<p>Homework has a couple of key functions:
- It actually lengthens the school day, in effect - more time is devoted to learning the material. It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which better learning would be fostered by little or no homework.
- It may provide a different type of learning or approach to the material. Sometimes, the teacher may explain something in a way that the student just can’t get. Reviewing the same material later with a parent, another student, or even by oneself can lead to understanding it. </p>
<p>The homework as an “elitist” requirement makes no sense. Are we really going to design our education systems around the worst possible scenario, e.g., chaotic home life? There are low income kids whose parents are strict about studying, and wealthy kids with parents too busy to pay attention to them.</p>