Education has long been considered an equalizer. Students pursued education to increase their chances of getting similar opportunities to those who had resources. However, it appears that homework is perpetuating education inequity instead of making the situation better.
The situation in homes differs. Some parents are available to assist their children with homework. Others have gadgets or can hire helpers. The expectation is that children coming from these two environments will deliver different results. Such an expectation is unrealistic.
Here is a detailed look at inequity in education and the role played by homework:
Access to different resources
Students are supposed to do homework outside the school or normal class environment. It means the use of resources other than what the school provides. It is at this point that inequality becomes a reality.
Some students have the best laptops and phones. They can research widely and subscribe to world journals. Such resources help them to deliver the most compelling answers to the assignment. It is not the case with many other students who struggle to afford a decent laptop. They become victims of the negative effects of education systems that assume that homework is a necessity.
The situation would have been different if the work was done in school. Every student has access to the internet and computers. As a result, all students have an equal chance of performing well in class and at the end of the course. Situations at home do not affect their performance.
It costs money to get help
Students are allowed to seek homework help. They need help when dealing with tough questions or have other engagements that do not allow them to dedicate as much time as is required to complete the homework. However, this privilege is not available to all students because it requires money.
Some students can afford all the help needed, including hiring assistants and buying apps. Others are left to perform poorly because they lack the resources. The inability to access help results in inequitable education.
Some students take up jobs after school
Students are expected to complete homework in the hours after school. However, financial constraints cause some students to take up evening and part-time jobs. The negative effect of education manifests when all students do not have equal opportunities. The student taking up an evening job is disadvantaged because he is required to dedicate the same time to homework.
Lack and the cost of internet access
One of the reasons why homework is bad is that it assumes that all students are equal. The assumption that students can access the internet or pay for the best connection results in inequality. Some do not even think about internet connectivity. Others are struggling with food and rent to even think about internet connection. The lack of such facilities affects their performance.
Different devices and tools used in learning
Homework involves field education, where students collect data using personal resources and gadgets. One of the problems in the field of education is the assumption of equality. Tutors and education managers assume that all students can access similar gadgets and homework tools. If a student has more resources, his tools and capability to handle homework will be better. It results in a better performance. Those who cannot afford these tools and gadgets are further marginalized.
The most convincing reason why homework is bad is the inequality it brings. Students who cannot afford homework help tools or those who have to take part-time jobs lack the time for homework. Instead of helping society to achieve equality, it becomes a dividing tool.