Psychiatrist on ‘no homework’ policy: Emotional balance, not just intellect, vital to students’ well-being

Schools should help students strike an emotional balance in their lives, apart from simply sharpening the children's intellectual capacity, a psychiatrist said amid the proposal for a "no homework" policy.

“Our aim kasi, ang estudyante natin ay magiging emotionally balanced individuals in the future. Hindi lang puro intellect,” psychiatrist Dr. Babes Manalo said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Manalo: Siguro homework is not bad naman, but a little responsibility na ibibigay natin sa mga bata.

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Under House Bill 3611 filed by Deputy Speaker and Sorsogon Representative Evelina Escudero, teachers can no longer assign homework to students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Manalo said this proposed policy will give students a break from stress from school and enough time to take rest at home.

Manalo cited a study showing that not assigning homework to students would actually allow them to perform better in school.

“Meron tayong pag-aaral stating na having no homework in home can actually make the student better,” the psychiatrist said.

While assigning homework to students will teach them responsibility to do things on their own, Manalo said it should be moderate.

“Homework is not bad naman, but a little responsibility na ibibigay natin sa mga bata,” she said.

“But not yung sobrang daming modules…Education should be fun,” she added.

Aside from improving their knowledge, Manalo said students should have time to spend with their family and to socialize with others to also develop their character. — Joviland Rita/MDM, GMJA News