Homework – what does the research say?
Homework is a controversial topic. It can cause no end of trouble between children and parents. It certainly absorbs a lot of time and is a popular topic for conversation whenever parents get together.
It provokes such important questions as: How important is it? At what age should children start doing it? How long should they spend on it? Should parents help? Does it make a difference anyway?
A lot of research has been done on questions such as these over recent years. Here are some of the more important findings:
- Homework that has been well thought out has a positive effect on student achievement. This kind of homework has a clear purpose, it may require practice of what has been learnt at school, may involve some preparation for new learning, or it may be intended to bring parent and child together in a learning experience (such as listening to a child read aloud).
- Homework is more important for the academic achievement of secondary school students, but it can also be valuable for primary students where it can help them develop study habits and strengthen the idea that learning requires work at home as well as at school.
- Too much homework reduces its overall effectiveness and can result in tiredness, frustration and dislike of study. Small amounts of well-structured homework are far more useful than time-consuming exercises.
- As to time, some researchers suggest 10 minutes per night, per grade level. Using this formula, Year 1 children would have 10 minutes, Year 2 would have 20, and so on. (Individual schools have homework policies which usually nominate appropriate times for their own students.)
- It is useful for parents to be involved, providing this involvement is encouraging and supportive. If homework becomes an emotional battleground, it does more harm than good.
 |
|
It is worthwhile thinking through the implications of these findings. They suggest the following hints for parents looking to develop a family policy on the homework issue.
- Take homework seriously and make sure that time for it is built into after-school routines.
- Ensure that conditions for doing homework are favourable: lighting, heating, appropriate table and chair, distractions are minimised.
- Don’t take over. It’s not your homework! It’s important to encourage but remember that children have to learn to be self-reliant and independent.
- Don’t allow homework to drag on and on. An important lesson for every child to learn is that time must be managed, and there has to be a finishing time for everything.
- If you are a parent who desperately wants to do the right thing, remember that there is more to a child’s life than homework. Every youngster needs a balanced day with time for exercise; rest; hobbies; reading and friendships; as well as study.
« Return to student support article topic