Homework may be repetitive and tedious but they're included in the school syllabus for a good cause. Think about the cadets in the military and the drill exercises they have to do each day so they can improve their skills as a soldier. That's exactly what homework does, it hones students' skills so they will become better students.

I had it easy when I was younger. Some of my teachers during my elementary years were too irregular when they gave homework. Back then I was ecstatic because it meant that I had more time to play video games when I get home. But somehow, the fact that my teachers never gave enough homework left me with a feeling that my education lacked something.

During a child's formative years, he learns well through repetition. This is where homework enters the picture.

By doing daily homework the child's brain is slowly developing the analytical and reasoning skills it needs to tackle more difficult problems. It's like an amateur boxer getting trained to reach professional status. Development continues until the brain becomes so efficient that it can endure even the most strenuous research work. If one doesn't get the proper training, then it's more likely that the brain won't be able to cope up with the stress. I learned this lesson the hard way when I reached high school.

High school was a lot more different. Homework engulfed me like a hard wind blowing through a wheat field.

Although I was generally what you will consider a good student, I had one of the poorest study habits. Factoring in tons of homework took a toll on my uninitiated brain. My grades were as erratic as the numbers on the stock market. Fortunately, I started to understand the reason behind the mountains of English term papers and Science lab reports our teachers gave us.

Taking homework seriously will instill in a student the important value of perseverance. It's not just about getting higher grades anymore, it's about doing what it takes to prepare your brain for bigger challenges ahead.

When a student does his homework, he is in fact streamlining his study habits at the same time. The student might even find pop-quizzes and exams won't be as groan-inducing anymore because he has prepared himself well through homework. Little by little, the student will be reaping all the benefits of what used to be a tedious chore.

I now leave you with some nuggets of wisdom: There are times when we panic because we've forgotten to do our homework. Don't worry, reacting that way is perfectly alright. Be more alarmed when you find that it doesn't bother you one bit.

Learn more about this author, Julius Albert Custodio.
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