Solon wants ‘no-homework’ policy among kinder to Grade 12 students

A lawmaker wants teachers not to give take-home assignments to students from kindergarten to Grade 12 anymore to lighten their physical burden when carrying heavy bags to-and-from schools.

In House Bill 3611, Deputy Speaker and Sorsogon Representative Evelina Escudero also seeks to compel schools and teachers to implement a "more holistic and effective pedagogy" by conducting all lessons and activities in school.

According to Escudero, carrying heavy school bags to-and-from schools may lead to fatigue, spinal diseases and other related afflictions among students.

"Schoolchildren carry heavy bags as they feel compelled to bring home all their books and activity kits because of the daily homework given by their respective subject teachers. The giving of homework assignments to conclude a lesson is a hallmark of Philippine pedagogy which also needs to be seriously assessed," she said in the explanatory note of her bill.

"Moreover, homework assignments can deprive students and parents precious quality time for rest, relaxation and interaction after school hours and even on weekends," she added.

Apart from a no-homework policy, House Bill 3611 also proposes that all kindergarden and Grade 6 students will deposit and leave their textbooks in school. No textbook will be brought home to "prevent the adverse effects" of carrying heavy bags to-and-from schools.

In order to do this, all basic education schools should ensure that each student will have a locker in which they will put their textbooks.

The funding needed to implement the measure will be included and incorporated in the annual budget of the Department of Education. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News