Headline graphic created by ABYAN ALI.
Homework. You know it, you have seen it, and most do not like it. But why is it given? Do students mainly struggle with homework, or do they think it’s ultimately a waste of time?
For some teachers, homework is important for students to “practice” the topics they learn in class to strengthen their skills. However, Math teacher Lewei Ding expressed how the “long” duration of classes demotivates students from starting homework when they reach home.
Ding continued by explaining that keeping up with homework can be “challenging” for student athletes as well, with practice right after school. However, Ding sees students struggling with homework as a tool to benefit teachers.
“We can see what students are struggling with, which can be an informal assessment for teachers. And it gives us an idea of what kind of questions we need to reteach, or what kind of questions the students understand,” Ding elaborated.
To aid students with the homework process, English teacher Anne Mooney shared that she “will try to provide audiobooks as additional support.” Mooney shared how the audiobook is split into “smaller chunks” to guide students struggling with vocabulary.
A major concern that arises with work assigned at home is the use of Artificial Intelligence. “I can no longer send students home with any kind of writing, because I just can’t have complete confidence that AI isn’t somehow going to get involved in that,” added Mooney. Ever since AI has been on the rise, she and other teachers have been afraid to assign writing homework, concerned about work originality and the learning process.
On the other hand, Math teacher Brad Gelling is not “too concerned” about AI usage. “If a kid’s making an effort to get the homework done, even if they’re using ChatGPT, they’re still concerned about the grade,” Gelling voiced.
He emphasized that, in the long run, using AI will only hurt students due to a lack of learning skills and knowledge. He noted, “when it comes time for a quiz or test, they’ll just be farther behind.”
Meanwhile, students challenged by specific problems can swing by teachers after school to receive the required help and explanation. Gelling encourages students struggling with math homework to stop by whenever they are available to tackle the questions.
Although the debate over the practicality of homework will continue as long as schools exist, it can be said that the practice is here to stay for Malden High.
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