The issue of homework for today's children is not just a major concern for Thai students but a significant topic of discussion worldwide. For instance, if we look at Finland, a country renowned for its excellent education system, we find that teachers hardly assign any homework, and when they do, students typically spend no more than 10 minutes a day completing it. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many adults view homework as a burden for children, causing stress and taking away time that could be spent learning other skills or engaging in family activities.

            In Thailand, children are known to have a heavy academic load, often bringing home a considerable amount of homework. There have been various efforts from different sectors to reduce the amount of homework assigned.

            The question arises: Is homework still necessary for children growing up in an unpredictable future where it’s unclear what skills or knowledge will be essential?

            According to Dr. Ek-Akrin Si Mahasarn, an advisor to the board of directors of Akson Education Public Company Limited, homework is indeed necessary for today’s children, especially in the 21st century, the era of technology. It’s crucial to clearly define what homework is and why it remains important.

“In school, teachers impart knowledge, and after that, there must be practice. Some tasks are done in the classroom, while others extend beyond it and need to be completed at home. Children must research and practice skills, such as Thai, English, and Mathematics, to excel. Additionally, homework helps instill a sense of responsibility and discipline in children,”

            However, when asked what type of homework is suitable for today’s children, Dr. Ek explains that as educational goals evolve and diversify, the exercises teachers use must also be tailored accordingly. This includes various activities, practice books, and tests that teachers may assign for completion at home or outside the classroom, such as in libraries or group work with peers. These processes allow teachers to observe whether children understand critical thinking and teamwork, reflecting their development.

            “Initially, homework focused on knowledge and practice. Then, it shifted to emphasize critical thinking skills. Today, there’s a focus on competencies, where children must research and utilize applications and websites. If the classroom lacks resources, teachers must assign task-based work or project-based learning, all of which constitutes homework or supplementary activities that require students to research and present. In the U.S., there’s the concept of Flipped Classroom, which encourages students to seek knowledge independently, as there are abundant resources available. Students can research using computers, applications, and websites, and then apply what they’ve learned in class. Teachers can have students work in teams, think creatively, and utilize both knowledge and application. How can we say homework is unimportant when it provides skills, competencies, and qualities of learners? It’s just a matter of teachers selecting appropriate activities and types of work that align with the lesson and the goals they aim to teach students,”

            Dr. Ek concludes by stating that the definition of homework has changed. Today, homework involves working outside the classroom, researching knowledge from various sources, and developing projects. Ultimately, homework may not always be the bitter pill that teachers hand to students; rather, it depends on whether it sparks curiosity in children and helps them apply skills learned in the classroom to real-life situations.