Balancing homework and happiness

Homework remains a cornerstone of education, yet its impact on students continues to spark debate. While it reinforces learning and enhances academic performance, excessive homework can lead to stress and burnout — making balance essential for a healthy educational journey.
Parents often struggle to get their children to complete homework, turning what should be a learning habit into a household battle. Traditionally, homework is meant to strengthen classroom learning, but the question remains — does it truly benefit students or burden them after a long school day?
On the positive side, homework provides students the chance to review and apply classroom lessons. Regular practice helps consolidate knowledge, especially in challenging subjects like math and science. This repetition not only deepens understanding, but also improves long-term retention.
Homework also teaches valuable life skills such as time management, responsibility and organisation. Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular and personal time encourages discipline that benefits students well beyond the classroom.
However, the key lies in moderation. Homework should be meaningful, not overwhelming. As teacher Shamsa al Quraini explains, “When homework is balanced and enjoyable, it becomes something students love rather than avoid. If there is no balance, stress builds up and affects performance.”
Recognising this, the Ministry of Education in Oman has introduced measures to regulate homework distribution. Many schools now allocate specific days for each subject and designate Thursdays as homework-free days, allowing students to relax over the weekend.
At Al Qayyim School, for instance, teacher Shaimaa noted, “We created ‘bag-free days’ and introduced platforms like Noor to reward students for completing homework. This helps reduce pressure while keeping them motivated.”
Research shows that short, consistent homework sessions are more effective than lengthy, infrequent ones. However, homework alone cannot solve learning difficulties. Building positive teacher-student relationships, celebrating small achievements and nurturing curiosity are far more impactful.
Ultimately, the goal of education is to create happy, confident learners. Homework should never feel like punishment. Every child learns differently, and both parents and teachers must recognise individual abilities. Instead of fixating on grades, the focus should be on cultivating a love for learning.
Encouragement goes a long way — praise efforts, avoid criticism and create a calm, supportive home environment for study. When children feel relaxed and motivated, homework becomes less of a chore and more of an opportunity to grow.