While not often stated, homework can also be a communication tool. For better or worse, parents may use homework to make judgments about the classroom program and their children's learning. This more open-ended homework can develop students' critical and creative thinking, help students process information more deeply, and enable students to capitalize on their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses. Too much homework may interfere with other activities and opportunities for learning. Today's busy families may have limited time together.
Some families see homework as an intrusion on family time.
Another problem with homework can result from children continuing to repeat mistakes. Parents may be at a loss as to how to intervene and children may be developing bad habits. Finally, we need to consider how much time teachers should devote to creating, collecting and correcting homework. Clearly, planning the learning activities for the classroom needs to be the first priority. Teachers can end up spending valuable class time chasing down homework.