It's a HOMEWORK!

There must be a reason why an assignment is called a homework.  Homework is broadly defined as student learning activities conducted outside of school hours as assigned by the teacher.  By the word alone, we know that it must be done at home.

It is disappointing to see students working on their assignment in the classroom.  It is in fact very insulting to see students doing their homework in their other subjects during YOUR class!  And when you call their attention, they look at you sharply with that cloud callout above their heads saying "GO TO HELL!"

I understand why some teachers would capture papers or any output (from other subjects) of students being done in THEIR classes.  I even saw some teachers throwing them in the garbage can.  I am no saint; I did that too!  There was even a time when I was still a neophyte in the teaching profession - young and very idealistic - that I grabbed a 12-column worksheet from a student and tore it into small pieces.  I called her attention several times and each time, she would just look at me nonchalantly and go on working with her homework in Basic Accounting (she was in my Human Resource Management class).  And so, I walked towards her, grabbed her paper and tore it into pieces.  Looking back, I realized that it is something I do not and, will not, regret.

I was once a student too and I have always been a responsible student.  I submitted requirements on time.  I can't remember a time that I would go to my teacher to ask if I can submit my homework at a later time.  I can't remember having to miss out on lessons just because I had to rush an assignment while lecture was ongoing.

A student should make sure he/she has the assignments, understands them, and displays effort toward
completion.  He/she should do his/her work neatly and must, at all times, submit assignments when due.   It is unfair for diligent students to be given scores equal to those who do not submit their homework on time.