What is the homework policy in China?

China's homework policy is primarily governed by the "Double Reduction Policy" (双减政策), a significant educational reform introduced in July 2021. This nationwide initiative aims to ease the excessive burden of homework and after-school tutoring for young children, promoting a more balanced development and reducing academic pressure.

The "Double Reduction Policy" Explained

The "Double Reduction Policy" is a comprehensive directive from the Chinese government designed to overhaul the educational landscape. It directly targets two main areas: students' academic workload and the prevalence of private tutoring.

Core Objectives

The policy's main goals include:

• Reducing Homework Burden: To ensure students have adequate rest and leisure time, preventing burnout and promoting physical and mental well-being.
• Alleviating After-School Tutoring Pressure: To curtail the financial strain on families from private tutoring and reduce the competitive intensity of the education system.
• Promoting Holistic Development: To encourage schools to focus on comprehensive student development, including physical education, arts, and practical skills, rather than solely academic performance.
• Ensuring Educational Equity: To address inequalities that arise from disparities in access to private tutoring resources.

Key Homework Regulations

Under the Double Reduction Policy, specific guidelines have been put in place to manage homework:

• No Written Homework for Youngest Students:
  • First and second-grade students are explicitly prohibited from receiving written homework.
  • This measure aims to protect their eyesight, promote play, and foster a love for learning without early academic pressure.
• Strict Time Limits for Older Students:
  • Primary school students (grades 3-6) must complete their daily homework assignments within 60 minutes.
  • Junior high school students are limited to 90 minutes of homework per day.
  • Schools are responsible for ensuring these limits are adhered to.
• Quality and Management:
  • Teachers are mandated to design homework effectively, ensuring its relevance and quality.
  • Homework should be tailored to student needs, avoiding excessive difficulty or repetition.
  • Teachers are responsible for grading homework and providing timely feedback; parents are explicitly not to be burdened with these tasks.
• Variety and Innovation:
  • The policy encourages a shift towards diverse forms of homework, including practical activities, research projects, and collaborative tasks, moving beyond traditional written assignments.

Restrictions on After-School Tutoring

While not directly homework, the policy's impact on tutoring significantly influences the overall academic burden, including homework. The policy has:

• Banned For-Profit Tutoring: For-profit tutoring in core subjects (e.g., Chinese, Math, English) during weekends, national holidays, and school breaks has been prohibited.
• Strict Regulation of Online Tutoring: Online tutoring services are also heavily regulated, with restrictions on class duration, content, and the age of students they can serve.
• Emphasis on In-School Services: Schools are encouraged to provide more after-school services and activities to meet students' needs within the regular school system, reducing the reliance on external tutoring.

Practical Implications of the Policy

The Double Reduction Policy represents a fundamental shift in China's educational philosophy. Its implementation has various implications:

• For Students: Many students now have more free time for personal interests, physical activities, and family time, potentially leading to reduced stress and improved well-being.
• For Schools: Schools bear increased responsibility for delivering high-quality education and managing homework loads effectively within school hours. They are also expected to expand their extracurricular offerings.
• For Parents: While the financial burden of private tutoring has decreased for many families, some parents face the challenge of adjusting to less external academic support and finding alternative enrichment activities for their children.

For further information on China's comprehensive education reform, you can refer to reputable news sources like Reuters' explanation of China's 'double reduction' education policy.

Overview of Homework Rules

To summarize the key homework guidelines: