This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

In My Opinion ...

By Harris Cooper

A recent online poll asked kids what they hated most about school. "Classes are boring" came in first. "Too much homework" was a close second. Are these just idle complaints, or are kids on to something?

Since all activities remain interesting for only so long, too much homework can lead to boredom. So, why are some kids getting homework overload? Teachers give two reasons why they feel pressure to assign a lot of homework. First, they say, the government now requires schools to meet higher-than-ever achievement goals for students. If students don't succeed, the school faces penalties. Second, many parents want their children to be able to get into the nation's best colleges and universities. These parents believe homework is a way to ensure students are learning at their full capacity.

People who favor homework argue that it can have many other beneficial effects. They claim it can help students develop good study habits. Homework can help students recognize that learning can occur at home as well as at school. It can foster independent learning and responsible character traits.

But studies show that middle schoolers doing 60 to 90 minutes of homework a night are doing just as well in school as middle schoolers doing more than 90 minutes. And homework can have negative effects. Homework can deny students access to leisure activities that also teach important skills. For example, scouting groups and sports teams teach cooperation and leadership, in addition to helping kids stay physically active. Another problem with too much homework is that parents can get too involved. They can put too much pressure on their kids and can confuse them by using different instructional techniques from the teacher's.

So what should be done? Good homework assignments in the proper amount will have positive effects. Bad homework assignments, or too much homework, will have negative effects. The bottom line: Students in grades three through six should do no more than 30 to 60 minutes of homework each night.

Next: A Wee Water Buffalo