How important is homework?

I really think that this has been a hot topic within school communities for as long as I have been teaching. I recall getting together to discuss and formulate school-based policy, with many simply following the idea of homework is part of education. But the one discussion that has never been fully explored is that starting with the word, why? We have "discussed to death" the idea of how much a real perennial discussion. This one always seems to end up with the words "parental expectations". It almost seems as if we think parents demand it and parents think we demand it, and now it is sort of a "tradition". Meanwhile the generations slip by.

The idea of homework fits like a hand in a glove inside the control mentality of societies. Some think that it keeps the children gainfully employed and occupied instead of being engaged in activities such as play. In many ways it fits in with the Georgian attitude of idle hands, being vigilant in case a child or teen has free time and "gets into some mischief". In Hong Kong society (and I'm sure this would equally apply to many other cities) this seems to extend right down to the preschool centres and kindergartens, and the homework is seen as a right of passage and a measure of getting value for one's money. If the school or centre does not offer homework, then there can be no "real" learning going on. The true irony though comes when you look closely at the documents governing these areas which stipulates a "play based curriculum". I know that students as young as 4 are schooled in getting into centres in HK, and this surely involves homework and some good old fashioned rote learning. But then the question is "are we getting it right?". I think all we need to do is look at Finland who have been near the top of PESA testing for sometime. Their education system seems more successful and yet they do not even begin homework until students are in their teens! If you want to know some more visit the Business Insider link. Now state education systems have known about this for some time - after all it is not a hidden secret. Yet we still perpetuate the myth that homework is an important part of education of our children.

Recent articles particularly those about primary education are finally beginning to show a slow movement against this. Articles such as the one on the Salon site, take this question to heart and look at what is happening. The idea and importance of homework is now beginning to be questioned in earnest. I think the gaining of importance of the well-being, and positive psychology and education push have again put traditions under the spotlight. I think that the quote that sums up the homework debate is

"A child just beginning school deserves the chance to develop a love of learning. Instead, homework at a young age causes many kids to turn against school, future homework and academic learning."

Students are experiencing more anxiety, social and emotional problems than previously and this is causing concern in many areas of society. If this is really a growing problem, what are the causes and what is being done about it? Homework is an easy target, but surely only a starting point. Maybe it really is time for the respective education systems to make a real effort to solve this and other issues.