The amount of summer homework seems to grow each year, but is summer homework truly benefiting students?
Unfortunately, along with homework during the school year, students also have to complete assignments during the summer. Students need a break from school, as during the school year, students have to keep up with sports, homework, tests, projects, and extracurricular activities. This gives students minimal time to spend with their family and friends. Summer break is one of the few chances they have to not be worried about school. When teachers give summer homework, they strip students of opportunities that they have throughout the summer to get away from the pressures of school.
Taylor Weaver ‘27, states, “I think it [summer homework] can pressure students, and, instead of being able to enjoy their free time outside of school, it makes summer more stressful than it should. Although it can expand students’ skills, it also affects their mental state and it can make many people, including myself, feel unwanted pressure.”
Many teachers are required to give summer homework, so students have no choice but to focus on these assignments. Moreover, students may not have time to complete this load of summer homework. For the duration of the summer, numerous fall sports ask that students practice with the team before tryouts. Summer homework adds to other commitments that students have, and takes away their free time.
Mr. Exline, teacher at Brebeuf, states that “I have mixed emotions. I understand the need for it in AP classes in order to get a head start, but I’m not a big fan of it for non-AP classes. If you have students who already don’t like homework, it can lead them to resent it. If homework is required, students should have more choice and flexibility.”
Oftentimes, these assignments are pointless and don’t reflect students’ true academic abilities. When students are focused on getting their assignments done, they spend less time reviewing other skills they may need to know during the year. This affects the overall grade that they receive. So why should students have to complete this workload each year?
Mrs. Neukam, English teacher at Brebeuf Jesuit, says, “I think that one of the reasons we have summer work is because we want to encourage students to continue their learning outside of school. I think there should be minimal homework, students should be able to rest and enjoy other experiences.”
The staff at Brebeuf often argue that summer homework helps students’ retain information from the previous school year and prepare them for the upcoming year. Although this may be true, the long break also helps refresh their body and minds, which allows them to improve their academic performance. Overall, reducing summer homework helps students to relax and prepare for the upcoming school year.
