Primary and high schools around the nation have seen increases in student workloads.
According to a survey conducted by the University of Michigan of 2,900 students in 2004, the average time spent on homework has gone up 51 percent since 1981.
Erin Wheeler at the Center for Academic Success credits this increase to a new educational trend.
“There has been a move in primary education to focus on teaching students to become independent learners,” she said. “There is also so much to teach and learn that there is not enough time in a given school day. Students have to do work outside of the classroom.”
Wheeler said this trend has better prepared students to learn at the college level.
“It is the same as in college,” she said. “It’s up to a student to assimilate and understand the information presented to them.”
College students feel they also have more academic responsibility compared to previous generations.
Shannon Yancovich, biology senior, said college students have experienced a workload increase.
“My mom always talks about how she did not have very much work to do when she was my age,” she said. “She always calls me when I’m studying. She says she had a lot more fun in college.”
Maddie Morrell, psychology junior and tutor at the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes, said she wasn’t sure if homework has increased but said current college students are extremely busy.
“There is higher demand of the students today. There is more pressure [to be] involved in all aspects of college life: student life, campus life, a religious aspect,” she said. “It’s sometimes an overwhelming amount of stress.”
According to Wheeler there hasn’t been a change in the amount of homework and independent assignments, but curricula have intensified.
Students are now expected to graduate college with practical experience in their field. Internships, independent studies and practicums are almost a requirement, said Wheeler.
Wheeler also noted that some majors have also started requiring more hours than before. She said just as primary students are more prepared for college, college students are now more prepared for the workforce.
James Lowder, kinesiology junior, agreed.
“I think [workload] has probably increased a little bit, but it’s for the greater good for the student. It will help us get jobs,” he said. “It is harder for students to maintain an outside social and work life. But then again you have to remember that you’re in college and you’re here to learn. You have to put in the work.”
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Contact Laura Furr at [email protected]