Homework....ughh

Homework. We all dread the word and even the mention of it can cause us to be in a bad mood.

At least thats how it is for me. I think the fundamental idea behind homework is a good one. Students go home and reinforce what they have learned in class. However, the extremes it sometimes reaches can be a bit, well, extreme. Six classes a day can lead to homework for six classes in a day. Throw in extracurricular activities, dinner, and chores or anything else you might have to do once the school day ends, and you've got a day with limited free time, if any. So I said the basic idea isn't bad, and it isn't. But, it should be limited to the definition I gave: reinforcing what is learned in class. Students shouldnt have to teach themselves concepts at home on their own; that's what school is for.
I think one of the things wrong with classes is some teachers feel like they have to give homework. I think it should only be used to expound upon what is learned in class and shouldn't be given everyday.
If teachers think students need more work on a concept, they can give out "optional homework"--for those of us who want or need to review the concepts. Sometimes, I find myself becoming frustrated because homework does nothing to help me learn. True, most of the time it does help me learn, but on those busy days, having to do (seemingly) pointless assignments can make me mad. Homework that is done purely for learning, and not just for a grade will yield more benefit (if it gets done). And it won't be like pointless work, because the more practice you get in, the better you'll do on tests.
I don't know; maybe thats an odd view of homework, but I still think it has merits. I still do all my homework, but I find myself asking why I need to do some things more and more. I think our system needs to be changed.