Homework - What Research Says

Research Inconclusive

While research on homework has not produced conclusive evidence, some things are clear. Homework is better for some students than others.

• Older students benefit more from homework than younger students.
• Students from low-income homes may not benefit as much from homework as those from higher-income homes.
• Students with learning disabilities benefit from homework under certain conditions.
• Asian American students may benefit more from homework than do students from other ethnic groups.

Source: The Center for Public Education

Older students are able to focus more than younger students. This could be why homework assignments may benefit them more. Students from low-income families are less likely to have computers and necessary supplies to complete homework. Parents are also less likely to give the students assistance with homework in low-income families. After studying five ethnic groups, it was discovered that Asian Americans had a stronger impact from doing homework than the other ethnic groups. (Keith and Benson, 1992)

Nonacademic Benefits

Younger children benefit from homework with a twist. The benefits are

• learning responsibility
• time management
• developing study habits
• finishing a project

Too Much Homework

Research shows that homework should be limited or it could have a negative effect. High school students should spend between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 hours on homework. Middle school students should spend no more than 1 hour per night. Any more than this actually diminishes achievement. (Cooper, Robinson, and Patall 2006)

Quantity Assigned

Students that spend more time on homework do achieve higher. However, this is not related to how much homework the teacher assigns. Intrinsic motivation is more important on the part of the student than the amount of homework assigned.

After-School Programs

After-school programs are becoming very popular. They do seem to have a positive effect on

• student motivation
• work habits
• student behavior

Do after-school programs actually improve academic achievement? No. However, if a student has better behavior, better work habits and is more motivated, academic improvement may be a side-effect.

Parental Involvement

While it may accepted in the educational community that strong parental involvement is linked to academic success, studies are unclear.

• Students are more likely to turn in assignments that require parental involvement.
• Some students actually have lower grades and receive lower grades on tests when parents are involved. Perhaps these students already struggle in school.
• Some studies show that parental involvement has no effect either way.

(Balli, Wedman, and Demo 1997; Cooper, Lindsay, and Nye 2000; Epstein 1988; VanVorhis 2003)

Type of Homework

Teachers may assign various types of homework.

• Reinforce the lesson that day
• Projects to extend learning
• Prepare students for new material

Since there has been little research to show which type of homework is more beneficial or if there is a difference in benefits, no conclusion may be drawn. (Cooper 1989; Foyle 1985, Murphy and Decker 1989)

Conclusion

While some parents may argue the point that all home work is negative, this research does not support that. And, for teachers that maintain that large amounts of homework produce higher academics, this research doesn't support that, either.

Center For Public Education Site

Related articles: Grades and Ritalin, Homework and TV - A No No

Read previous articles on Educational Issues.

Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.

Homework Not As Beneficial As Once Thought

Computers Less Likely in Low-Income Homes

Homework More Beneficial For Older Students

Middle School Homework Limit is One Hour

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds