give less homework in spanish

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

7 Invaluable Spanish Homework Help Resources for Succeeding in Your Class

Homework is extremely important for reviewing the day’s work, preparing for upcoming classwork, practicing grammar and simple regular reading .

And it doesn’t have to be a drag, especially when it comes to Spanish learning.

There’s help for the Spanish Homework Blues—and I’m going to show you exactly where to find it.

Best for Homework Questions: Course Hero

Best multimedia dictionary: fluentu, best for tutoring with detailed feedback: verbalplanet, best for personalized online tutoring: live lingua, best for talking to native speakers: hinative, best for crowdsourced study resources: chegg, best for in-person tutoring: wyzant.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Summary: Course Hero is a superb option if you only have a quick question about an assignment or need clarification on one subject.

Course Hero puts hundreds of potential tutors from all across the globe at your fingertips in their “Spanish Homework Help” section . Some speak only Spanish while some speak English and other languages, too. On this site, they’re here to help answer specific tricky questions you might have.

I know what you’re wondering. With so many tutors, how can you choose the “right” one?

Luckily, the site makes the process a snap. Just type your homework question into the box on the page (there’s even an FAQ section , so if you’re not sure how to form a question or complete any of the other steps, just peek there), assign a price you’re willing to pay for the help and wait.

Generally, the response time is just a few minutes , and you may get more than one reply. Choose your tutor, come to terms and begin! Course Hero guarantees satisfaction with the exchange, so if you’re not totally content with how things are going, you can contact them for help.

Summary: FluentU helps you practice Spanish through advanced tools like a multimedia dictionary and comprehensive flashcards. 

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons .

Other sites use scripted content. FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the Spanish language and culture over time. You’ll learn Spanish as it’s actually spoken by real people.

FluentU has a wide variety of videos topics, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive transcripts. You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been written to help you understand how the word is used.

Plus, if you see an interesting word you don’t know, you can add it to a vocab list.

Review a complete interactive transcript under the Dialogue tab, and find words and phrases listed under Vocab.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU’s robust learning engine. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.

The best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you’re learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. Every learner has a truly personalized experience, even if they’re studying with the same video.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Summary: Verbalplanet is an online tutoring platform that gives you feedback about your speaking, listening, writing and reading skills.

Verbalplanet offers interactive Spanish language classes through video call . It’s free to sign up and create a profile.

You can look through several pages of tutors . Each tutor profile is personalized with a photograph, number of lessons taught, student ratings and per-session prices.

There’s a good range of pricing options, so if that’s important (and it definitely is!), take the time to look at multiple tutors before deciding on an initial contact. Most tutors offer discounts for trial sessions, so keep that in mind, too.

To set up a tutorial arrangement, send a message to the tutor you’ve chosen and book your sessions. It’s that easy!

Again, if you’re looking to get grammar details down or clarification on a particular topic, this might be a way to untangle those homework issues.

Summary: Live Lingua offers personalized one-on-one language lessons online with native Spanish tutors.

With teachers from around the world, Live Lingua is a super way to get pronunciation subtleties nailed down. When you sign up, you’re able to participate in a free class , so choosing a tutor who’s compatible with your learning style or someone you feel is competent to address your homework issues is more possible than ever.

The tutors on here have teaching credentials and are able to customize learning to suit individual needs. Choosing a tutor is just a matter of checking into each tutor’s experience, degrees and teaching philosophy—and since each tutor has a personalized introduction page, this is much less time-consuming than it sounds.

I was able to check out several tutors, compare their strengths and assess my personal criteria to locate a tutor in less than an hour. Live Lingua provides enough options that it’s not hard to find someone who’s able to provide the help you need.

This resource may be appealing to those who don’t want to wait for a particular homework snag to come up. Rather, you can start on a personalized program geared towards addressing individual issues as they arise, which definitely should make homework less stressful!

Summary: HiNative allows you to ask questions about a language and get replies from native speakers.  

HiNative doesn’t provide one-on-one tutorial assistance but it does offer individualized Spanish language support. This is a global Q&A forum where native speakers are available to assist with almost any language issue and correct or assess material. They’re able to give feedback on writing assignments , including blog posts and creative writing.

From the simplest of questions to the most complicated grammar snafus, your homework issues are solvable here if you just wait for the right person to come along.

Ask the question, get your answer. All homework help should be so clear-cut, right?

One of the best parts is that this global homework help is completely free!

So no need to wonder if you’ll ever understand how to conjugate irregular verbs. There’s an answer for every question here, and most are from very reliable sources.

For more on HiNative, here’s an in-depth review .

Summary:  Chegg features comprehensive resources made by students, such as flashcards, notes and study guides. 

Chegg is a crowdsourced study library .

The first time I read that I wondered what exactly constitutes a “crowdsourced study library” and, more importantly, how such a thing could be applied to the homework grind.

I’m so glad I found out! Chegg is a resource made by and for students, with materials like exam prep materials and textbook explanations . Millions of students know about Chegg and are using the materials to learn not only languages like Spanish but other subjects as well.

This is an efficient resource for researching your homework problem to find an answer from someone who at one time probably had the same exact question you’re dealing with now! Researching to find homework help is also a great way to discover other Spanish cultural or language interests.

Honestly, every time I research one topic I find tangents that inspire or teach me. Expanding your inspiration for Spanish learning while getting your homework done? What’s not to love?

Summary: Wyzant allows you to connect with in-person Spanish tutors near your area along with online tutors. 

Look for local resources to get the job done. You can leave a “Spanish tutor wanted” flyer on message boards near your home, but you can also try out Wyzant, where you can find hundreds of Spanish language tutors .

The process is simple: Indicate your Spanish language needs, make a match with a tutor and schedule a lesson. You can even search for Spanish tutors near you by zip code and check their educational background, how much they charge and see reviews by other students.

The largest community of professional tutors is at your fingertips, and in many cases they’re in your neighborhood!

There are so many resources to help turn your homework woes into successes that singing the homework blues isn’t necessary.

Explore your options, choose the ones that fit your needs and do the work.

Be a Spanish homework winner!

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

Essential Chunks and Phrases to Ask for HELP in Spanish in ANY Situation

Welcome to Spring Spanish! In this article, te voy a enseñar cómo pedir ayuda en español (I am going to teach you how to ask for help in Spanish). Entonces, ¿me ayudas? (So, can you help me?) You will learn some of the most useful chunks que te ayudarán (that will help you) to ask for help in any situation!

1. Useful phrases to ask for help in Spanish

¡ayúdame a ayudarte.

This literally means “HELP ME TO HELP YOU”

Disculpe, ¿podría ayudarme? or Disculpa, ¿podrías ayudarme? (Excuse me, could you help me?)

We use Disculpe in formal situations, when we use usted , while in informal situations, we use  Disculpa , when we use tú .

If you are in doubt about when to use Usted or Tú , then check out the video that Paulisima, another Spring Spanish teacher, made to teach you the difference.

Necesito ayuda, por favor . (I need help, please.)

This phrase is usually accompanied by a preposition, like para (to).

Necesito ayuda para … (I need help to…)

• … encontrar (to find something), e.g. un hotel (a hotel), el aeropuerto (the airport), un taxi (a taxi), una tienda (a store), un parque (a park), la estación de tren (the train station), la estación de policía (the police station) .
• … marcar un número telefónico internacional (to dial an international phone number)
• … enamorar a un chico (to make a boy fall for me). —And once you are in love, then check Cory’s video about the Language of love and seduce him or her in Spanish 🤭

¿Puede(s) o podría(s)? (Can you? or Could you?)

This question will be used with complementary verbs such as:

• ¿Puedes pasarme la pluma? (Can you give me the pen?) 
• ¿Podrías despertarme mañana? (Could you wake me up tomorrow?)
• ¿Puede ayudarme con mi tarea? (Can you help me with my homework?)
• ¿Podría manejar más lento? (Could you drive more slowly?) — Please use this one when you are on a taxi in Mexico City. It would be really useful!

¿Me ayudas? (Could you help me?) or ¡Ayúdame, por favor ! (Help me, please!)

