by Edyta Tehrani

Created on: January 23, 2009

Homework can affect learning in two possible ways;it can either foster learning or hinder it. It all depends on how the teacher will use it. If the homework will engage the students in independent exploration of the subject, it will aid their academic progress and intelectual development. However, if the homework is just a mere repetition of material covered in the class, or doesn't match the students' abilities as well as his needs, then it will be harmful to his learning process.

During my schooling years, I enjoyed doing the kind of homework that required from me both independent thinking and creativity. I trived when writing essays, but hated book reports in which I had to just copy my teacher's opinions on the piece of literature, or when I had to do text book exercises that didn't teach me anything new .I don't think that I was alone in my feelings toward this kind of homework.

Many students are bored with the homework that doesn't challenge them at all and they are frustrated when the challenge is too high. If homework is to be affecting learning in a postive manner, it must be suitable to the student's needs and interests. The amount of homework given is also an important factor.

Students who have too much homework are often overwhelemed by it, which results in a low quality homework or even resistance to doing it. This in turn, creates in him feelings of failure and frustration. This kind of negative mental attitude is not supportive of effective learning.

The goals of homework should be developing academic excellence and good character in students. And not every student is at the same level. Some students need more challenge while others need to build more confidence in their own abilities to learn. Therefore teachers should be more flexible in their approach to homework. Treating all students the same regardless of their individual needs and level of progress is certainly easier, but taking more challenging road will be much more effective. Whether homework is sucsesful in its goals depends as much on a student as on the teacher who gives the homework.

If the teacher is exited about his or her own work and open minded enough to see each student as an individual, then the student will respond much better to the teacher, homework given, and to learning itself. The relationship between teacher and student also will influence the effectivness of homework.

Nearly everyone of us at one time or another despised certain subject because of the teacher who taught

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