While it may 'suck,' homework is necessary: student
Despite growing skepticism around the merits of homework, Kaylin McKay says not introducing it at a young age simply sets students up for failure in upper years. The Grade 12 student from Calgary says while kids — herself included — may not enjoy it, homework helps build time management skills and acclimates students to what they will eventually face in high school.
Listen to the interview here:
Duncan McCue: Tell me what your experience with homework has been?
Kaylin McKay: Any kid can tell you that homework sucks, but I do think it is necessary as you're going through school. High school really hits you hard and I know I was one of those kids who never did their homework because I knew I couldn't fail in junior high. When I got to high school, it hit me really hard that I can actually fail these courses, that I had to be doing my homework in order to do well on the tests. So I really think that it does suck, but it's well-needed for your education.
DM: Do you think not having any homework at younger ages ill-prepares students for high school?
KM: I do, because it's a time management thing. If you're not starting young, you're not going to get the hang of it. It actually sets you up for failure in my opinion.
DM: How much homework do you do now?
KM: Generally teachers say, "We don't want you doing more than hour of homework." But as you're moving from class to class, each teacher is giving you an hour homework without the communication between other teachers, so I'm typically doing two or three hours a night.
DM: What do you say to folks who worry that that's too much homework, that kids are being too sedentary or not getting to relax?
KM: I agree that kids aren't getting the time to go out and play and be kids. But in my school we have a 45-minute period where you are able to go to any teacher in the school and get help on a subject. It's homework and tutoring time.
DM: OK, honestly Kaylin, are kids taking advantage of that time or using it as a free period?
KM: 50/50. There are a lot of kids who don't take the initiative and use the time, yet they complain about having so much homework. They have to realize that they're not using the time wisely.
Duncan McCue's and Kaylin McKay's comments have been edited and condensed. This online segment was prepared by Ilina Ghosh on Sept. 11, 2016.