Homework: what’s the point? Traditionalists may argue that it is a valuable opportunity to continue learning beyond the classroom, but a recent #edchat made the case that the supposed positive effects don’t stand up to scrutiny.

So why do teachers support it? Tradition was offered as a possible factor, with @DataDiva proposing that it was “the same reason multiple-choice tests are the most common form of formal testing”. @cvivian1 claimed that “too many teach as they were taught. My school has a no-homework policy. Love it!”

However, this doesn’t mean that homework has no value to students - or, indeed, to teachers, as @drdouggreen countered: “It makes sense to have the learning continue after the school day. The question is how best to do so.”

And @TeacherGirl03 made the point that educators had only limited time in the classroom, so “homework keeps the students thinking about content and practice,” she tweeted. “Not necessarily enough time for everything in class.”

Meanwhile, @21stprincipal outlined the contextual knowledge that teachers could gain from continuing to set homework: “Homework is a better assessment of the level of support kids get at home than whether or not students understand the content.” Sarah Cunnane

Keep up to date with the latest education chat online by following @TESScotland on Twitter