Is it homework or busywork?

In a presentation, that I had the chance to look at (unfortunately, it is no more online), Marisa Constantinides, teacher educator, tries to answer the following questions about homework:

• Why do teachers assign homework?
• What is the rationale behind homework?
• What considerations should be taken into account when assigning homework?
• How much of it should be assigned?
• Does research support it?
• What are the different types of homework?
• What are some examples of good homework?

To answer the above questions, it is worthwhile defining what homework is.

What is a homework?

Homework refers to any out-of-class tasks assigned to students as an extension or elaboration of classroom work. There are three major categories of homework:

• practice,
• preparation,
• and extension.

Why homework is needed?

Some of the reasons why homework is assigned:

• Homework trains learners to study outside the confinement of the classroom. It builds self-discipline and autonomy.
• It trains learners to use resources such as dictionaries and grammar reference books.
• It develops problem-solving abilities.
• It offers a chance for the learners to practice some of the receptive skills such as extensive reading and listening.

Why homework can be busywork?

Why homework can be an unnecessary chore:

• Kids need time to relax, play, and have fun.
• Too much homework can result in students copying and cheating.
• Pointless homework may become busywork.
• Difficult homework can lead to the development of a negative impression of a subject.