• ¿Me ayudas a hacer el desayuno? (Can you help me to make breakfast?)
• Ayúdame a cargar esto, por favor. (Help me to carry this, please.)

¿Te importaría? (Would you mind?)

• ¿Te importaría traerme una botella con agua? (Would you mind bringing me a water bottle?)
• ¿Te importaría llamar a tu mamá? (Would you mind calling your mother?)
• ¿Te importaría llevarme al aeropuerto? (Would you mind driving me to the airport?)

¿Me echas una mano? (Can you give me a hand?)

• ¿Me echas una mano con las bolsas? (Can you give me a hand with the bags?)

¿Puedo pedirte un favor? (Can I ask you for a favor?) or ¿Me podrías hacer un favor? (Could you do me a favor?)

By the way, in Mexico we love sarcasm, so Mexican moms will use a typical phrase that sounds similar to this one, but without the question marks:

• ¿Me podrías hacer EL favor de recoger tu cuarto? (Could you do me THE favor of picking up your bedroom?) 

So, in this case, she is not asking, she is demanding you to do it.

2. Bonus phrases to ask for help in Spanish in emergency situations

Well guys, now you have lots of chunks to use on your next trip or to impress your Spanish speaker friends. However, I have some bonus phrases if you ever find yourself in an undesirable situation (I hope you don’t), but just in case then please bear in mind the following phrases:

• You are getting robbed or need someone to help: ¡Auxilio! Socorro! Ayúdenme!
• You need to call the ER: ¿Podrías llamar al 911, por favor?
• You need an ambulance: ¿Puedes pedir una ambulancia?
• You need a pharmacy: Necesito ayuda para encontrar una farmacia .
• You need to go to the police station: ¿Te importaría llevarme a la estación de policía?

And if you ever need help to ask where to find something, you could use any of these:

• ¿Dónde está _______? (when asking for specific places) or ¿Dónde hay _______? (when asking for any place)
• ¿Dónde está el hotel “Las Maravillas” / la embajada Americana (the US Embassy) / la estación de policía (the police station)?   
• ¿Dónde hay un hotel (a hotel) / una farmacia (a drug store) / un hospital (a hospital) ? 

3. Learn Spanish with FREE Spanish Training

Ahora que ya sabes cómo pedir ayuda (now that you know how to ask for help), ¿por qué no te ayudas a aprender español? (Why don’t you help yourself in learning Spanish? ) We have a whole series of Spanish beginner videos, so feel free to check them out on our channel! 

And if you want to learn more chunks and to understand how our chunk method works to improve your Spanish in less time, then sign up to the free training we are offering on our website. By doing so, you will have access to free sample Spanish lessons straight from our Academy!

Traveler, Dog Lover and Creative, are just a few characteristics of María-Fernanda. She is from the beautiful South East Coast in Mexico where "La Bamba" song was born: Veracruz. María Fernanda is a great company if you want to spend your days laughing, learning fun facts and dancing salsa, merengue, bachata or whatever that makes you shake it! She considers herself an ambassador of her country and Spanish Language, as she loves sharing about her culture to the people of the places she has been, so far more than 50 countries in the world and lived in 5 of them while studying abroad.

Similar Posts

Spanish Conversation Starters for Beginners

You’re sitting at a bar in Mexico and see a beautiful Mexican human at the table next to you. Or you’re on holiday and you’re waiting in a long line at a grocery store together with a lot of other people.  An ideal situation to meet new people, chat, practice your Spanish… maybe even meet…

HOW LONG does it take to learn Spanish? 2 suggestions!

In this article we will answer the question How long does it take to learn Spanish? This is not an easy question to answer and we’ll discuss some of the factors that will influence your “learning speed”, but make sure to stay until the end because we’ll give you a time estimate based on what…

5 curious Christmas traditions in Mexico – Did you know these Mexican Christmas traditions?

¡Feliz Navidad! (Merry Christmas!) The majority of people love this time of year, either because of the food, the presents (como yo / like me) or just because it’s an opportunity to be with our loved ones.  But did you know that the tradition of having a Turkey for Christmas dinner comes from Mexico? Well,…

What Does VALENTINE’S DAY IN MEXICO Look Like?

¡Llegó febrero, el mes del amor y la amistad! (February has come, the month of love and friendship!)… in some countries, at least! ¡Así es, querubines (That’s right, cherubs), not all countries celebrate Valentine’s Day el 14 de febrero (on February 14)… and in some countries, like Mexico, people not only celebrate romantic love, but…

4 conversation topics Latinos love to talk about

You’re about to discover the 4 Best Spanish Everyday Conversation Topics that every Latino LOVES to talk about! So, if you want to practice your Spanish with native speakers, but you’re not sure about what it takes to keep your Latino/a conversation partner interested, just pick a topic from this list, and I, teacher Juan…

Big or small? Speak like a Spanish native speakers with Spanish suffixes

MAURAAmanda, ¿por qué tú nunca estás feliz?(Amanda, why are you never happy?) AMANDAYo soy feliz, soy felizmente seria.(I am happy, I am happily serious.) These Spanish suffixes or endings like “-mente“, “felizmente“, can sound tedious. Actually, they are an excellent way to learn how to use pieces that transform one word into another because they…

Request Your Essential Spanish Chunking Kit Here!

54 Essential Spanish Chunks, Bonus Cheat Sheets and a Bonus Spanish Class waiting for you 👇

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Request Your Essential German Chunking Kit Here!

Cheat Sheets with essential German chunks waiting for you👇

¡Vamos! Start now

Register for the Free Beginner Course, get your companion workbook and start with the first video lesson right away! 👇

¡Vamos! I’m a Serious Spanish Student

Unlock the Conversation Based Chunking Demo Walkthrough With Spanish Dialogue Now 🙂 👇

I want to learn…

Request your free workshop materials here, privacy overview.

Spanish translation of 'homework'

Video: pronunciation of homework

Examples of 'homework' in a sentence homework

Trends of homework.

View usage for: All Years Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically homework

• homeward journey
• homework club
• homeworking
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'H'

Related terms of homework

• he’s having terrible trouble with his homework
• he galloped through his homework
• watch he does his homework
• he hasn’t done any of his homework
• View more related words

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

Spanish to Go

Doing Homework in Spanish

How to say ‘doing homework’ in spanish, introductionwhen tackling a foreign language like spanish, it’s essential to learn not only vocabulary but also phrases and expressions commonly used in everyday life. one such phrase is ‘doing homework,’ which is an integral part of every student’s routine. in this article, we’ll explore the different ways to say ‘doing homework’ in spanish, providing you with essential phrases for your language learning journey., 1. realizando tareasone way to express ‘doing homework’ in spanish is by using the phrase ‘realizando tareas.’ this phrase is a direct translation that perfectly conveys the intended meaning. for example, you could say “estoy realizando mis tareas” to communicate that you are currently doing your homework. it is a simple and widely understood phrase that will allow you to express this activity clearly., 2. haciendo la tareaanother commonly used phrase is ‘haciendo la tarea.’ this is the equivalent of saying ‘doing homework’ in spanish, and it is widely used in both casual and formal contexts. for instance, if someone asks what you are doing, you can confidently reply, “estoy haciendo la tarea.” this phrase is universally understood, making it a great option to express this activity in spanish., 3. estudiando en casawhile ‘doing homework’ primarily refers to completing assigned tasks, it also encompasses studying at home. in spanish, ‘estudiando en casa’ effectively encompasses the concept of ‘doing homework.’ this phrase indicates that you are studying or working on academic tasks outside of the classroom. for example, you could say “hoy estaré estudiando en casa” to convey that you will be doing your homework or studying at home today., 4. trabajando en las tareas escolaresif you want to emphasize the idea of ‘working’ when referring to doing homework, you can use the phrase ‘trabajando en las tareas escolares.’ this phrase conveys the sense of putting effort and dedication into completing your homework. for instance, you could say “tengo que trabajar en mis tareas escolares este fin de semana” to express that you have to work on your homework over the weekend., 5. cumpliendo con las tareaslastly, another phrase that can be used to say ‘doing homework’ is ‘cumpliendo con las tareas.’ this phrase emphasizes the aspect of fulfilling or completing assigned tasks. you can confidently say “estoy cumpliendo con mis tareas” to indicate that you are actively working on your homework and ensuring its completion., conclusionlearning how to express ‘doing homework’ in spanish is a vital part of developing your language skills. by incorporating these phrases into your vocabulary, you can effectively communicate your activities related to homework in various contexts. whether you choose to say ‘realizando tareas,’ ‘haciendo la tarea,’ ‘estudiando en casa,’ ‘trabajando en las tareas escolares,’ or ‘cumpliendo con las tareas,’ you will be able to convey your message clearly and accurately in spanish. start practicing these phrases and enhance your language proficiency today doom in spanish (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});.

