Everyone has an opinion on the pros and cons of homework. To some students, it’s something they could do without. For others, it’s an essential part of their education. Teachers may think it’s another piece of work to mark, or a key step to developing independent learning.
Whatever your opinion, homework is something every teacher will need at some point in their careers. What are the pros and cons of homework in the English language classroom, and what is the evidence for setting it or not?
What research says about the value of homework
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has a summary of current knowledge on homework. Research on its pros and cons suggests that homework is of benefit to students in helping them to master their subjects. However, it can also be demotivating if given inappropriately, such as when a student can’t see how it is relevant to them.
One of the key studies on setting homework for middle-school students found that it can be beneficial for students, although its effects are dependent on several factors. These include students’ existing skills in the subject, how often homework is given, time spent on the homework and the student’s ability to work independently.
So in summary, teachers should consider a range of factors when setting homework, or deciding not to.
Why students should have homework
Homework can provide an opportunity for English learners to practise and consolidate what they have learned in class. This can help them improve their understanding and memory of the material. If you are confident that your learners have understood the materials, it can be useful to give them extra independent practice. Perhaps students need extra grammar review. Or they could try and adapt the materials to their own personal circumstances, such as by preparing a speech or writing a diary entry. This can help learners develop self-study skills and take responsibility for their own learning.
But it’s important to note that the benefits of homework depend on the quality and quantity of the work, as well as the learner’s preferences and motivations. For example, it might be a bad idea to ask a student to form the third conditional when they aren’t confident using it. This could be demotivating if you have set the work expecting students to be able to complete it.
On the other hand, setting homework knowing that students may find it difficult could be useful to help identify who needs extra support. Make sure that students know this and that it’s OK if they struggle to complete the work.
Why students shouldn’t have homework
Before you set homework for your students, be aware of the reasons why it might not always be appropriate for them.
Homework can be time-consuming, especially if they have a lot of other responsibilities or commitments. This can lead to stress and burnout, especially if the workload is too heavy. It’s important to set homework that you know students will find manageable.
Some learners may not have access to resources needed to complete their homework, such as a quiet place to study or a computer with internet access. Students can find it difficult to complete their work, leading to frustration and demotivation. Try to be aware of your students’ individual situations and any difficulties they may face at home.
Some learners may lack motivation to complete homework, especially if they do not see the usefulness of it. This can result in low engagement and poor performance.
Homework may not be tailored to their individual needs and abilities, which can mean frustration and boredom for some students.
Overall, you know your students best, so carefully consider the potential disadvantages of homework when assigning tasks. Ensure that the workload is reasonable and that learners have the resources and support needed to complete their homework.
What are the most meaningful homework activities for learners of the English language?
There are many different types of homework activities that can be meaningful for learners of the English language. Some ideas might include:
- Reviewing and practising the material covered in class. This can be a helpful way for learners to consolidate their learning and remember new information. Include activities such as completing exercises from a textbook or reviewing vocabulary lists.
- Encouraging learners to read independently in English to improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. They could read books, articles, or other materials that are appropriate for their language level.
- Writing tasks to develop their writing skills and improve their grammar and vocabulary. Examples may be composing an essay, writing a short story, or completing a diary entry.
- Projects can be a meaningful and fun way for learners to explore a topic of interest in more depth. Allow them to create a presentation, make a video, or conduct research on a particular subject.
- Collaborative activities are a fun and effective way for learners to practise their team working and communication skills. They may enjoy the competition of preparing for a group debate.
Final thoughts
If you’re thinking about how you could improve how you use homework in your classroom, why not check out the World of Better Learning webinar with Richard Morales? Here he unpacks his experiences with homework and gives practical tips on how you can adapt them to your classroom.
What are your experiences with setting homework? Do you have a particular homework activity or technique you find helps your students? Is there anything else you consider before deciding whether to set homework? Let us know in the comments!