Why Homework Is Important

A homework is not exactly a novel. In fact, today it is mostly regarded as a school requirement, a normal part of the average students routine. Homework, however, continues to be a controversial topic. The debate perhaps dates back to the time of its conception, with attitudes shifting from left to right throughout decades. Both proponents and critics make cases to support their perspective on the importance and necessity of homework, especially in the context of the students development and construction of knowledge. Good and Brophy (2003) denote that many assess homework as an important extension of in-school opportunities to learn. While some proponents place emphasis on the purpose of homework, questions still persist regarding the role of homework comprising a students grade. Should homework be assigned and evaluated frequently, or should it be seen as an educational means to an end? If homework should be seen as a means to an end, should a policy govern homework, or will there be room for flexibility? Such is the case, yes, but one can argue that despite opposition, homework does hold value, instrumental to the formation of a students discipline and acquisition of knowledge.The Homework DebateHistory dictates that attitudes towards the value and purpose of homework usually reflect the current mood and stance of society. For instance, the 20th century regarded the mind as muscle, one that would benefit greatly from training. This said training comes in the form of memorization, and since the action could be done at home, homework was believed to be valuable. The 1940s, however, saw the transition of the emphasis of problem solving. Here, people began viewing homework negatively. Fast forward to Russias Sputnik, however, society realized that students remain unprepared for the advancing technologies and homework became relevant again. Cooper (1989) notes that in the 1960s, society shifted once again in opposition to homework, believing that it put too much pressure on students. These instances only goes to show that the perception of homework is stuck in a circular pattern, going up and down according to the defining spirit of the times. This trend will most likely continue, but research has shown that homework plays a vital role in a students education.The Extensive Purpose of HomeworkAs indicated by Epstein Van Voorhis (1988, 2001), homeworks purpose can be grouped into ten strands: practice, participation, preparation, personal development, parent-child relations, parent-teacher communication, peer interactions, policy, public relations and punishment. This proposes that homework affects more than the area of a students academic ability. Data on the link between homework and academic achievement also proves that homework, indeed, has a positive impact on students grades. Cooper correspondingly postulates that students who completed homework had better test results and report cards, as compared to those that did not complete it. In a report by the EEF in 2016, it was also found that the completion of homework at the secondary level can add an additional 5 months of progress onto a childs learning journey.In addition to academic research, teachers have also noted on what they believe to be the purpose of homework to students, which is preparation and personal development. Tom Sherrington, a head teacher from United Kingdom and an education blogger, assumes that successful students who value homework have developed independent learning skills, and possess the ability to lead learning processes through questions and ideas. This implies that even those who do not see immediate impacts brought by homework believe that it plays a role in personal development, which prepares them even beyond education. This is further supported by Sharp (2002), who found that although homework does not have a direct link in achievement in younger children, it promotes independent learning and necessary preparation. The discipline in stilled by homework equips students with the necessary knowledge learning and problem solving skills that can easily be at their disposal when faced with other tasks outside the classroom.Another UK teacher and blogger named Rachel Jones, believes that homework has a positive impact on the retention of knowledge, as well as hand-in rates of when the homework was set. One study conducted also supports this, which reports that homework is positively related to student achievement. They point out that homework is an academic method of improving preparation, without the need to increase staff and modify the curriculum.Homework and Parental InvolvementMore than homeworks role in improved achievement, research has also found links that connect homework to home-school involvement and students relationship with their parents. Acock Demo (1994) believes that a key purpose of homework beyond enhancing instruction is establishing communication between child and parent. Homework also serves a s a bridge between home and school, and the opportunity to engage parents in school life actually has a positive impact on teachers. Epstein Dauber (1991) has found that teachers feel more positive about teaching when there is parental involvement. Moreover, homework is valued by both parents and teachers, especially if both parties believe that regularly completing homework promotes a sense of responsibility. Both educators and parents argue that homework is integral to a childs learning process, giving way to students becoming independent learners.Quality HomeworkDespite the benefits presented, it is important to realize that for homework to have any positive impact, homework given must be purposeful. Students believe in the value of homework, deeming it as significant to the learning process. However, many express concerns regarding the means of how and when homework is given, which conflicts with other school deadlines. Some tasks, too, they argue, make little to no contributio n to learning. This highly intervenes with the true purpose of homework, which, to reiterate, is preparation and personal development.The provision of purposeful homework means setting specific purposes and goals, where students can reap benefits upon completion of the task. It is also inherently linked to quality homework, mostly present when teachers put emphasis on this as opposed to quantity. To be considered as high quality, homework should not only be clear and detailed, but authentic and engaging - a real reason behind the assignment must be provided, so that students will be encouraged to complete them. Frey Fisher (2011) believes that quality homework includes fluency practice, application, spiral review and extension, and denounces the act of giving homework to students with unfamiliar topics. Another important aspect of purposeful homework is the quantity. There are implications to consider when setting homework, as too much can have detrimental effects on students. Stre ss, fatigue, and loss of interest are just some of the few consequences. From this, we gather that a fewer amount of homework, as long as detailed and well thought out, will have a more positive impact on a students learning. Here, the school should monitor the amount of homework given, as well as what and when, to preserve the sanctity of homeworks true purpose.The debate surrounding the concept of homework will continue, but extensive research has helped shift the conversation to its benefits. Homework does indeed serve a purpose, impacting both a students learning development and preparation for incoming educational stages. Although not apparent in the younger years, homework encourages children to become independent learners. Outside of the academe, homework also benefits parent-student relationships and home-school involvement. One should only take into consideration the true purpose of homework, which cannot be measured through quantity. A student learns through work indeed, n ot through irrelevant tasks given one after the other, which can take a toll not only on their performance, but overall health. The conversation on homework will continue to shift, but one thing remains clear student learning should be the priority.Essay and term paper writing service for studentsThat said, homework remains a vital aspect of your education. If, however, you find yourself dealing with more than what you can manage and might need academic help, let s essay writers help you. The pioneer academic ghostwriting service company since 2006, we specialize in 100% original custom papers that fit your requirements and taste. Vital to enlisting the assistance of an essay writing service is the need for an assurance that the product be custom written. The finished product (i.e. custom term paper, custom essay, custom research paper) will be solely yours. If you are thinking about placing an order but still have questions, we are online 24/7 to address whatever concerns you may have.