Practice your Spanish skills with basic quizzes. Test yourself and improve your knowledge with free questions. Enjoy basic quizzes with illustrations and more.

Basic Quizzes

Start learning basic Spanish vocabulary with words and phrases, with pictures, videos, and audio. Study basic terms in Spanish like a professional.

Basic Spanish

What are the most popular conjugated verbs in Spanish? Learn the conjugation of Spanish verbs. Study Spanish verb tenses with online lessons and examples. Find out which are the most popular verbs.

Conjugated Verbs in Spanish

Do you think you know about conjugations in Spanish? Practice your Spanish skills with conjugation quizzes. Improve your knowledge with free lessons and quizzes.

Conjugation Quizzes

Learn the Spanish words and phrases with flipbooks. Flip to learn the basic Spanish vocabulary online for free. Study the Spanish language by using a flipbook, choose your favorite ebooks, and flip.

Learn basic Spanish with flashcards. Study Spanish online with helpful lessons and articles including pictures, audio, and more.

Spanish Flashcards

Learn basic Spanish verbs with flip cards. Touch and flip. Study Spanish online with helpful lessons and articles including pictures, audio, and more.

Spanish Flip Cards

Learn Spanish for advanced level. Start learning Spanish words and phrases with free online lessons, and helpful articles. Study some Spanish terms and their rules. Learn the second language like a pro.

Spanish for Advanced

Spanish words that start with . Start learning Spanish words and phrases with online lessons, and helpful articles. Study some Spanish terms and their rules. Learn the second language like a pro.

Spanish Words that Start with

Learn Spanish for intermediate level. Study the Spanish grammar rulers. Enjoy helpful tips about how to use the Spanish grammar.

Spanish for Intermediate

1 Translation result for homework in Spanish

Homework noun.

Example sentences of homework noun

• • She started her English homework .

Reverse translation for homework

English-Spanish translator

English to Spanish translator

Spanish to English translator

English to Spanish translation

Spanish to English dictionary

Learn English

English Vocabulary

English Grammar

Learn English by playing

English Grammar Quizzes

English Vocabulary Quizzes

Saved English translations

My English words

My English translations

My English mistakes

Stay Connected

What is the translation of "homework" in Spanish?

"homework" in spanish, homework {noun}.

• volume_up tarea

homeworker {noun}

• volume_up trabajador desde casa
• trabajadora desde casa

homeworking {noun}

• volume_up trabajo desde casa

do homework {vb}

• volume_up hacer tarea
• hacer deberes

Spanish translations powered by Oxford Languages

Homework noun, translations.

• open_in_new Link to source
• warning Request revision

do homework {verb}

Context sentences, english spanish contextual examples of "homework" in spanish.

These sentences come from external sources and may not be accurate. bab.la is not responsible for their content.

Monolingual examples

English how to use "homework" in a sentence, english how to use "homeworker" in a sentence, english how to use "homeworking" in a sentence, english how to use "do homework" in a sentence, english how to use "trabajador desde casa" in a sentence, english how to use "trabajo desde casa" in a sentence, english how to use "hacer tarea" in a sentence, english how to use "hacer deberes" in a sentence, collocations, "assigned homework" in spanish.

• volume_up tarea asignada

"assign homework" in Spanish

• volume_up asignar tareas
• volume_up asignar la tarea

"homework assignment" in Spanish

• volume_up asignación de tareas
• volume_up Tarea

Synonyms (English) for "homework":

• preparation
• hometown boy
• hometown crowd
• hometown discount
• hometown fans
• hometown hero
• hometown newspaper
• hometown paper
• hometown pride
• homeward journey
• homework assignment
• homework assistance
• homework completion
• homework help
• homework load
• homework session
• homeworking
• homey feeling

Translations into more languages in the bab.la English-Portuguese dictionary .

Social Login

Translation of "homework" into Spanish

deberes, tarea, deber are the top translations of "homework" into Spanish. Sample translated sentence: I shouldn't have to tell you to do your homework. ↔ No debería tener que decirte que hagas los deberes.

Work that is done at home, especially school exercises set by a teacher. [..]

English-Spanish dictionary

work that is done at home [..]

I shouldn't have to tell you to do your homework .

No debería tener que decirte que hagas los deberes .

I'd like to know why you didn't finish your homework on time.

Quisiera saber por qué no hiciste tu tarea a tiempo.

Trabajo que se hace en casa, especialmente ejercicios de escuela que son asignados por un maestro.

I don't think that you did all this homework by yourself.

No creo que hicieras todos los deberes tú solo.

Less frequent translations

• los deberes
• trabajo a domicilio
• deberes Spain
• Trabajo escolar
• trabajo escolar
• trabajo escrito
• trabajo para casa

Show algorithmically generated translations

Automatic translations of " homework " into Spanish

Translations with alternative spelling

Homework (film)

"Homework" in English - Spanish dictionary

Currently we have no translations for Homework in the dictionary, maybe you can add one? Make sure to check automatic translation, translation memory or indirect translations.

Images with "homework"

Phrases similar to "homework" with translations into spanish.

• for homework
• to do the homework
• I have lots of homework tengo mucha tarea
• we did the homework
• do homework
• I never do my homework early yo nunca hago mi tarea temprano · yo nunca hago mis tareas temprano
• their homework
• to have a lot of homework

Translations of "homework" into Spanish in sentences, translation memory

StudyMonkey

Your personal ai spanish tutor.

Learn Smarter, Not Harder with Spanish AI

Introducing StudyMonkey, your AI-powered Spanish tutor .

StudyMonkey AI can tutor complex Spanish homework questions, enhance your essay writing and assess your work—all in seconds.

No more long all-nighters

24/7 solutions to Spanish questions you're stumped on and essays you procrastinated on.

No more stress and anxiety

Get all your Spanish assignments done with helpful answers in 10 seconds or less.

No more asking friends for Spanish help

StudyMonkey is your new smart bestie that will never ghost you.

No more staying after school

AI Spanish tutoring is available 24/7, on-demand when you need it most.

Spanish, or Castilian, is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula of Europe and today is a global language with more than 483 million native speakers, mainly in Spain and the Americas. It is the world’s second-most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese.

AI Tutor for any subject

American college testing (act), anthropology, advanced placement exams (ap exams), arabic language, archaeology, biochemistry, chartered financial analyst (cfa) exam, communications, computer science, certified public accountant (cpa) exam, cultural studies, cyber security, dental admission test (dat), discrete mathematics, earth science, elementary school, entrepreneurship, environmental science, farsi (persian) language, fundamentals of engineering (fe) exam, gender studies, graduate management admission test (gmat), graduate record examination (gre), greek language, hebrew language, high school entrance exam, high school, human geography, human resources, international english language testing system (ielts), information technology, international relations, independent school entrance exam (isee), linear algebra, linguistics, law school admission test (lsat), machine learning, master's degree, medical college admission test (mcat), meteorology, microbiology, middle school, national council licensure examination (nclex), national merit scholarship qualifying test (nmsqt), number theory, organic chemistry, project management professional (pmp), political science, portuguese language, probability, project management, preliminary sat (psat), public policy, public relations, russian language, scholastic assessment test (sat), social sciences, secondary school admission test (ssat), sustainability, swahili language, test of english as a foreign language (toefl), trigonometry, turkish language, united states medical licensing examination (usmle), web development, step-by-step guidance 24/7.

