homework helps students develop better for their future

Duke Study: Homework Helps Students Succeed in School, As Long as There Isn't Too Much

The study, led by professor Harris Cooper, also shows that the positive correlation is much stronger for secondary students than elementary students

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It turns out that parents are right to nag: To succeed in school, kids should do their homework.

Duke University researchers have reviewed more than 60 research 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, said the research synthesis that he led showed the positive correlation was much stronger for secondary students --- those in grades 7 through 12 --- than those in elementary school.

READ MORE: Harris Cooper offers tips for teaching children in the next school year in this USA Today op-ed published Monday.

"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 researchers report in a paper that appears in the spring 2006 edition of "Review of Educational Research."

Cooper is the lead author; Jorgianne Civey Robinson, a Ph.D. student in psychology, and Erika Patall, a graduate student in psychology, are co-authors. The research was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

While it's clear that homework is a critical part of the learning process, Cooper said the analysis also showed that too much homework can be counter-productive for students at all levels.

"Even for high school students, overloading them with homework is not associated with higher grades," Cooper said.

Cooper said the research is consistent with the "10-minute rule" suggesting the optimum amount of homework that teachers ought to assign. The "10-minute rule," Cooper said, is a commonly accepted practice in which teachers add 10 minutes of homework as students progress one grade. In other words, a fourth-grader would be assigned 40 minutes of homework a night, while a high school senior would be assigned about two hours. For upper high school students, after about two hours' worth, more homework was not associated with higher achievement.

The authors suggest a number of reasons why older students benefit more from homework than younger students. First, the authors note, younger children are less able than older children to tune out distractions in their environment. Younger children also have less effective study habits.

But the reason also could have to do with why elementary teachers assign homework. Perhaps it is used more often to help young students develop better time management and study skills, not to immediately affect their achievement in particular subject areas.

"Kids burn out," Cooper said. "The bottom line really is all kids should be doing homework, but the amount and type should vary according to their developmental level and home circumstances. Homework for young students should be short, lead to success without much struggle, occasionally involve parents and, when possible, use out-of-school activities that kids enjoy, such as their sports teams or high-interest reading."

Cooper pointed out that there are limitations to current research on homework. For instance, little research has been done to assess whether a student's race, socioeconomic status or ability level affects the importance of homework in his or her achievement.

This is Cooper's second synthesis of homework research. His first was published in 1989 and covered nearly 120 studies in the 20 years before 1987. Cooper's recent paper reconfirms many of the findings from the earlier study.

Cooper is the author of "The Battle over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents" (Corwin Press, 2001).

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Why is homework good for students?

Why is Homework Good for Students?

Homework has been a long-standing debate among educators and parents, with some arguing that it is unnecessary and others believing it is essential for student learning. As we delve into the world of education, it is crucial to understand the benefits of homework and why it is good for students.

Direct Answer: Why is Homework Good for Students?

Homework is beneficial for students in several ways. Here are some reasons why:

Improves Retention and Understanding : Homework helps students retain and understand what they learned in class. By revisiting the material at home, students are more likely to solidify their understanding and recall information more effectively.
Develops Study Habits : Homework helps students develop good study habits, such as time management, organization, and prioritization. These skills are essential for success in all aspects of life.
Enhances Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving : Homework provides students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical way, which helps develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Prepares Students for Assessments : Homework helps students prepare for assessments and exams by giving them a chance to review and practice what they have learned.

Additional Benefits of Homework

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, homework provides several other advantages to students:

• **Boosts Self-Motivation and Independence : Homework can encourage students to take ownership of their learning and develop a sense of responsibility and self-motivation. • **Facilitates Consolidation of New Skills : Homework helps students consolidate new skills and knowledge, making it easier to recall and apply them in the future. • **Helps Develop Self-Directed Learning : Homework allows students to learn independently, which is an essential skill in today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing world.

What Kinds of Homework are Effective?

While all homework is not created equal, some types of homework are more effective than others. Here are some tips for creating effective homework:

Key Characteristics of Effective Homework

• Clear Instructions : Homework instructions should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. • Relevant : Homework should be relevant to what was covered in class and align with learning objectives. • Challenging : Homework should be challenging, but not overwhelming or too difficult. • Well-Timed : Homework should be assigned at the right time, taking into account students’ schedules and academic demands.

How to Make Homework Engaging and Enjoyable

While homework is essential, it’s also important to make it engaging and enjoyable for students. Here are some tips:

Making Homework Engaging and Enjoyable

• **Use Real-Life Scenarios : Use real-life scenarios or hypothetical situations to make homework more relevant and interesting. • **Incorporate Technology : Incorporate technology, such as online tools and resources, to make homework more interactive and fun. • **Provide Feedback : Provide constructive feedback to students, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. • **Offer Choices : Offer students choices, such as different topics or formats, to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.

In conclusion, homework is an essential part of the educational process, providing numerous benefits to students. By understanding why homework is good for students, educators can create effective and engaging assignments that promote learning, improve retention, and develop essential skills. By following the tips outlined in this article, educators can create homework that is both challenging and enjoyable for students, leading to improved academic performance and long-term success.

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