by Grant Mckenzie

Created on: March 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2009

Homework should be given for the enhancement of the education of the child. To some people, this means nothing more than reinforcing the lesson that was taught in the classroom, but a good teacher looks beyond the lesson. That teacher helps the student develop life skills that will be beneficial as they move out of the classroom and forward into their lives. Teachers typically don't like giving homework because it makes more work for them, but if the outcome is a student who knows the material and has become a better learner, it's worth the extra effort.

The obvious reason for homework is to reinforce the lesson that was taught in the classroom. Since the time in the classroom is limited, the most a child will usually get from the lesson is basic knowledge. Homework helps the child move beyond basic knowledge and into a level of basic comprehension. It's one of the links that helps create the "a-ha!" moment when the student finally "gets it."

One of the less obvious reasons for homework is to teach the student organization and time-management skills. A student soon learns that if he or she waits until the last minute to do their homework, it causes more stress than if they had done it earlier. Some teachers offer a little time during the lesson to work on homework, allowing the student to make a decision as to what they will do with their time. They can then learn from the consequences of that decision. It's better for the student to learn these skills in the classroom than to deal with the much harsher consequences that will later come from the workplace.

Another reason for homework is to teach students how to find answers on their own. In this information-based society, the ability to research a variety of topics is a vital skill. Homework that requires the student to look up information in reference books, libraries, or on the Internet is teaching them a vital life skill in addition to the subject at hand.

When a student is doing homework, they are usually free to try different approaches and stretch their creativity. They figure out their own learning styles and learn how to put them into practice. In essence, they are learning how to learn. This skill will follow them throughout their lives, whether it's learning the rules and regulations for a new job or learning how to raise a child of their own. Learning is a skill that must be developed and practiced and homework aids that process.

Imparting knowledge is only the minimum role for a teacher. A good teacher is focused on the student's development as well as the material they are teaching. A student who leaves the class with a thirst for knowledge and the skills to learn on their own is a greater accomplishment than the student who leaves with a perfect grade point average. Since homework teaches students life skills that will guide them down that path, it is an invaluable tool for any teacher.

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