Receive step-by-step guidance & homework help for any homework problem & any subject 24/7

Ask any Spanish question

StudyMonkey supports every subject and every level of education from 1st grade to masters level.

Get an answer

StudyMonkey will give you an answer in seconds—multiple choice questions, short answers, and even an essays are supported!

Review your history

See your past questions and answers so you can review for tests and improve your grades.

It's not cheating...

You're just learning smarter than everyone else

How Can StudyMonkey Help You?

Hear from our happy students.

"The AI tutor is available 24/7, making it a convenient and accessible resource for students who need help with their homework at any time."

"Overall, StudyMonkey is an excellent tool for students looking to improve their understanding of homework topics and boost their academic success."

Upgrade to StudyMonkey Premium!

You have used all of your answers for today!

Why not upgrade to StudyMonkey Premium and get access to all features?

Take advantage of our 14 day free trial and try it out for yourself!

"homework" in Spanish

Learn spanish, spanish for beginners, learning through videos.

Language learning, getting fluent faster, and Clozemaster

Dar Conjugation: The Complete Guide on How to Conjugate Dar in Spanish

If you’ve ever heard Pitbull yell “¡ Dale !” in one of his songs, then you have most certainly interacted with the Spanish verb dar .  Dar (to give) is one of the most common verbs in Spanish, yet one of the most misunderstood! This is why the verb dar deserves its own personal guide. In this guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about  dar conjugation and how to conjugate  dar in Spanish.

If you’re an avid language learner like me, then you’d agree that just scanning conjugation tables is impersonal and overwhelming. We tend to overthink language, and while it is infinitely complex, there are really only six different ways we use verbs on a daily basis. They range from very simple matters-of-fact to more hypothetical scenarios, such as:

• “ I go, I went, I will go, I used to go …”
• “ If I went, I would …”
• “ If I had gone, I would have ….”

For the verb dar , I laid out the most commonplace uses by difficulty level:

BEGINNER (One Verb)

1. I give (yo doy) 2. I gave (yo di) 3. I will give (yo daré) 4. I used to give (yo daba)

INTERMEDIATE (Two Verbs)

5. If I gave, I would… (si diera, daría…)

ADVANCED (Four verbs)

6. If I had given, I would have… (si hubiera dado, habría dado)

In this article, I have a created a powerful outline for you to learn the most common conjugations of the Spanish verb dar in the different tenses above, plus definitions and practical colloquial expressions of dar that you can ACTUALLY use.

Now let’s break down the secrets of the world of conjugation!

The Verb Dar – Meaning and Origin

Are you familiar with the antiquated term dowry , or the amount of money or property brought to her husband upon marriage?

Yep, you guessed it- that’s where we get our beloved verb dar , to give! The Indo-European root do – eventually became dare in Latin, and from here we inherit lots of fun words- donors, donation, data, and adoption. Actually, the Spanish word don means a gift, such as “Tienes un don por los idiomas”or “ You have a gift for languages ”!

Funny enough, “bien dotado ” or gifted used to mean a husband who inherited a lot of land and cattle. Today, on the other hand, it has taken on a more intimate meaning as in blessed or well endowed in a more… physical way!

Spanish Conjugation of Dar for Beginners

In Beginners dar , we will start with the conjugations of the most commonplace tenses (I give, I gave, I’ll give, and I used to give…) Then, we will show example sentences with one verb construction.

First, take a look at the first two columns to see how to use dar in the present tense (yo doy) as well as how to use the verb dar in the past tense (yo di).

*Irregular in bold

Dar is one of the most common verbs in Spanish, which makes it susceptible to irregularities in its conjugation. As shown in the green text in our chart above, you will find most of the irregularities in the present tense and past preterite tense of dar. (For more on irregular verbs using da r , check out the scary red text in the link attached.)

Next, skip over to the conjugation of the verb dar in the future tense in the third column – not too scary I hope. There is an important note here, however, so take a look at some additional information below about the notion of the future tense in Spanish.

Lastly, check out the conjugation of the verb dar in the imperfect tense in the final column. Most English speakers struggle when trying to use this tense correctly. To make sure you are not confusing your tenses, we break down an important concept of time when it comes to using the verb dar in the past tense.

The above four tenses cover some of the most basic conversation skills. Again, they only require the use of one conjugated verb (I give, I gave, I’ll give, and I used to give…)

Beginner Example Sentences Using Dar

Let’s put what we just learned in practice. Check out these example sentences of the verb dar below and then try some on your own!

• Le doy mucha atención ( I give him/her a lot of attention )
• Te dio  una carta? ( Did he give you a card ?)
• Daremos cien dólares a la iglesia ( We will give 100 dollars to the church )
• Daba clases de inglés en la Universidad ( I used to give English classes at the university )

There you have it! You have graduated from beginner dar usage to intermediate dar usage. Let’s start theory classes on the next level of using dar and keep practicing.

Spanish Conjugation of Dar for Intermediate

In Intermediate dar , we will look at some of the more underground conjugations to create two verb sentences that enable us to talk about hypothetical situations. We will go over using the verb dar in the imperfect subjunctive tense as well as the verb dar in the conditional tense.

In Intermediate Spanish, we move up from one conjugated verb per sentence to two conjugated verbs. The tenses Imperfect Subjunctive and Conditional are like two peas in a pod in the grammar world- they go everywhere together!

Imagine you just won the lottery. In a hypothetical situation, you would say:

“If I had a million dollars, I would buy a Ferrari”

In English, the Imperfect Subjunctive is had , and the Conditional is would buy , as seen above. For the verb dar , the Imperfect Subjunctive is gave (diera), and the Conditional is would give (daría).

The best way to learn the conjugations at this level is by putting it in practice. Let’s take a look at some example sentences below.

Intermediate Example Sentences Using Dar

The following sentences show how the two magical verbs above form hypothetical sentences:

• Si no le diera mi dinero, le daría mi tiempo ( If I didn’t give her my money, I would give her my time )
• Si su madre no le diera todo, se daría cuenta que la vida es difícil ( If her mother didn’t give her everything, she would realize that life is difficult )
• Si el profesor nos diera menos tareas, le daría un regalo ( If the teacher gave us less homework, I would give him a present )

Spanish Conjugation of Dar for Advanced

In Advanced dar, we cover more advanced conjugations of the verb dar in the Past Perfect Subjunctive and the Perfect Conditional tense. We break down their meanings and give supplemental example sentences in this next section.

In Advanced Spanish, we move up from two verbs per sentence to four , and dive into the major “What if’s?” of life. These are the shoulda coulda wouldas of Spanish. It’s the perfect combination of perfect tenses- Past Perfect Subjunctive and Perfect Conditional.

In these tenses, we use the verb haber as an auxiliary verb, and the verb dar in it’s past participle -dado (see our other guide for more on Spanish past participles ).

Using Perfect tenses are great because we just need to remember how to conjugate haber and then throw a past participle in the mix. This is an example with the verb dar , but any verb can follow this pattern.

“Si hubiera dado , hubiera hablado , si hubiera hecho… ” (If I had given, if I had spoken, if I had done…)

“Yo habría dado , habría hablado , habría hecho… ” (I would have given, would have spoken, I would have done…)

Again, once you start getting into the more intense levels of Spanish, nothing beats practicing the tenses to really get a grasp on them. Keep reading to get some examples of how to use dar using a combination of these advanced tenses.

Advanced Example Sentences Using Dar

Take a look at these advanced examples of dar below and try some on your own!

