Online Reporter
Dr Manners Msongelwa
STUDENTS are usually given homework every day by their teachers. As schools close for the weekend every Friday, many learners will be going home with tasks and assignments that they are expected to complete over the next two days.
Homework is intended to reinforce classroom learning, help students practise what they have been taught and develop independent study habits. However, this is not always the case.
In many homes, a child arrives with an assignment that is so difficult that it quickly becomes a project for the entire family. The learner struggles to understand the questions, the father scratches his head in confusion, the mother turns to Google for answers and sometimes neighbours are consulted in an attempt to solve the task. What was supposed to be a student’s assignment suddenly becomes a family challenge.
Teachers play a vital role in the learning process. Their responsibility is not only to assess students but also to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to complete tasks independently. Homework should be based on concepts that have already been taught and understood in class. When assignments introduce unfamiliar material or require methods that have not been explained, students become frustrated and discouraged.
Many parents have expressed concern that some homework tasks are becoming increasingly complex. Instead of reinforcing learning, such assignments create anxiety among learners. Students may spend hours trying to understand a question rather than applying what they have learned. In the process, confidence is lost and learning becomes stressful rather than enjoyable.
Effective homework should serve as an extension of classroom teaching. Before assigning work, teachers should ensure that learners have mastered the relevant concepts. Solving examples in class and demonstrating the required methods can make a significant difference. When students are given similar questions to practise on their own, they are more likely to succeed and develop confidence in their abilities.
Parents should support their children, but they should not be expected to become substitute teachers every weekend. While parental involvement is important, homework must primarily be a tool for student learning. Learners should be able to complete assignments with minimal assistance if proper instruction has taken place.
As educators, we must remember that the purpose of homework is not to test how much help a student can obtain from family members or the internet. Its purpose is to strengthen understanding, encourage independent thinking and promote mastery of concepts taught in class.
When homework is realistic, relevant and aligned with classroom instruction, everybody benefits. Students gain confidence, parents experience less stress and teachers receive a more accurate picture of what learners truly understand.
The next time we assign homework, let us ask ourselves one simple question: Can my students complete this task using what I have already taught them? If the answer is yes, then the homework is likely serving its intended purpose.
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an educator, author and youth coach. He writes in his own capacity.
