by Ulovit

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2010

Homework is a tool that teachers use to reinforce what students are being taught in the classroom. Some people think that homework plays an essential role in classroom performance. Others believe that homework is just busy work designed to take up student's time. Whatever your feelings are on homework, if you look deeper at how homework affects learning, you will find that there is much more to homework than what's on the surface.

Homework Keeps The Brain Active

There are so many distractions for kids in our society today. There is television, Internet, video games systems, cell phones, games, friends, and activities galore. Not many of these options are used to keep the brain stimulated and active during the day. With all of this stimulation, it's not a bad idea for a child to have a few moments each day to have a little self study time. Keeping the brain sharp is always a good idea because it keeps us sharp, alert, and on top of our game. It helps children to polish and practice the skills that they have learned so that their hard work can translate in the classroom.

Promotes Self-Discipline

The best part of being a kid is that you don't really have a care in the world. Children don't have to worry about mean bosses or bills. It's the life! Of course, they don't know that now (as we didn't then). But as children get older they realize that there are rules to this world and responsibilities come with maturity. Homework is one of the first real responsibilities that children have and are held accountable for. When it comes to homework, kids have to say "no" to distractions for a time and focus on accomplishing small goals (in the form of homework) each day. The responsibility of having homework, is one of the first lessons in how to be self disciplined enough to complete your tasks. This is a lesson that will be needed for a lifetime.

Builds Confidence

While homework isn't the most fun activity students can think to do, there is a sense of accomplishment, pride, and confidence that goes along with completing it. Whether kids want to admit it or not, it feels a lot better to turn in homework than too come up with an excuse why you didn't. It feels good to know that you are fully grasping the information that you are supposed to be absorbing. And having that extra practice and extra push of homework often helps children in the classroom and builds up the confidence that they have in themselves and their learning abilities.

Nurtures Relationships

Believe it or not, homework actually nurtures relationships. Between homework buddies, tutors, and help from parents, homework allows for intellectual and educational socialization. This type of engagement can also be very motivating for students when they know that they have strong support if they need it.

Homework may be a drag sometimes, but having the responsibility of it teaches our children some invaluable things about themselves and about how to plan, carry-out, and complete their goals. For all of these reason, homework affects learning in ways that students will most definitely need to succeed late on in life.

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