• Si no le hubiera dado las respuestas, no las habría dado a la profe ( If I hadn’t given her the answers, she wouldn’t have given them to the professor )
• Si le hubiera dado tu número, lo habría dado a todo el mundo ( If you had given him your number, he would have given it to everyone )
• Si el profesor nos hubiera dado menos tareas, le habríamos dado un regalo ( If the teacher had given us less homework, we would have given him a present )

Most Popular Colloquial Expressions Using Dar

Some expressions in Spanish don’t translate directly, and the verb dar seems to be present in many of these. Many times dar is used in lieu of the English verb to make (i.e. it makes me anxious = me da ansias, it makes me jealous = me da celos!) See some of the most common expressions with dar below:

• ¡ Dale ¡ – This can mean a variety of things – Hurry up! or Alright, let’s go! or Come on!
• Dar asco ( me da asco !) – It makes me sick! Literally, it gives me disgust.
• Dar celos ( me da celos !) – It makes me jealous.
• Dar cuerda  – To encourage someone, or to lead someone on.
• Dar de comer  – To feed
• Dar la cara por alguien  – To stand up to someone
• Dar en el clavo  – To hit the nail on the head
• Dar igual ( me da igual !) – It doesn’t matter or It’s the same to me
• Dar ganas de ( me da ganas de salir !) – I’m in the mood to… I’m in the mood to go out
• Dar las gracias  – To thank someone
• Dar a luz  – To give birth
• Dar una vuelta  – To go for a walk
• Darse cuenta de (me di cuenta!)  – To realize, come to the realization
• Darse por vencido ( nunca me daré por vencido !) – To give up, I will never give up!

Key Takeaways of Dar

Today, we didn’t merely scan conjugation tables, but we looked at the six most common ways that you can ACTUALLY use the verb dar , from one verb per sentence to four:

• I give (yo doy)
• I gave (yo di)
• I will give (yo daré)
• I used to give (yo daba)
• If I give, I would… (si yo diera, daría)
• If I had given, I would have… (si hubiera dado, habría dado)

REMEMBER VERBAL PARTNERS THAT ALWAYS GO TOGETHER:

• Imperfect Subjunctive + Conditional ( Imperfect Love is Subjective and Conditional !)
• Past Perfect Subjunctive + Perfect Conditional ( Perfect Pals !)

Finally, we covered colloquial expressions with the verb dar and identified pesky false cognates! You should be a Dar master by now!

Click here to read our comprehensive guide to all Spanish tenses!

Additional Resources

Dale! If you want to practice your mastery of the verb dar, head to Clozemaster and get your grammar gaming on.

Practice conjugating  dar and hundreds of other Spanish verbs in context with Clozemaster !

1 thought on “Dar Conjugation: The Complete Guide on How to Conjugate Dar in Spanish”

Thanks for the helpful article!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Expand your vocabulary in another language

Get Clozemaster and take your language skills to the next level.

“Clozemaster is THE best app to learn a language after Duolingo.”

How to say Homework in Spanish?

What does Tarea mean in English? Spanish translations and examples in context.

Homework is translated in Spanish by...

Example Sentences with Sound Clips.

More Example Sentences.

LOAD MORE EXAMPLES

View more spanish words.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Student Opinion

Should We Get Rid of Homework?

Some educators are pushing to get rid of homework. Would that be a good thing?

By Jeremy Engle and Michael Gonchar

Do you like doing homework? Do you think it has benefited you educationally?

Has homework ever helped you practice a difficult skill — in math, for example — until you mastered it? Has it helped you learn new concepts in history or science? Has it helped to teach you life skills, such as independence and responsibility? Or, have you had a more negative experience with homework? Does it stress you out, numb your brain from busywork or actually make you fall behind in your classes?

Should we get rid of homework?

In “ The Movement to End Homework Is Wrong, ” published in July, the Times Opinion writer Jay Caspian Kang argues that homework may be imperfect, but it still serves an important purpose in school. The essay begins:

Do students really need to do their homework? As a parent and a former teacher, I have been pondering this question for quite a long time. The teacher side of me can acknowledge that there were assignments I gave out to my students that probably had little to no academic value. But I also imagine that some of my students never would have done their basic reading if they hadn’t been trained to complete expected assignments, which would have made the task of teaching an English class nearly impossible. As a parent, I would rather my daughter not get stuck doing the sort of pointless homework I would occasionally assign, but I also think there’s a lot of value in saying, “Hey, a lot of work you’re going to end up doing in your life is pointless, so why not just get used to it?” I certainly am not the only person wondering about the value of homework. Recently, the sociologist Jessica McCrory Calarco and the mathematics education scholars Ilana Horn and Grace Chen published a paper, “ You Need to Be More Responsible: The Myth of Meritocracy and Teachers’ Accounts of Homework Inequalities .” They argued that while there’s some evidence that homework might help students learn, it also exacerbates inequalities and reinforces what they call the “meritocratic” narrative that says kids who do well in school do so because of “individual competence, effort and responsibility.” The authors believe this meritocratic narrative is a myth and that homework — math homework in particular — further entrenches the myth in the minds of teachers and their students. Calarco, Horn and Chen write, “Research has highlighted inequalities in students’ homework production and linked those inequalities to differences in students’ home lives and in the support students’ families can provide.”

Mr. Kang argues:

But there’s a defense of homework that doesn’t really have much to do with class mobility, equality or any sense of reinforcing the notion of meritocracy. It’s one that became quite clear to me when I was a teacher: Kids need to learn how to practice things. Homework, in many cases, is the only ritualized thing they have to do every day. Even if we could perfectly equalize opportunity in school and empower all students not to be encumbered by the weight of their socioeconomic status or ethnicity, I’m not sure what good it would do if the kids didn’t know how to do something relentlessly, over and over again, until they perfected it. Most teachers know that type of progress is very difficult to achieve inside the classroom, regardless of a student’s background, which is why, I imagine, Calarco, Horn and Chen found that most teachers weren’t thinking in a structural inequalities frame. Holistic ideas of education, in which learning is emphasized and students can explore concepts and ideas, are largely for the types of kids who don’t need to worry about class mobility. A defense of rote practice through homework might seem revanchist at this moment, but if we truly believe that schools should teach children lessons that fall outside the meritocracy, I can’t think of one that matters more than the simple satisfaction of mastering something that you were once bad at. That takes homework and the acknowledgment that sometimes a student can get a question wrong and, with proper instruction, eventually get it right.

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

Should we get rid of homework? Why, or why not?

Is homework an outdated, ineffective or counterproductive tool for learning? Do you agree with the authors of the paper that homework is harmful and worsens inequalities that exist between students’ home circumstances?

Or do you agree with Mr. Kang that homework still has real educational value?

When you get home after school, how much homework will you do? Do you think the amount is appropriate, too much or too little? Is homework, including the projects and writing assignments you do at home, an important part of your learning experience? Or, in your opinion, is it not a good use of time? Explain.

In these letters to the editor , one reader makes a distinction between elementary school and high school:

Homework’s value is unclear for younger students. But by high school and college, homework is absolutely essential for any student who wishes to excel. There simply isn’t time to digest Dostoyevsky if you only ever read him in class.

What do you think? How much does grade level matter when discussing the value of homework?

Is there a way to make homework more effective?

If you were a teacher, would you assign homework? What kind of assignments would you give and why?

Want more writing prompts? You can find all of our questions in our Student Opinion column . Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate them into your classroom.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Jeremy Engle joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2018 after spending more than 20 years as a classroom humanities and documentary-making teacher, professional developer and curriculum designer working with students and teachers across the country. More about Jeremy Engle

Home » Tips for Teachers » 7 Research-Based Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework: Academic Insights, Opposing Perspectives & Alternatives

7 Research-Based Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework: Academic Insights, Opposing Perspectives & Alternatives

In recent years, the question of why students should not have homework has become a topic of intense debate among educators, parents, and students themselves. This discussion stems from a growing body of research that challenges the traditional view of homework as an essential component of academic success. The notion that homework is an integral part of learning is being reevaluated in light of new findings about its effectiveness and impact on students’ overall well-being.

The push against homework is not just about the hours spent on completing assignments; it’s about rethinking the role of education in fostering the well-rounded development of young individuals. Critics argue that homework, particularly in excessive amounts, can lead to negative outcomes such as stress, burnout, and a diminished love for learning. Moreover, it often disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds, exacerbating educational inequities. The debate also highlights the importance of allowing children to have enough free time for play, exploration, and family interaction, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.

