Dubai school implements ‘no homework’ policy

The Dubai-based Rising School has implemented a ‘no homework’ rule citing a Stanford University study that states that giving students homework could have a “detrimental” impact on their overall learning experience.

According to Gulf News, the American curriculum school implemented the ‘no homework policy’ for several reasons, including the effects it can have on the physical wellbeing of students, the high stress levels it causes them, and that parents are not always qualified educators that can help their children with doing homework.

"There are a number of highly valid reasons for why not assigning homework is beneficial to the learning process. One example is that students who struggle with learning materials may be burdened with feelings of helplessness when left to their own resources while doing homework, whereas high achievers would not find the assignments stimulating,” Michael Bartlett, the school’s principal, told the newspaper.

“Our ‘no homework policy’ allows students to explore hobbies and out of school interests, facilitating their development into well rounded adults. As a result, they are also left with ample time to get engrossed in a good book with their parents, growing their vocabulary and sparking their creativity,” he added.

The Rising School said that it prioritizes and inquiry-based learning approach, pushing students to explore their surroundings without the added chore of homework.