Homework teaches soft skills. Is it true?
I think it is partly true. Homework may teach self-management and punctuality. But I don't think it teaches communication or teamwork because homework is individual work, not group work. In my humble opinion, the main purpose of homework is a supplement to class in terms of academic study.
When I was in the US, a Japanese colleague of mine told me that the amount of homework of their children attending the local school was very large, and he often had to help out his children to do their homework. The parents' burden seemed to be far more than that of schools in Japan. In that sense, the tutorial group that Collins participates as a volunteer will help busy parents.
This lesson says it is difficult to find the best way to teach soft skills. I don't know the best way but at least we can learn soft skills. For example, my company offers employees some training classes about soft skills.
Recently I took a training class on how to facilitate a meeting. I learned several techniques such as creating detailed agenda beforehand and active listening, which includes listening attentively, asking questions to confirm what others say. These are useful techniques and I've been trying to use them in the office.