Ola Kozak, an 11-year-old girl from Poland, is celebrating after the government imposed strict limits on homework for lower grades. The ban on required homework was enacted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk amid discussions about the need to modernize Poland’s education system, which critics argue focuses too much on rote learning and not enough on critical thinking and creativity. Under the new rules, homework is optional for grades four to eight and does not count towards a grade, a change that has been met with mixed reactions from students, parents, and educators.
Debates over the appropriate amount of homework are common worldwide, with some studies suggesting little benefit for young learners while others argue it helps develop study habits and academic concepts. Poland’s education system has undergone controversial changes over the years, causing confusion and discouragement among teachers and parents. The recent changes in homework rules were initiated after a 14-year-old boy raised concerns about children having too much homework and no time to rest. Education Minister Barbara Nowacka cited research on children’s mental health as a reason for the change, hoping to ease the burden on students.
While some experts believe homework should be tailored to individual learning needs, others warn that removing homework altogether could widen educational disparities between children with strong support at home and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sławomir Broniarz, the head of the Polish Teachers’ Union, criticized the lack of consultation with educators on the new rules, arguing for broader curriculum changes instead. In South Korea, homework limits were set in 2017 to address concerns of pressure on students, while in the U.S., teachers and parents decide on homework amounts independently.
The COVID-19 pandemic and issues around youth mental health have added complexity to the homework debate, with some schools in the U.S. eliminating homework entirely to prioritize student well-being and balance learning with rest. Pasi Sahlberg, a Finnish educator, emphasized the importance of practice in mastering skills and cautioned against lowering expectations for excellence in schools. While the changes to homework policies in Poland have sparked debate and divided opinions, they reflect a global trend of reevaluating traditional education practices and prioritizing student well-being and creativity.
