Can homework boost academic performance?

A survey commissioned by associated press found that 57 % of parents thought teachers allocated their children enough homework, 23 % felt that homework was little, and 19 % felt that homework was overwhelming. Educationist gets these findings of homework assignment fascinating, where the majority of the parents are happy, and an equivalent number saying the homework is either too little or too much. Surveys do not reveal if homework works or do not work, research can examine if homework is useful and the quantity that is suitable for children.

The homework question is best studied by comparing children allocated homework with children who are not assigned homework but with similar capabilities. Findings of such research recommend that homework can boost children’s scores on class end of topic examinations.

Less significant are 12 researchers that link the quantity of homework to performance but regulate other factors that affect the connections. These kinds of researches frequently depend on national samples of children; find a positive relationship between achievement and time on homework. Other studies correlate performance and homework without trying to regulate children’s diversity. Thirty-five such studies found out that 77 % had a definite link between achievement and homework. Interestingly, these findings suggest no or little relationship between success and homework for primary school children because small children have less established learning habits and are least likely to withstand home distractions. Studies also show that young, struggling children take a lot of time to complete homework since the assignments are hard for them.

According to a parent’s guide by NEA and national PTA, children in K-2 grades should do homework assignments between 10 and 20 minutes daily. The same guide suggests that children in grades 3 to 6 should effectively handle homework assignments between 30 and 60 minutes each day. For students in senior and junior high schools, the quantity of homework depends on the subject. The majority of school district rules suggest that high school children should have approximately 30 minutes of homework for each course they pursue, and more time for advanced or honors placement courses. Exercise assignments boost marks of class exams for all grades. Homework assignments can help primary school children to build good learning habits. For junior high school children, homework reaches a point of shrinking return after 1 hour 30 minutes every night. For high school children, homework assignments reach a point of shrinking profits after 2 hours and 30 minutes every night.

Beyond academic achievements, advocates of homework assignments claim that it has many benefits. They argue that homework helps children to establish good learning habits so that they cultivate cognitive capacities. Children will also appreciate that learning can take place at school as well as at home. Homework has the potential to foster responsible personality traits and independent learning. For parents, helping their children complete homework allows them to convey positive sentiments towards performance and appreciate what happened at school.

Antagonists of homework argue that it can have undesirable effects. They claim that homework results in boredom with school chores because all events remain fascinating for long. Too much homework can limit children’s access to leisure, which teaches them essential life skills. Similarly, parents can get involved in their children’s homework by pressurizing them and confusing them with different instructional methods.

Finally, homework rules should suggest the number of homework assignments consistent with relevant study evidence. However, it should allow each school and teacher flexibility to consider families’ and students’ unique circumstances and needs.