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useful homework? Instead of 50 math problems, cover 5 from each section you covered over the week. Instead of 5 chapters of reading, tell your students they have to have read up to a certain point, by a certain date. Giving your students some flexibility along with responsibility is good homework. In addition, more will probably actually do it.

So now that we've distinguished busy-work and actual homework, we can see the benefits homework can have. Without busy-work, kids practice the skills they've learned in school outside of the classroom, and at the same time have free-time to play, explore their other interests, and relax.

As the years went on, I stopped doing the homework I didn't want to. Call me a rebel. I was sick of the assignments that I knew were ridiculous, and only kept up with the assignments I felt were going to help me on a test or a larger project. Even though that hurt my grades, weeding out the unnecessary homework on my own let me pick up a part-time job, and play tennis after school. I also spent more time on my personal interests. I was working on a website during my teen years, rather than practicing math problems.

Was my choice a valid one? I'm doing fine in college. I have the responsibility to make it on my own. I even have a great job because I have so much experience with web development, a personal interest. It wasn't worth my grades suffering though. I tried to create a balance, but my balance wasn't perfect.

If you're a student suffering from too much homework, I suggest this to you. First off, be responsible. Do you have valid reason to believe your homework is too much? Don't use my advice to get out of useful homework assignments. If you do have one of those 50 problem per night teachers though, have a discussion with them. It might not change anything, but saying nothing will surely not change anything. Discuss it with them in an adult-like manner, and organize your thoughts ahead of time. Make suggestions, but never apt for no homework whatsoever. Let them know that you have a part-time job, sports, and other activities. Suggest what you think would make you more likely to do the assignment.

So after all this, does homework improve academic achievement? Yes, when used correctly. Can it take up kid's free time, sometimes too much? Yes, definitely. For both teachers and students, it is important to find a balance, but yet a responsible way of doing to.

Learn more about this author, Brenna Mae.
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