ESL Teacher

Not too many people would argue on the question of giving homework to high school students. But once you get into the adult education world, then it gets a bit tricky.

As a basic principle, I think that homework for students learning English as a second language is totally essential. A key part of learning a language is, unfortunately, revising and remembering new words and practicing grammar structures, and repetition is a really important part of this – the kind of repetition that homework provides.

However, it all depends on the circumstances. For example, in Germany I taught high level managers who had English lessons twice a week before they started working (from 7.30am to 9.00am). These people worked long hours, had children and partners and houses to take care of after work, and barely had time for a hobby of their choice, let alone doing more English homework. Sure, they would’ve learnt faster if they’d been able to spend ten minutes a day revising their vocab lists, but I didn’t expect it.

On the other hand, students who come to Australia to study English full time often have some time each day to do some homework. Not all of them, however – those who need to work to support themselves might go directly from school to work and then only get home at midnight – at which time I’d prefer they got some sleep so they could stay awake in class the next day, rather than staying up later doing homework.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that being a strict teacher and demanding students complete their homework no matter what is not the way to deal with adult English learners. Be realistic, discuss the pros and cons with the students themselves, and perhaps provide optional homework for those that have the time.