Research results about homework vary and depend on the particular group of students involved in both homework and studies.
Kohn 2006; Trautwein and Koller 2003 studies show positive effects of homework under certain conditions and for certain students, some show no effects, and some suggest negative effects
Duke Study: led by Professor Harris Cooper, Homework Helps Students Succeed in School, researchers reviewed more than 60 studies on homework between 1987 and 2003 and concluded that homework does have a positive effect on student achievement.
Harris Cooper, a professor of psychology and director of Duke's Program in Education, stated: "With only rare exception, the relationship between the amount of homework students do and their achievement outcomes was found to be positive and statistically significant," the report appears in the spring 2006 edition of "Review of Educational Research."
McDermott, Goldmen and Varenne 1984; Scott-Jones 1984 study stated, that “students from higher-income homes have more resources (such as computers) and receive more assistance with homework, while low-income students may have fewer resources and less assistance and are therefore less likely to complete the homework and reap any related benefits.”
Results of studies on homework, over three decades, may fluctuate; however studies over those same decades show what a vital role families play in a student’s success. Students are more motivated and happier when their parents take an active role in helping them learn. One way to increase involvement in your child’s learning is through homework. Even just listening to your child read twenty minutes in the evening will help them do better in school and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
Studies do agree that homework is a way for your child to practice and master independently, what is learned in school. Completed successfully, homework helps children develop habits and attitudes about successfully completing work within the classroom. You can show your child you think their education is important, by making their homework is a priority. You care that it is done, and turned in on time. If they know their parents care, children have a good reason to complete assignments and turn them in on time.
Ways to Show You Think Education and Homework Are Important
- Set a regular time every day for homework.
- Make sure your child has papers, books, pencils, things needed to do assignments.
- Your child needs a fairly quiet place to study with lots of light.
- Set a good example by reading and writing yourself.
Monitor Assignments
- Know what your child’s homework assignments are? How long they should take? How the teacher wants you to be involved?
- See that assignments are started and completed.
- Read the teacher’s comments on assignments returned with your child.
Provide Guidance
· Understand and respect your child’s learning style. Does he/she work better alone or with someone else? Does he learn best when he can see things, hear them, or handle them?
· Help your child get organized. Does your child need to put homework directly in a folder in their backpack as soon as they get done? Do they need a love note reminding them to turn in work as soon as they get to school?
· Encourage your child to develop good study habits (e.g., scheduling enough time for big assignments; making up practice tests).
· Talk with your child about homework assignments? Does she/he understand them?
Talk With Someone at School when Problems Come Up
· If a problem comes up, meet, email, or phone the teacher.
· Work with the teacher and your child to work out a plan and schedule to fix homework problems.
· Follow up with the teacher and your child to make sure the plan is working.
Teachers truly want to be your partner in your child’s education!
Home is your child’s most influential learning environment. Enjoy this very special time exploring learning with your child. Homework will give you time to promote social, emotional and academic growth.
Enjoy working with your child,
R.R.Cratty
Comments