Al Ain: An excessive amount of homework has been placing undue burden on students and families with many parents dubbing it as modern day burden that needs immediate attention.
Parents of children studying in different private schools said the authorities should provide some guidelines to limit the amount of homework assigned by teachers particularly in junior classes, like Grades I to VI.
Uzma Shah, a mother of two, said everyday her daughter and son come home burdened with heavy backpacks and hours of homework to be completed before the next day.
Her children Fatima and Naveed, are studying in Grade I and III respectively at a private school in Al Ain.
Jawad Ahmad, a father of a three, said many students hated reading and also schools as a result of the excessive amount of homework given out to them.
"It has also been increasing stress levels for both students and parents," he said.
The academic merit of homework, he said, was debatable.
"Academic studies should be limited to school and should not be allowed to rob young students of their childhood through heavy homework," said Ahmad.
In support
Teachers, however, support homework, saying it is imperative for education but it should be well-planned to achieve its objectives and admitted that the amount should not be excessive.
Linda Arthur, a teacher at private school in Al Ain, said homework was an imperative part of education system all over the world.
"Home tasks are very important for students," she said, adding that it should not be excessive.
She said homework, in any case, should not occupy more than two hours of a student's leisure time.
It helps students review work done in class and also develops better studying habits as well as skills.
Linda, however, did not agree with the view that homework places undue burden and robs students of their childhood.
"All schools have extra curricular activities that provide enough time for recreation for students," she said.
Ministry guidelines
There is also no need for the Ministry of Education to step in and provide guidelines to schools on how much homework should be given. "Teachers are well placed to decide capabilities of students," she said.
Nazar Abbas, a senior teacher at a private school, said schools have to teach more to meet the required educational standards set out.
Teachers, he said, normally use homework to maximise the time for classroom teaching to help students learn new skills and concepts.
"It is important but should not be excessive," he admitted.
What the guardians have to say:
Homework has been a bone of contention for many parents saying their children are unduly burdened by it. They say:
- It mostly lacks purpose
- Is just given to keep students busy
- It results in stress and fatigue among students
- Excessive homework promotes private tuition
What the teachers say:
- Review and practice
- Preparation of difficult lessons
- Development of better study habits
- Supplementing learning at school
