Homework has long been a cornerstone of education, shaping how students reinforce learning outside of class, yet it is becoming a source of stress for many. Along with the demands of assignment deadlines, high expectations add lots of pressure after a long school day. 

     Homework plays a significant role in shaping students’ motivation in school. When balanced, it can support learning, but too much homework may reduce students’ interest and engagement.

     Freshman Kaiden Jenkins shared how homework has impacted her overall motivation to work hard in school. “I feel like homework can affect your motivation because you not only go to school and do lots of work, but you also receive homework that takes up a lot of your time,” Jenkins said. 

     Deadlines from multiple classes often pile up at once, making it difficult for students to manage their time. 

     Freshman Desi Hall explained why having assignments due around the same time affects her. “When deadlines pile up, I can get confused on what homework is due, and I even mix them up at times,” Hall said. 

     Homework often cuts into the time students need to relax, recharge and do activities that make them happy. When schoolwork follows students home every night, it can increase stress and leave little room for rest or personal interests. 

     “Sometimes I have too much that I don’t have time to spend with my friends or family. However, I try to do as much as I can during the weekends to spend as much time doing the things I love,” freshman Vanna Derrickson said. 

     Although students struggle, they do have methods to cope with this ongoing stress. Many partake in activities they enjoy doing, take short breaks, practice deep breathing and much more.

     “To reduce homework stress, I feel like it’s good to section out and give yourself time to recover from doing lots of work, especially after having a long day at school,” Hall said. 

     While homework plays an important role in education, the amounts and tight deadlines can often overwhelm students and increase stress. Reducing the amount of homework could help improve students’ mental well-being and make learning more effective rather than exhausting.