Reducing Homework Pressure on Students, Reviving Dashain Celebration

Kathmandu: Festivals are the major attraction of Nepali culture. Festivals are meant to spread togetherness, unity, and happiness among the people. Out of all festivals, Dashain is regarded as one of the biggest festivals in Nepal.

The greatest festival of Nepal is a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection on our rich cultural heritage. During this festive season, government offices and schools remain closed, allowing people to engage in various traditional rituals and celebrate with their loved ones.

However, it’s concerning that schools tend to burden students with excessive homework, which often robs them of the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the festive spirit and learn about the significance of our cultural traditions.

This article will discuss the importance of reducing homework during the Dashain festival, and we will provide alternative ideas that help students connect with the essence of this beautiful festival.

According to a research article titled Homework during Holidays: A Study, Pratisha Padmasri Deka writes that students don’t forget their materials easily when they perform homework during holidays. Quoting Ph.D. scholar student Harris Cooper’s research, Pratisha writes homework does not improve academic achievements for grade students.

Pratisha quotes, ‘Cooper analyzed dozens of students and found that kids who are assigned homework in middle and high school score somewhat better on standardized tests, but that kids who do 90 to 60 minutes of homework in middle school and more than 2 hours in high school score worse. A balanced amount of homework may lead to improvement in learning skills though excessive homework during holidays discourage motivation in learning and sometimes turns students into machine in the hands of school authority with little emphasis on their needs.’

Understanding the Significance of Dashain:

Dashain is not just a festival; it is a symbol of our rich cultural heritage, bringing families together and reinforcing the importance of tradition. It teaches us values such as respect for elders, unity, and the significance of cultural rituals. Students must have the opportunity to understand and experience these values during the festival.

Excessive homework, however, often leaves them with little time to participate in family gatherings, observe and partake in rituals, or learn about their cultural roots.

The Impact of Excessive Homework:

Stress and Anxiety: The burden of homework during Dashain creates undue stress and anxiety for students, depriving them of the joy and relaxation that this festive season should offer.

Reduced Family Time: Homework demands can disrupt family gatherings, making it challenging for students to engage in Dashain’s cultural rituals and festivities.

Diminished Cultural Understanding: Excessive homework prevents students from fully comprehending the cultural significance of Dashain, undermining their connection to our traditions.

Suggestions to Reduce Homework Pressure:

Holiday Break: As schools are already closed during Dashain, teachers should consider not assigning any homework for the entire festival period. This would give students a much-needed break to enjoy the festival without any academic pressure.

Advanced Planning: Teachers can plan lessons ahead of time, ensuring that students do not have to catch up on coursework during the festival. This way, they can enjoy Dashain with their families and participate in rituals.

Creative Projects: Instead of conventional homework assignments, teachers can assign creative projects related to Dashain. These projects could include researching the history and significance of the festival, creating artwork or crafts, or even writing essays about their family’s Dashain traditions.

Cultural Workshops: Schools can organize cultural workshops or guest lectures during Dashain, where students can learn about the customs and rituals of the festival. These sessions would provide a valuable educational experience while keeping the festive spirit alive.

Encourage Family Involvement: Teachers can encourage students to actively involve their families in their learning. For example, students can interview their grandparents about their Dashain memories or traditions, which not only enriches their knowledge but also strengthens family bonds.

Connecting Homework to Festival:

While reducing homework during Dashain is crucial, it is also essential to create assignments that relate to the festival, allowing students to connect their learning to real-life experiences. Here are some ideas:

Cultural Journal: Ask students to maintain a cultural journal during Dashain, documenting their experiences, observations, and learnings. This journal can include descriptions of rituals, reflections on family gatherings, and personal insights about the festival’s significance.

Dashain Reflection Essays: Have students write essays reflecting on what they have learned about Dashain, its cultural importance, and the values it promotes. Encourage them to discuss their own experiences and how the festival has impacted them.

Creative Projects: Assign creative projects that require students to make traditional Dashain crafts or cook traditional dishes. This hands-on approach not only reinforces learning but also allows them to actively engage in the festival.

There is no doubt that Dashain is a time for Nepali families to come together, celebrate their heritage, and instill cultural values. Excessive homework during this festival robs students of these invaluable experiences and connections.

Therefore, schools and teachers need to recognize the significance of Dashain and reduce homework assignments, while also encouraging alternative assignments that foster a deeper understanding of the festival and its cultural importance. By doing so, we can ensure that our younger generation appreciates and cherishes the beauty of Dashain while continuing to uphold our traditions.