Checking 13yo’s math homework & I have just one question. I can catch mistakes & help her correct. But what do kids do when their parent isn’t an Algebra teacher? Answer: They get frustrated. Quit. Get a bad grade. Think they aren’t good at math. How is homework fair??? — Jay Wamsted (@JayWamsted) March 24, 2022

As we delve into this discussion, we explore various facets of why reducing or even eliminating homework could be beneficial. We consider the research, weigh the pros and cons, and examine alternative approaches to traditional homework that can enhance learning without overburdening students.

Once you’ve finished this article, you’ll know:

• Insights from Teachers and Education Industry Experts →
• 7 Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework →
• Opposing Views on Homework Practices →
• Exploring Alternatives to Homework →

Insights from Teachers and Education Industry Experts: Diverse Perspectives on Homework

In the ongoing conversation about the role and impact of homework in education, the perspectives of those directly involved in the teaching process are invaluable. Teachers and education industry experts bring a wealth of experience and insights from the front lines of learning. Their viewpoints, shaped by years of interaction with students and a deep understanding of educational methodologies, offer a critical lens through which we can evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of homework in our current educational paradigm.

Check out this video featuring Courtney White, a high school language arts teacher who gained widespread attention for her explanation of why she chooses not to assign homework.

Here are the insights and opinions from various experts in the educational field on this topic:

“I teach 1st grade. I had parents ask for homework. I explained that I don’t give homework. Home time is family time. Time to play, cook, explore and spend time together. I do send books home, but there is no requirement or checklist for reading them. Read them, enjoy them, and return them when your child is ready for more. I explained that as a parent myself, I know they are busy—and what a waste of energy it is to sit and force their kids to do work at home—when they could use that time to form relationships and build a loving home. Something kids need more than a few math problems a week.” — Colleen S. , 1st grade teacher

“The lasting educational value of homework at that age is not proven. A kid says the times tables [at school] because he studied the times tables last night. But over a long period of time, a kid who is drilled on the times tables at school, rather than as homework, will also memorize their times tables. We are worried about young children and their social emotional learning. And that has to do with physical activity, it has to do with playing with peers, it has to do with family time. All of those are very important and can be removed by too much homework.” — David Bloomfield , education professor at Brooklyn College and the City University of New York graduate center

“Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero. In high school it’s larger. (…) Which is why we need to get it right. Not why we need to get rid of it. It’s one of those lower hanging fruit that we should be looking in our primary schools to say, ‘Is it really making a difference?’” — John Hattie , professor

”Many kids are working as many hours as their overscheduled parents and it is taking a toll – psychologically and in many other ways too. We see kids getting up hours before school starts just to get their homework done from the night before… While homework may give kids one more responsibility, it ignores the fact that kids do not need to grow up and become adults at ages 10 or 12. With schools cutting recess time or eliminating playgrounds, kids absorb every single stress there is, only on an even higher level. Their brains and bodies need time to be curious, have fun, be creative and just be a kid.” — Pat Wayman, teacher and CEO of HowtoLearn.com

7 Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework

Let’s delve into the reasons against assigning homework to students. Examining these arguments offers important perspectives on the wider educational and developmental consequences of homework practices.

1. Elevated Stress and Health Consequences

The ongoing debate about homework often focuses on its educational value, but a vital aspect that cannot be overlooked is the significant stress and health consequences it brings to students. In the context of American life, where approximately 70% of people report moderate or extreme stress due to various factors like mass shootings, healthcare affordability, discrimination, racism, sexual harassment, climate change, presidential elections, and the need to stay informed, the additional burden of homework further exacerbates this stress, particularly among students.

Key findings and statistics reveal a worrying trend:

• Overwhelming Student Stress: A staggering 72% of students report being often or always stressed over schoolwork, with a concerning 82% experiencing physical symptoms due to this stress.
• Serious Health Issues: Symptoms linked to homework stress include sleep deprivation, headaches, exhaustion, weight loss, and stomach problems.
• Sleep Deprivation: Despite the National Sleep Foundation recommending 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep for healthy adolescent development, students average just 6.80 hours of sleep on school nights. About 68% of students stated that schoolwork often or always prevented them from getting enough sleep, which is critical for their physical and mental health.
• Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Alarmingly, the pressure from excessive homework has led some students to turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with stress.

This data paints a concerning picture. Students, already navigating a world filled with various stressors, find themselves further burdened by homework demands. The direct correlation between excessive homework and health issues indicates a need for reevaluation. The goal should be to ensure that homework if assigned, adds value to students’ learning experiences without compromising their health and well-being.

By addressing the issue of homework-related stress and health consequences, we can take a significant step toward creating a more nurturing and effective educational environment. This environment would not only prioritize academic achievement but also the overall well-being and happiness of students, preparing them for a balanced and healthy life both inside and outside the classroom.

2. Inequitable Impact and Socioeconomic Disparities

In the discourse surrounding educational equity, homework emerges as a factor exacerbating socioeconomic disparities, particularly affecting students from lower-income families and those with less supportive home environments. While homework is often justified as a means to raise academic standards and promote equity, its real-world impact tells a different story.

The inequitable burden of homework becomes starkly evident when considering the resources required to complete it, especially in the digital age. Homework today often necessitates a computer and internet access – resources not readily available to all students. This digital divide significantly disadvantages students from lower-income backgrounds, deepening the chasm between them and their more affluent peers.

Key points highlighting the disparities:

• Digital Inequity: Many students lack access to necessary technology for homework, with low-income families disproportionately affected.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic exacerbated these disparities as education shifted online, revealing the extent of the digital divide.
• Educational Outcomes Tied to Income: A critical indicator of college success is linked more to family income levels than to rigorous academic preparation. Research indicates that while 77% of students from high-income families graduate from highly competitive colleges, only 9% from low-income families achieve the same . This disparity suggests that the pressure of heavy homework loads, rather than leveling the playing field, may actually hinder the chances of success for less affluent students.

Moreover, the approach to homework varies significantly across different types of schools. While some rigorous private and preparatory schools in both marginalized and affluent communities assign extreme levels of homework, many progressive schools focusing on holistic learning and self-actualization opt for no homework, yet achieve similar levels of college and career success. This contrast raises questions about the efficacy and necessity of heavy homework loads in achieving educational outcomes.

The issue of homework and its inequitable impact is not just an academic concern; it is a reflection of broader societal inequalities. By continuing practices that disproportionately burden students from less privileged backgrounds, the educational system inadvertently perpetuates the very disparities it seeks to overcome.

3. Negative Impact on Family Dynamics

Homework, a staple of the educational system, is often perceived as a necessary tool for academic reinforcement. However, its impact extends beyond the realm of academics, significantly affecting family dynamics. The negative repercussions of homework on the home environment have become increasingly evident, revealing a troubling pattern that can lead to conflict, mental health issues, and domestic friction.

A study conducted in 2015 involving 1,100 parents sheds light on the strain homework places on family relationships. The findings are telling:

• Increased Likelihood of Conflicts: Families where parents did not have a college degree were 200% more likely to experience fights over homework.
• Misinterpretations and Misunderstandings: Parents often misinterpret their children’s difficulties with homework as a lack of attention in school, leading to feelings of frustration and mistrust on both sides.
• Discriminatory Impact: The research concluded that the current approach to homework disproportionately affects children whose parents have lower educational backgrounds, speak English as a second language, or belong to lower-income groups.

The issue is not confined to specific demographics but is a widespread concern. Samantha Hulsman, a teacher featured in Education Week Teacher , shared her personal experience with the toll that homework can take on family time. She observed that a seemingly simple 30-minute assignment could escalate into a three-hour ordeal, causing stress and strife between parents and children. Hulsman’s insights challenge the traditional mindset about homework, highlighting a shift towards the need for skills such as collaboration and problem-solving over rote memorization of facts.

The need of the hour is to reassess the role and amount of homework assigned to students. It’s imperative to find a balance that facilitates learning and growth without compromising the well-being of the family unit. Such a reassessment would not only aid in reducing domestic conflicts but also contribute to a more supportive and nurturing environment for children’s overall development.

4. Consumption of Free Time

In recent years, a growing chorus of voices has raised concerns about the excessive burden of homework on students, emphasizing how it consumes their free time and impedes their overall well-being. The issue is not just the quantity of homework, but its encroachment on time that could be used for personal growth, relaxation, and family bonding.

