THE HIDDEN COSTS OF HOMEWORK: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ITS IMPACT ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND WELL-BEING

Annotasiya

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of homework on students’ academic performance and overall well-being within the modern education system. The research combines both primary and secondary methods, including a structured survey conducted among 10 students from different academic levels and a detailed review of relevant scientific literature, academic journals, and previous studies on homework effectiveness. The findings indicate that homework plays an important educational role in reinforcing classroom instruction, improving students’ understanding of academic content, and supporting the development of essential life skills such as responsibility, discipline, independent learning, critical thinking, and time management. Students who consistently complete homework tasks tend to demonstrate higher academic engagement, improved retention of knowledge, and better preparation for assessments. However, the study also highlights significant negative consequences associated with excessive homework. Many students reported increased stress levels, mental fatigue, reduced sleep quality, lack of leisure time, and decreased motivation toward learning. In some cases, excessive workload leads to emotional pressure and difficulty balancing academic responsibilities with personal and family life. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of homework largely depends on its quantity, quality, and purpose. Therefore, the study concludes that homework should not be eliminated entirely but should be carefully regulated, purposefully designed, and balanced to ensure both academic success and students’ psychological and emotional well-being.