Should students from Kinder to Grade 12 be given homework on weekends? This is the burning question that schools face and lawmakers wish to address.
From an academic standpoint, giving homeworks to students hone them to be disciplined and not waste time spending on unproductive things at home after school or on weekends. But from a social perspective, giving homeworks affects a balanced family life and deals young people unnecessary stress when they should have enjoyed their rest periods.
The debate stemmed from the bill filed in the Senate by Sen. Grace Poe that seeks to impose a “no homework on weekends” policy in all primary and secondary schools in the country. Senate Bill No. 966, filed on Aug. 27, states that all public and private schools in the country shall not allow teachers to give any homework to students from Kinder to Grade 12 on weekends.
The bill provides for the assigning of homework to students on weekdays; provided, that such homework shall be minimal and will not require more than four hours to be completed. In banning weekend homework, the bill says it aims to “safeguard and promote the welfare of teachers and school children, protect them from conditions that may adversely affect their health and their right to a balanced life.”
The Senate measure also has its version in the House of Representatives with Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas filing a similar bill.
The two pieces of legislations are supported by Education Secretary Leonor Briones who believes that students lose time for rest and bonding with family and friends due to homework, which is sometimes completed by tutors or carers.
The practice of giving homework on weekends is counterproductive as it only wears down students instead of spending the two-day period for refreshing tired minds and bodies. Allowing this practice also tolerates teachers from relying heavily on homeworks instead of exerting efforts to maximize classroom hours where the contact is personal and the learning process extensive.
At the end of the day, there are more benefits in keeping students refreshed when they report to school on weekdays instead of burning them out with homeworks on days when they should be resting and enjoying their time with the family.