Authors Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish , in their book “The Case Against Homework,” offer an insightful window into the lives of families grappling with the demands of excessive homework. They share stories from numerous interviews conducted in the mid-2000s, highlighting the universal struggle faced by families across different demographics. A poignant account from a parent in Menlo Park, California, describes nightly sessions extending until 11 p.m., filled with stress and frustration, leading to a soured attitude towards school in both the child and the parent. This narrative is not isolated, as about one-third of the families interviewed expressed feeling crushed by the overwhelming workload.

Key points of concern:

• Excessive Time Commitment: Students, on average, spend over 6 hours in school each day, and homework adds significantly to this time, leaving little room for other activities.
• Impact on Extracurricular Activities: Homework infringes upon time for sports, music, art, and other enriching experiences, which are as crucial as academic courses.
• Stifling Creativity and Self-Discovery: The constant pressure of homework limits opportunities for students to explore their interests and learn new skills independently.

The National Education Association (NEA) and the National PTA (NPTA) recommend a “10 minutes of homework per grade level” standard, suggesting a more balanced approach. However, the reality often far exceeds this guideline, particularly for older students. The impact of this overreach is profound, affecting not just academic performance but also students’ attitudes toward school, their self-confidence, social skills, and overall quality of life.

Furthermore, the intense homework routine’s effectiveness is doubtful, as it can overwhelm students and detract from the joy of learning. Effective learning builds on prior knowledge in an engaging way, but excessive homework in a home setting may be irrelevant and uninteresting. The key challenge is balancing homework to enhance learning without overburdening students, allowing time for holistic growth and activities beyond academics. It’s crucial to reassess homework policies to support well-rounded development.

5. Challenges for Students with Learning Disabilities

Homework, a standard educational tool, poses unique challenges for students with learning disabilities, often leading to a frustrating and disheartening experience. These challenges go beyond the typical struggles faced by most students and can significantly impede their educational progress and emotional well-being.

Child psychologist Kenneth Barish’s insights in Psychology Today shed light on the complex relationship between homework and students with learning disabilities:

• Homework as a Painful Endeavor: For students with learning disabilities, completing homework can be likened to “running with a sprained ankle.” It’s a task that, while doable, is fraught with difficulty and discomfort.
• Misconceptions about Laziness: Often, children who struggle with homework are perceived as lazy. However, Barish emphasizes that these students are more likely to be frustrated, discouraged, or anxious rather than unmotivated.
• Limited Improvement in School Performance: The battles over homework rarely translate into significant improvement in school for these children, challenging the conventional notion of homework as universally beneficial.

These points highlight the need for a tailored approach to homework for students with learning disabilities. It’s crucial to recognize that the traditional homework model may not be the most effective or appropriate method for facilitating their learning. Instead, alternative strategies that accommodate their unique needs and learning styles should be considered.

In conclusion, the conventional homework paradigm needs reevaluation, particularly concerning students with learning disabilities. By understanding and addressing their unique challenges, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. This approach not only aids in their academic growth but also nurtures their confidence and overall development, ensuring that they receive an equitable and empathetic educational experience.

6. Critique of Underlying Assumptions about Learning

The longstanding belief in the educational sphere that more homework automatically translates to more learning is increasingly being challenged. Critics argue that this assumption is not only flawed but also unsupported by solid evidence, questioning the efficacy of homework as an effective learning tool.

Alfie Kohn , a prominent critic of homework, aptly compares students to vending machines in this context, suggesting that the expectation of inserting an assignment and automatically getting out of learning is misguided. Kohn goes further, labeling homework as the “greatest single extinguisher of children’s curiosity.” This critique highlights a fundamental issue: the potential of homework to stifle the natural inquisitiveness and love for learning in children.

The lack of concrete evidence supporting the effectiveness of homework is evident in various studies:

• Marginal Effectiveness of Homework: A study involving 28,051 high school seniors found that the effectiveness of homework was marginal, and in some cases, it was counterproductive, leading to more academic problems than solutions.
• No Correlation with Academic Achievement: Research in “ National Differences, Global Similarities ” showed no correlation between homework and academic achievement in elementary students, and any positive correlation in middle or high school diminished with increasing homework loads.
• Increased Academic Pressure: The Teachers College Record published findings that homework adds to academic pressure and societal stress, exacerbating performance gaps between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

These findings bring to light several critical points:

• Quality Over Quantity: According to a recent article in Monitor on Psychology , experts concur that the quality of homework assignments, along with the quality of instruction, student motivation, and inherent ability, is more crucial for academic success than the quantity of homework.
• Counterproductive Nature of Excessive Homework: Excessive homework can lead to more academic challenges, particularly for students already facing pressures from other aspects of their lives.
• Societal Stress and Performance Gaps: Homework can intensify societal stress and widen the academic performance divide.

The emerging consensus from these studies suggests that the traditional approach to homework needs rethinking. Rather than focusing on the quantity of assignments, educators should consider the quality and relevance of homework, ensuring it truly contributes to learning and development. This reassessment is crucial for fostering an educational environment that nurtures curiosity and a love for learning, rather than extinguishing it.

7. Issues with Homework Enforcement, Reliability, and Temptation to Cheat

In the academic realm, the enforcement of homework is a subject of ongoing debate, primarily due to its implications on student integrity and the true value of assignments. The challenges associated with homework enforcement often lead to unintended yet significant issues, such as cheating, copying, and a general undermining of educational values.

Key points highlighting enforcement challenges:

• Difficulty in Enforcing Completion: Ensuring that students complete their homework can be a complex task, and not completing homework does not always correlate with poor grades.
• Reliability of Homework Practice: The reliability of homework as a practice tool is undermined when students, either out of desperation or lack of understanding, choose shortcuts over genuine learning. This approach can lead to the opposite of the intended effect, especially when assignments are not well-aligned with the students’ learning levels or interests.
• Temptation to Cheat: The issue of cheating is particularly troubling. According to a report by The Chronicle of Higher Education , under the pressure of at-home assignments, many students turn to copying others’ work, plagiarizing, or using creative technological “hacks.” This tendency not only questions the integrity of the learning process but also reflects the extreme stress that homework can induce.
• Parental Involvement in Completion: As noted in The American Journal of Family Therapy , this raises concerns about the authenticity of the work submitted. When parents complete assignments for their children, it not only deprives the students of the opportunity to learn but also distorts the purpose of homework as a learning aid.

In conclusion, the challenges of homework enforcement present a complex problem that requires careful consideration. The focus should shift towards creating meaningful, manageable, and quality-driven assignments that encourage genuine learning and integrity, rather than overwhelming students and prompting counterproductive behaviors.

Addressing Opposing Views on Homework Practices

While opinions on homework policies are diverse, understanding different viewpoints is crucial. In the following sections, we will examine common arguments supporting homework assignments, along with counterarguments that offer alternative perspectives on this educational practice.

1. Improvement of Academic Performance

Homework is commonly perceived as a means to enhance academic performance, with the belief that it directly contributes to better grades and test scores. This view posits that through homework, students reinforce what they learn in class, leading to improved understanding and retention, which ultimately translates into higher academic achievement.

However, the question of why students should not have homework becomes pertinent when considering the complex relationship between homework and academic performance. Studies have indicated that excessive homework doesn’t necessarily equate to higher grades or test scores. Instead, too much homework can backfire, leading to stress and fatigue that adversely affect a student’s performance. Reuters highlights an intriguing correlation suggesting that physical activity may be more conducive to academic success than additional homework, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to education that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being for enhanced academic outcomes.

2. Reinforcement of Learning

Homework is traditionally viewed as a tool to reinforce classroom learning, enabling students to practice and retain material. However, research suggests its effectiveness is ambiguous. In instances where homework is well-aligned with students’ abilities and classroom teachings, it can indeed be beneficial. Particularly for younger students , excessive homework can cause burnout and a loss of interest in learning, counteracting its intended purpose.