What Is Good And What Is Evil - Free Essay Example

The value of good and evil is the subject of many studies and discussions since early antiquity. Philosophers have repeatedly delved into the analysis of these issues, seeking truth and answers to questions about good and evil. Between good and evil, we can clearly notice significant and very important differences, but for some, it seems that the border between them is indistinct, even blurred and definitely hard to define. In the theodicy, or philosophy of God, evil is nonbeing, it does not exist, it is a disruption of the state of good. God, as the Absolute, Logos, or Reason, wants people to live and stay in the state of good. The similar teachings were introduced by St. Augustine which focused on the faith, and only in faith in the Lord we can choose the right path. Thomas Aquinas however showed a different path, a path through conscience and reasoning. Aquinas stressed out that those virtues are a gift from god, but it is man who can choose between right or wrong. But is it always that simple? Lets look at our Ethical Dilemma #3: An office worker has had a record of frequent absence. He has used all his vacation and sick-leave days, and has frequently requested additional leave without pay. His supervisor and co-workers have expressed great frustration because his absenteeism has caused bottlenecks in paperwork, created low morale in the office, and required others to do his work in addition to their own. However, the individual believes he is entitled to take his earned time and additional time off without pay. Is he right? This dilemma is problematic since effects other people and creates a low morale in the office. Although the office worker is entitled to sick-leave and vacation days, he isnt entitled to additional days off.The frequent absenteeism from work is unacceptable whether he requests additional time off with or without pay. This employee needs to be mindful that when he signed his work contract he was being bind into working and a specified amount of sick vacation days. Any extra days he was given was a plus with a display of gratitude and good ethics from the company as the company couldve declined his extra days request. The employee needs to be more considerate and realize that his frequent absenteeism is affecting the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the work production within the company. Due to his frequent absenteeism other employees and management may begin to think that he isnt reliable, causes the work flow and production to be inefficient and slows down the overall productivity within the office. If the employer has an extreme condition which results in his frequent absenteeism then considerations and measures can be put in place for staff to work around it. As sometimes we as humans are faced with obstacles and challenges in life from sickness to family problems and personal problems. This dilemma shows that the office worker is focusing only on himself and what makes him happy without regard to his office team. This example clearly shows consequentialist theory, where ends justifies the means, and poor work ethics. St. Augustine would probably advise him to turn into God and faith a lone. According to St. Augustine, evil acts are because we have no faith and good deeds are the touch of God. Aquinas, however believed that the Natural Law the divine law as written in the heart of man can be discovered by reason and cultivated by conscience.(Ruggiero, 2012, p.147). Aquinas would reason with the office workers conscience and advise him to do the right thing. St. Augustine would blame office workers behavior on temptations and his disconnect with God. The difference between Augustine and Aquinas. Augustine leaves us with the impression that when you do evil or wrong things youre supposed to continuously feel guilty and that theres no going back from a wrong deed. On the other hand Aquinas, shows us that yes we do wrong but you dont have to live your life consumed with the guilt and you can change things around, if you choose to.