Tracing back to my school years, teachers used to give
us a heavy load of homework. In fact, the tradition of doing
assignment after school is still adopted in all schools today.
Just as Confucius once said, "To learn with constant
perseverance and practice what you have learned is a
pleasure." The process of doing homework is a perfect
conduction of this notion. However, pressure caused by too
much homework might bring about negative consequences.
In my view, assigning homework every day is necessary, but
its amount should not be excessive.
Primarily, homework helps the students to review what
has been learned and prepare for the new. Needless to say, a
period of time is needed to carefully digest the accumulated
knowledge. Doing homework is an effective way to
assimilate knowledge. Through having a suitable amount of
exercises and memorizing tasks, further comprehension is
obtained. Afterwards, a brief preview familiarizes the
students with the new knowledge, thus making it easier for
them to understand what will be taught the next day.
According to a report from a major education website, over
90% of high school teachers assign homework every day.
Many of them agree that students who can actively
complete their homework are more able to make progress in
their studies.
Furthermore, doing homework helps parents to
cooperate with teachers. The signature of a parent is usually
required to indicate that he or she is also involved in the
education process. From a certain angle, parents are
regarded as good teachers at home. By taking advantage of
the chance to go through their children's homework, parents
could have detailed discussions with their children about
their studies. They are also in the position to supervise their
children in case difficulties arise and instruct them in ways
to solve these problems. Evidence of this can be found in
many Chinese families nowadays.
However, too much homework every day takes up the
students' leisure time. They deserve more time for relaxing
and for hobbies and other beneficial activities. Education
should not be confined to what has been taught at school. If
they are deprived of the freedom to do anything they like,
their enthusiasm in learning might fade considerably. In
addition, the amount of homework should be reduced.
Excessive homework can only lead to rebel psychology on
the part of the students. The balance between work and play
is of paramount importance for the comprehensive
development of an individual. Just as an old saying
describes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." In
recent years, the policy of "reducing the students' load"
was implemented by the Chinese government, with the
purpose of freeing children from excessive pressure from
school.
Consequently, ensuring the smooth development of
education in modern society, homework needs to be
assigned to the students after class. Based on all the
reasons listed above, I reiterate my standpoint that doing
homework is a tradition that should be carried out, but it is
not supposed to be a heavy daily burden on the students.