Furthermore, when homework surpasses a student’s capability, it may induce frustration and confusion rather than aid in learning. This challenges the notion that more homework invariably leads to better understanding and retention of educational content.

3. Development of Time Management Skills

Homework is often considered a crucial tool in helping students develop important life skills such as time management and organization. The idea is that by regularly completing assignments, students learn to allocate their time efficiently and organize their tasks effectively, skills that are invaluable in both academic and personal life.

However, the impact of homework on developing these skills is not always positive. For younger students, especially, an overwhelming amount of homework can be more of a hindrance than a help. Instead of fostering time management and organizational skills, an excessive workload often leads to stress and anxiety . These negative effects can impede the learning process and make it difficult for students to manage their time and tasks effectively, contradicting the original purpose of homework.

4. Preparation for Future Academic Challenges

Homework is often touted as a preparatory tool for future academic challenges that students will encounter in higher education and their professional lives. The argument is that by tackling homework, students build a foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for success in more advanced studies and in the workforce, fostering a sense of readiness and confidence.

Contrarily, an excessive homework load, especially from a young age, can have the opposite effect . It can instill a negative attitude towards education, dampening students’ enthusiasm and willingness to embrace future academic challenges. Overburdening students with homework risks disengagement and loss of interest, thereby defeating the purpose of preparing them for future challenges. Striking a balance in the amount and complexity of homework is crucial to maintaining student engagement and fostering a positive attitude towards ongoing learning.

5. Parental Involvement in Education

Homework often acts as a vital link connecting parents to their child’s educational journey, offering insights into the school’s curriculum and their child’s learning process. This involvement is key in fostering a supportive home environment and encouraging a collaborative relationship between parents and the school. When parents understand and engage with what their children are learning, it can significantly enhance the educational experience for the child.

However, the line between involvement and over-involvement is thin. When parents excessively intervene by completing their child’s homework,  it can have adverse effects . Such actions not only diminish the educational value of homework but also rob children of the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and independence. This over-involvement, coupled with disparities in parental ability to assist due to variations in time, knowledge, or resources, may lead to unequal educational outcomes, underlining the importance of a balanced approach to parental participation in homework.

Exploring Alternatives to Homework and Finding a Middle Ground

In the ongoing debate about the role of homework in education, it’s essential to consider viable alternatives and strategies to minimize its burden. While completely eliminating homework may not be feasible for all educators, there are several effective methods to reduce its impact and offer more engaging, student-friendly approaches to learning.

Alternatives to Traditional Homework

• Project-Based Learning: This method focuses on hands-on, long-term projects where students explore real-world problems. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills, offering a more engaging and practical learning experience than traditional homework. For creative ideas on school projects, especially related to the solar system, be sure to explore our dedicated article on solar system projects .
• Flipped Classrooms: Here, students are introduced to new content through videos or reading materials at home and then use class time for interactive activities. This approach allows for more personalized and active learning during school hours.
• Reading for Pleasure: Encouraging students to read books of their choice can foster a love for reading and improve literacy skills without the pressure of traditional homework assignments. This approach is exemplified by Marion County, Florida , where public schools implemented a no-homework policy for elementary students. Instead, they are encouraged to read nightly for 20 minutes . Superintendent Heidi Maier’s decision was influenced by research showing that while homework offers minimal benefit to young students, regular reading significantly boosts their learning. For book recommendations tailored to middle school students, take a look at our specially curated article .

Ideas for Minimizing Homework

• Limiting Homework Quantity: Adhering to guidelines like the “ 10-minute rule ” (10 minutes of homework per grade level per night) can help ensure that homework does not become overwhelming.
• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on assigning meaningful homework that is directly relevant to what is being taught in class, ensuring it adds value to students’ learning.
• Homework Menus: Offering students a choice of assignments can cater to diverse learning styles and interests, making homework more engaging and personalized.
• Integrating Technology: Utilizing educational apps and online platforms can make homework more interactive and enjoyable, while also providing immediate feedback to students. To gain deeper insights into the role of technology in learning environments, explore our articles discussing the benefits of incorporating technology in classrooms and a comprehensive list of educational VR apps . These resources will provide you with valuable information on how technology can enhance the educational experience.

For teachers who are not ready to fully eliminate homework, these strategies offer a compromise, ensuring that homework supports rather than hinders student learning. By focusing on quality, relevance, and student engagement, educators can transform homework from a chore into a meaningful component of education that genuinely contributes to students’ academic growth and personal development. In this way, we can move towards a more balanced and student-centric approach to learning, both in and out of the classroom.

Useful Resources

• Is homework a good idea or not? by BBC
• The Great Homework Debate: What’s Getting Lost in the Hype
• Alternative Homework Ideas

The evidence and arguments presented in the discussion of why students should not have homework call for a significant shift in homework practices. It’s time for educators and policymakers to rethink and reformulate homework strategies, focusing on enhancing the quality, relevance, and balance of assignments. By doing so, we can create a more equitable, effective, and student-friendly educational environment that fosters learning, well-being, and holistic development.

• “Here’s what an education expert says about that viral ‘no-homework’ policy”, Insider
• “John Hattie on BBC Radio 4: Homework in primary school has an effect of zero”, Visible Learning
• HowtoLearn.com
• “Time Spent On Homework Statistics [Fresh Research]”, Gitnux
• “Stress in America”, American Psychological Association (APA)
• “Homework hurts high-achieving students, study says”, The Washington Post
• “National Sleep Foundation’s updated sleep duration recommendations: final report”, National Library of Medicine
• “A multi-method exploratory study of stress, coping, and substance use among high school youth in private schools”, Frontiers
• “The Digital Revolution is Leaving Poorer Kids Behind”, Statista
• “The digital divide has left millions of school kids behind”, CNET
• “The Digital Divide: What It Is, and What’s Being Done to Close It”, Investopedia
• “COVID-19 exposed the digital divide. Here’s how we can close it”, World Economic Forum
• “PBS NewsHour: Biggest Predictor of College Success is Family Income”, America’s Promise Alliance
• “Homework and Family Stress: With Consideration of Parents’ Self Confidence, Educational Level, and Cultural Background”, Taylor & Francis Online
• “What Do You Mean My Kid Doesn’t Have Homework?”, EducationWeek
• “Excerpt From The Case Against Homework”, Penguin Random House Canada
• “How much homework is too much?”, neaToday
• “The Nation’s Report Card: A First Look: 2013 Mathematics and Reading”, National Center for Education Statistics
• “Battles Over Homework: Advice For Parents”, Psychology Today
• “How Homework Is Destroying Teens’ Health”, The Lion’s Roar
• “ Breaking the Homework Habit”, Education World
• “Testing a model of school learning: Direct and indirect effects on academic achievement”, ScienceDirect
• “National Differences, Global Similarities: World Culture and the Future of Schooling”, Stanford University Press
• “When school goes home: Some problems in the organization of homework”, APA PsycNet
• “Is homework a necessary evil?”, APA PsycNet
• “Epidemic of copying homework catalyzed by technology”, Redwood Bark
• “High-Tech Cheating Abounds, and Professors Bear Some Blame”, The Chronicle of Higher Education
• “Homework and Family Stress: With Consideration of Parents’ Self Confidence, Educational Level, and Cultural Background”, ResearchGate
• “Kids who get moving may also get better grades”, Reuters
• “Does Homework Improve Academic Achievement? A Synthesis of Research, 1987–2003”, SageJournals
• “Is it time to get rid of homework?”, USAToday
• “Stanford research shows pitfalls of homework”, Stanford
• “Florida school district bans homework, replaces it with daily reading”, USAToday
• “Encouraging Students to Read: Tips for High School Teachers”, wgu.edu
• Recent Posts

Simona Johnes is the visionary being the creation of our project. Johnes spent much of her career in the classroom working with students. And, after many years in the classroom, Johnes became a principal.

• Exploring the Evidence: 7 Comprehensive Reasons Why School Should Start Later for Enhanced Student Well-being and Academic Success - February 15, 2024
• Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits - February 12, 2024
• 9 Reasons Why Teachers Should Accept Late Work: Balancing Discipline and Flexibility in Education - January 31, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.