PrimaMedia, April 29 – Russia is debating the abolition of homework—and artificial intelligence is the reason. Recent media reports suggested that Rosobrnadzor, Russia's education watchdog, was considering phasing out traditional homework assignments, since AI can now solve any problem—from equations to essays—in seconds, and students are increasingly turning to the internet for ready-made answers. While the agency later denied the reports, it admitted that changes to the system are inevitable. As parents continue to heatedly debate the potential cancellation of homework, a PrimaMedia correspondent gathered opinions from teachers.
Russia debates scrapping homework as AI transforms student learning
Anzor Muzaev, head of Rosobrnadzor, has argued that the traditional homework system has effectively collapsed in the age of AI, making assignments largely pointless. Parents have reacted with mixed feelings: some welcome the idea of free evenings, while others worry that without independent practice at home, children will fail to retain what they learn. If reforms do take place, teachers will have to completely overhaul their approach to education.
A math and computer science teacher who spoke to PrimaMedia believes the real problem isn't AI but students' lack of motivation—with or without homework. She argues that many children and their parents genuinely believe they can succeed in life without a proper education. And in some ways, they're right: today, couriers often earn more than professionals in many other fields.
"We need to bring back discipline in schools. Children are losing focus, resourcefulness, attentiveness, diligence, imagination, and other essential skills," she says. "Before, even to copy homework, they at least had to type it out. Now they don't even need to do that. Fine motor skills aren't developing—and we know where that leads."
When asked about abolishing homework, the teacher noted that it has become futile for educators to put in extra effort—no matter what assignment they come up with, neural networks will solve it instantly. Most students, she says, either don't do their homework at all or mindlessly copy answers (without even needing to search for them). If homework is scrapped, she believes, the few students who are truly engaged will still ask for extra assignments.
A Russian language teacher warns that completely eliminating homework would have dire consequences, leading to even greater academic complacency among students.
"Should we get rid of teachers next? After all, we have AI," she says sarcastically. "What about reinforcing material, individual practice, or preparing for independent work? And literature—poetry, retellings, text analysis—how do you just cancel that?"
An elementary school teacher is firmly in favor of keeping homework, arguing that it is at home where children practice the skills they learn in class—from penmanship to solving basic math problems. She explains that during lessons, teachers can only introduce concepts, while true mastery happens through repetition in a calm, home environment.
"We don't have time to memorize poems in class," she notes. "But children should learn poetry as often as possible to develop their memory. And when they read stories or fairy tales, they need to practice retelling them."
A history and geography teacher suggests finding a middle ground. Rather than eliminating homework entirely, she believes it makes more sense to strike a balance. For subjects like history and geography, homework isn't just helpful—it's essential. These disciplines require systematic review, map work, and engagement with primary sources.
"Without reinforcement at home, knowledge fades quickly, and class time isn't always enough to fully master skills," the teacher explains. "The main purpose of homework is to teach children how to learn independently."
Earlier, the head of Vladivostok's education department told the PrimaMedia news agency that he supports the development of artificial intelligence to handle routine tasks, freeing up time for deeper exploration of complex topics. Vladivostok is currently working in this direction, with plans to launch a municipal program teaching students how to use AI effectively—for their benefit, not to their detriment.
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