A bold move by a Jurong Secondary School teacher as reported in the Straits Times to do away with homework proved effective for his students who improved tremendously; one student even got around 70 marks for science as compared to failing before. The rigid education system of Singapore is left frowning at Mr Hoe's radical move. If he had failed in his belief, no doubt he would have faced a heavy onslaught of criticism.
Yet contrary to local norms, it is no wonder why he had succeeded. He had divided the class into groups for discussions, went through worksheets with them in class or took them to the laboratory for hands-on learning. In a way he had made every moment he had with them count. Inefficient teachers rely on homework because they usually find they cannot do much with the allocated time and more often than not they are firm believers of drilling as a method of teaching.
Drilling is a decadent method of pumping knowledge into students' heads. The use of homework not only inhibits development of a thinking mind but also stifles creativity; the skills that are essential for survival in the modern society. Some psychiatrists have even pointed out that too much homework can lead to stress and progressively to mental instability and suicidal tendencies. Too much homework can cause a student to be adverse to learning and even lose interest in going to school.
Yet how many in the education profession truly have sincere desires to educate and help students? At least I know of a certain Mr Hoe. Kudos to you!
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