Topic > The pros and cons of homework - 3109

“Did you know that homework is one of the biggest causes of student dropout and failure” (Kralovek 39)? Since the beginning of the twentieth century, homework has been a topic of great debate in America. “In the beginning, the brain was seen as a muscle that could be trained by learning from homework, and people liked to learn at home. This enthusiastic spirit did not last long as in the 1940s, Professor Otto explained that "mandatory homework does not result in sufficiently improved academic achievement." When Sputnik was launched in the 1950s, the United States feared that Russia would dominate the world in technology if homework continued to be unnecessary. This incident has partially shaped our country to compete more with other nations. Once again, during the 1960s, researchers and educators feared that unnecessary pressure on students was a symptom of overdoing homework. Educator P. R. Wildman wrote in the late 1960s that homework fails to meet expectations when it blocks social experiences, creative pursuits, outdoor recreation, and deprives students of recommended daily sleep” (Cooper 34, 38). Today, the need for homework continues to increase for students entering high school and higher education; However, there has been growing concern about its benefits for everyone, especially elementary school children. There are many necessary life skills that homework can provide everyone, which must be used appropriately and in moderation. According to researchers like Harris Cooper, homework should be limited, even though research endorses its greater effectiveness as students age. Overall, America has witnessed serious problems with homework overdose because many American families have been broken up, the urge to improve test scores does not always come from doing homework, different ages cope better with types specific tasks and problems with student behavior and attention. Problems may arise when entering and leaving school. Incorporating homework into the life of the average student can significantly improve academic performance, understanding of lifelong study skills, and appreciation of school. In order for students to consolidate their understanding of certain topics, homework is necessary as it allows students to catch up on what they have learned outside of school and learning skills can be improved. “For example, Cooper summarizes many of the positive effects that homework has on students' lives. Cooper categorizes these outcomes into four sections: immediate achievement and learning, long-term academic benefits, non-academic benefits, and increased parental appreciation and involvement in the school. In the first section, Cooper explains that learning can progress rapidly as there will be greater understanding, better critical thinking, retention of factual knowledge, greater concept formation, information processing, and curriculum enrichment for a student in the process of learning..