments may damage the relationships within the family and affect the child’s emotional development”. The lack of confidence that a child may feel in losing the support of parents can result in runaways, drug abuse, separation, anxiety, and other emotional disorders that hinder the development of a child into adulthood. Regarding social relationships, many of the same results can be seen, oftentimes a child can develop a need to be accepted which can lead down a dark and ugly path. In choosing acceptance, over the stresses that they face daily, a child may give in to a bad element without realizing or thinking of the consequences. Beyond poor decision making created from the stress, a child may shut out those close to them, and eventually become recluse and socially awkward. Creating a personality that is hard to accept by others, and eventually leads to a life without promise, hope, or