Talking Points: Should Hong Kong introduce a ‘zero homework’ policy?

No, I don’t think so. Students need homework. It allows us to revise what we learned at school, and also tells us what we need to practise more. If there’s something we don’t fully understand we can ask our teachers to teach it to us again the day after.

Talking Points: Should parents be forced by law to give their children a set amount of pocket money each week?

I don’t think so. If the government introduces this policy, students will become lazy. And because they won’t have anything to do at home, they might just play on their phones all day.

I don’t believe Hong Kong should introduce this policy. Doing homework allows students to review what they learned in their lessons so they don’t forget it. Without homework, students’ results will surely become poorer.

Talking Points: Are degree programmes in subjects like AI better to study than traditional courses like history?

In my opinion, Hong Kong shouldn’t introduce a zero homework policy because this would make students lazy and they will likely do badly in their quizzes and exams if they don’t practise what they learn at home. Doing homework helps students retain knowledge and allows them to learn how to manage their time, which is a good skill to develop at an early age.

The idea of having zero homework might sound like heaven to students - no one wants to have to study after school, they just want to relax and play games or watch TV. However, doing regular revision after school is necessary if we want to remember what we learned in class. If students find their homework too much to handle, they can talk to their teacher and ask for less or an extension, but homework shouldn’t be cancelled altogether.

Talking Points: Should AI technology be used to assess student essays?

I think this policy shouldn’t be introduced because homework helps us revise what we learn in school. Instead of a zero homework policy, I think the government could limit the amount of homework that can be given.

I personally think a zero homework policy would be beneficial to students’ mental health. A lot of students get very little sleep due to the stress of school. A zero homework policy would relieve students of this stress and allow them to get more rest at home. However, I think students still need to revise in school so they can learn what they need to know for their tests. Not giving homework would also be beneficial for teachers as they will no longer have piles marking to get through everyday.

Talking Points: What are you most worried about for the next school year?

I don’t think we should. Homework can help students consolidate what they learned in school. Many students don’t take the initiative to revise on their own, so homework throughout the school year is necessary to help students prepare for their tests and exams later on.

Definitely! Too much homework may decrease students’ motivation to learn, and it gives them almost no time to play and relax at home. As a result, homework is completed with resentment, which hinders our learning. Teachers should make sure students finish all their assignments and exercises at school, so they don’t need to work at home. Instead, they can exercise, listen to music, or read books after school. 

In our next Talking Points, we’ll discuss:

We are now accepting your answers for this topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age, and school, along with a nice, clear selfie (make sure it’s not blurry), to [email protected]by lunchtime on Monday. Don’t forget to include “Talking Points” in the subject line.