IS there a better way of dealing with homework? Can students enlist the help of teachers or parents in completing their assignments? I had always sought the help of teachers and my friends to help me complete my homework during my schooling years.

But today, research shows that parents are very much involved in their children's school activities and assignments.

While their involvement is commendable, research also shows that parents have both a positive as well as negative effect on homework.

When parents are involved, there is a risk of them being totally engaged in completing their children's class projects and assignments.

Some of these parents have their own opinions on teaching, lesson plans and classwork, and have no qualms about pointing out a teacher's supposed "faults".

Not many teachers welcome this feedback which is why these parents are often considered "interfering".

However, the positive values far outweigh the negative as there is greater rapport between parent and child.

It also allows parents to appreciate and have a better understanding of classwork.

My hope is that parents and teachers are able to strike a balance between providing the best for their charges without spoonfeeding them too much. -The Star