Controversial debates

Discussion about the end of homework has flared up

In the age of AI, teachers are also increasingly questioning the usefulness of homework. However, this does not apply to the youngest children.(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

Too much, poorly coordinated, no longer fit for purpose since AI at the latest: homework has a bad image, especially among pupils, but now the first politicians are also calling for an end to it.

Time is a precious commodity. Even or especially for children and young people: "To be honest: at 17, I know what I have to do - and what I don't have to do. The time that I have to spend on homework, which is often randomly assigned, is time that I don't have for learning subjects that I need to invest in," says Alexander Hirtzi, who attends Keplergymnasium in Graz.

Styrian AHS state school spokesperson Alexander Hirtzi.(Bild: LSV)

His experience as a private individual informs his official stance as Styrian state school spokesperson: "I don't believe in abolishing homework in general, but differentiating between age groups would make a lot of sense. Particularly for 14 to 18-year-olds, we could focus more on personal responsibility," says the young man.

The number and scope of tasks in all subjects should be designed in such a way that they are well coordinated so that the pupils are not overloaded. We are currently trying to raise awareness of this among school principals.

Steirische Bildungsdirektorin Elisabeth Meixner

Bild: Christian Jauschowetz

Bettina Emmerling started the debate. The Neos politician became Vienna's new Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Education and Integration following Christoph Wiederkehr's promotion to Minister. In a Krone interview a few days ago, she caused quite a stir with her theory that homework is no longer in keeping with the times: "There are children who get support from home. Other children don't, and yet they are still assessed. I don't think that's a fair system," she said, explaining her proposal.

The Styrian coalition has a "stain" on it
Styrian Education Councillor Stefan Hermann does not want to hear any of this: "Completing homework is an essential part of learning structure and performing duties - schools introduce our youngest to these subjects slowly and under the right pedagogical framework." His educational shadow Lukas Schnitzer takes a similar view: "Achievement must once again be a value with meaning in our society. However, if we start to stop demanding performance in schools, we are not preparing our children for the future challenges of life," says the VP party leader.

Hirtzi argues that the debate could soon be obsolete anyway - at least in the higher school levels: "Many homework assignments are now done by AI, that's an open secret. That's why homework is often no longer corrected by teaching staff, but simply marked as 'seen'."