A debate has been sparked about the importance of homework for school pupils. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
A debate has been sparked around the role of homework in educating pupils following comments by well-known education professor Jonathan Jansen, who argues that it is a "middle-class concept" that disadvantages working-class pupils.
However, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and some education stakeholders strongly disagree, maintaining that homework is an essential part of learning.
Jansen argues that many children live in environments that make completing homework difficult. He said in the home context, some children don’t have the space and luxury to do homework.
He also noted that dysfunctional families, food insecurity, and overcrowded homes make doing homework frustrating and difficult.
However, DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga dismissed this perspective, insisting that homework is not just about academics but also about social development.
“Homework is necessary for additional learning at home. It helps learners collaborate, promotes teamwork, and gives them an opportunity to learn in a different environment, where they have additional time to interrogate topics,” he said.
Mhlanga further argued that homework fosters key life skills. “There are many social benefits to homework. It’s not just about learning to pass exams but about developing responsibility, accountability, and project management."
"Homework teaches learners how to plan their time, manage tasks, and work collaboratively with peers—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives,” he added.
Vee Gani, chairperson of the KZN Parents’ Association, echoed the DBE’s stance, arguing that homework has always been part of education and remains necessary.
“Homework has been a kind of standard, where children who could not complete their work in class would take it home to finish. Given large class sizes, it’s difficult to ensure every child completes their work in school,” he said.
Gani also emphasised that children learn at different paces, and homework is a way to reinforce what has been taught.
“You can’t walk into a classroom, give children work, and expect everyone to understand and complete it at the same time. Homework allows them to practice and become more adept at what they are learning,” he said.
He also dismissed the idea that homework unfairly burdens disadvantaged learners. “Yes, some children have more resources than others, but that has always been the case. That doesn’t mean we should remove homework altogether. If we do that, we risk lowering educational standards,” Gani said.
He further pointed out that students preparing for tests must study, and homework forms part of that process.
“What is the difference between homework and studying? If you’re doing homework, you’re reinforcing learning. If you’re studying, you’re doing the same thing. Students who excel are those who dedicate time to reviewing their work at home,” he argued.
Professor Labby Ramrathan said homework is necessary for senior students but may not be effective for younger learners in disadvantaged communities.
“For lower grades, socio-economic issues make homework unrealistic. Many homes are too small and overcrowded, evenings are poorly lit, and digital resources are unavailable,” he added.
Professor Chile Sohoole agreed, emphasising that many children lack the resources to complete homework effectively. “You need a proper learning area, a room with a table, chairs, light, good nutrition, and a proper bed to rest after studying. Without these, homework becomes difficult,” he said.
Sohoole suggested that schools in disadvantaged areas focus on maximising in-class learning. “If learners do work at home, it should be voluntary rather than a strict requirement,” he said.
Despite the concerns raised, Mhlanga insists that the current system already takes disadvantaged learners into account. “Teachers don’t just move on without recapping what was taught the previous day. Homework helps with that. You teach today, give homework, and the next day, you review the work done,” he said.