At some point, every parent will have seen their child sitting hunched over a desk, late at night, eyes drooping, still trying to complete “just one more page” of homework. It poses the question that has been asked by educators, parents, and researchers for decades: the amount of homework that’s too much?
We do not think that the solution lies in the quantity of pages assigned, it lies in the design of homework, in the purpose for which it is assigned and in the importance of homework in a child’s growth and development at Geetanjali International School Mandur, Bangalore and we strive to make it so. This balance is something with which we are continually reflecting in the school as a whole, so that learning does not become ‘uncomfortable’.
The Purpose of Homework
Good homework is not work. It is there to help consolidate classroom learning, to develop independent study skills and provide children with opportunities to practise concepts on their own. A good assignment: allows a student to practise a math maneuver, improve a science concept or read about a subject. However, when homework is too much it does not support this goal but rather hinders it.
Educational psychologists’ research has shown that after a certain level more homework does not equal better learning. In fact, a lot of homework can often be associated with stress, lack of sleep and a lack of interest in learning. Structured playtime and family time are as important as a child’s learning time, particularly for young children, and even more rest is important.
The following are some indicators that homework has become too much:
There are a few signs that parents and teachers can be alert for:
- Dissatisfied with sleep/misaligned sleep cycles: Children staying up late to complete assignments regularly.
- Fears about deadlines: Homework provoking tears, frustration or fear, instead of curiosity.
- No time to play or hobbies: Academic evening with no time for sport, art or just relaxing.
- Loss of interest in school: A child who used to enjoy school sees school as stressful and tiring.
- Parents helping with the work: If parents are helping with assignments because they are so difficult, then the intention of the activity is lost.
Homework patterns when they occur frequently, not sporadically, are an indicator that homework load needs to be revisited.
The ideal balance is what you should strive for.
The “10-minute rule” is a guideline often given by educators that suggests 10 minutes of homework for each grade level, per night. An average time for a student in Class 3 would be 30 minutes, and for a student in Class 8 it would be closer to 80 minutes. This is not a set formula, but a useful guideline for school planning academic calendars.
It is not only about the right number of components but also a balance of quality over quantity. One good, meaningful assignment is worth much more than five worksheets of this sort.
Homework should:
- Build on prior knowledge, don’t add topics to the curriculum.
- Be achievable within a reasonable time frame
- Let there be space for imagination and independent thinking
- Allow the child to rest, play and spend quality time with family.
Our Approach to Homework
We make our homework policy with these principles as the backbone of our school and we are proud to be known as one of the best CBSE international schools in Mandur. Our teachers are also equipped to set meaningful tasks that will foster learning, rather than being so busy that children see them as busy-work. Academic load is regularly evaluated to ensure that assignments are meaningful and manageable and to seek feedback from parents and students on a grade level basis.
We also foster an environment that values the importance of extra-curricular, sports, art and free play activities as part of each child’s day. In our experience a pupil who comes back to school full of energy and eager to learn a new skill, or play with siblings, is much more likely to be excited about learning the next day.
A Shared Responsibility
It is not just the school’s responsibility to achieve the right balance when it comes to homework. It needs continuous dialogue between teachers, parents and students. Parents are encouraged at any time to contact us if they feel that their child’s workload is too heavy, and they would like to see it together. Likewise, we encourage students to communicate freely with teachers when they are having difficulty catching up.
The Takeaway
Homework is a tool to link classroom learning with child growth and development and should not become a cause of stress for a child that takes time away from their evening and weekend activities. At Geetanjali International School Mandur Bangalore, we are dedicated to continually assessing and evolving our approach to learning, ensuring that every child has a positive learning experience and not dreading it.
The choice of the right school environment is very critical in the overall experience of a child in school and that is why parents around the city are still looking for the perfect CBSE international school in Mandur that understands this balance and applies it perfectly.