devoirs

Devoirs are tasks assigned by teachers to be completed outside classroom hours. The term comes from the French devoir, meaning obligation, and the plural devoirs denotes the assignments themselves. In Francophone education, devoirs may include worksheets, reading, problem sets, essays, or long-term projects designed to reinforce learning and develop study habits.

Usage varies by country and level. In France, Belgium, Canada (Quebec), and other Francophone regions, homework is common but policies differ on amount and age appropriateness. Primary grades typically have lighter workloads than secondary levels, and guidelines on daily time and parental involvement vary. Critics argue that the practice can disproportionately affect students with fewer home resources.

Purpose and evidence: Homework aims to reinforce skills, foster independent work, and prepare students for class. Research shows small positive effects on achievement when assignments are purposeful, clearly linked to objectives, and developmentally appropriate; effects tend to be stronger for older students and for tasks like reading and problem-solving. Excessive or poorly designed homework can cause stress and reduce sleep, family time, and motivation.

Alternatives and policy: Some schools emphasize quality over quantity, in-class practice, or flipped learning; others experiment with project-based or collaborative assignments. Policy debates center on workload, equity, and the balance between practice and rest. The prevalence and design of devoirs reflect curricular goals and cultural expectations in Francophone education.