[NSW] Homework Stills Matters!
By NSW Principal – MR TONY HANLON
‘Have you done your homework yet?’ has been a question asked of students since the beginning of public education. Possibly the question arose even earlier – Aristotle may have asked the same question of his students!
Research Shows Homework Boosts Student Achievement
Homework has been a traditional feature of Australian school education – both public and private. Thankfully, in most schools, it has been retained, ensuring the effective shaping of academic success and personal development of students. Whilst some commentators may wish to debate its effectiveness and indeed, relevance, in the 21st century, research and educational practice highlight its significant benefits for:
- re-inforcing learning,
- cultivating responsibility, and
- preparing students for future challenges.
The most comprehensive research on homework (to date) comes from a 2006 meta-analysis by Duke University psychology professor Harris Cooper. He found substantial evidence of a positive correlation between homework and student achievement, meaning students who did homework performed better in school. The correlation was especially strong for students in upper primary and high school year groups.
Reinforcing Classroom Learning
Homework provides students with the opportunity to review and apply what they have learned in class.
By engaging with concepts outside school hours, students develop a deeper understanding of subjects and improve their retention of knowledge. In essence, homework reinforces the learning experience.
Such is essential for key concepts in numeracy and literacy, (maths and English), where regular reinforcement strengthens problem solving skills and comprehension abilities.
Building Independence and Responsibility
Completing homework requires students to manage their time effectively and work independently.
It fosters self-discipline, accountability, and organisational skills -qualities essential for success in higher education and future careers. Students become increasingly independent as their skill set evolves. They develop a greater sense of confidence in their independence – nothing better for a teacher or parent to hear than, “No, I can do this by myself”.
Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Beyond just revising concepts, homework often includes assignments that encourage students to think critically and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Research projects, essays, and creative tasks allow students to explore topics beyond the classroom, promoting innovation and curiosity. These exercises ensure students develop problem-solving abilities that will prove invaluable, not only for their further academic studies, but in their future personal and professional lives.
Strengthening Parental Engagement
Homework also provides an opportunity for parents to engage with their children’s education. By discussing assignments and assisting, when necessary, parents gain insight into what their children are learning and can support their academic progress. This connection between home and school re-inforces the collaborative approach to education embraced by professional educators. It can also alert parents to any learning problems/issues their child might face and nip them in the bud.
Preparing for Academic and Career Success
Regular homework assignments help students build study habits that prepare them for university or technical and further education (e.g. TAFE).
Both universities and modern workplaces require a similar set of personal attributes. These include:
- the ability to undertake independent work/research,
- to be resilient & self-guided in executing projects,
- successful use of initiative,
- the ability to persevere, and
- the ability to meet deadlines.
These skills are cultivated through successfully completing homework. The benefits of homework are felt far into the future.
Why has Homework become Controversial?
Unfortunately, in a number of schools, homework is now seen as unnecessary or somehow detrimental. These schools are abolishing homework.
Such action ignores a substantial body of research. Some see the abolition of homework as an easy fix to a vexed situation: less marking time for overworked teachers and less challenges at home for overworked parents. Whilst a reduction in excessive work is an admirable goal, it should not be at the expense of the benefits of homework.
Need I remind you that the abolition of homework is happening against the backdrop of Australia’s problematic PISA results:
‘In mathematics and reading, students in Australia scored more than 25 points below students of the same age who sat the PISA test in the early 2000s: in other words, 15-year-olds in 2022 scored at a level that would have been expected of 14-year-olds, 20 years earlier.’
(Source: OECD – PISA 2022 Results (Volume I and II) – Country Notes: Australia)
To many it would appear that this is not the time to be undermining student achievement by abolishing homework.
The Need to Value Homework
As a parent you are your child’s first teacher. Your influence will stay with your child throughout their life – moulding them, forming the basis of the success they enjoy and the goals they achieve. You are the one who will influence their world view – what they value and what they dismiss.
What you value is what your child will also value. Make homework an important part of the family schedule.
Try to do your ‘homework’ at the same time as your child, and explain to them what you have to do; whether it is a BAS statement, business accounts, a report for work or meeting presentation. It is important they learn that you also have homework to do.
Taking the Headache out of Homework
As well as allowing your child to see that ‘homework’ carries on beyond school, there are ways to take the stress out of homework. Try these tips:
- Strike a deal. Homework must be completed before a more desirable activity can be undertaken.
- A full week of homework completion is rewarded with a treat (one on which your child places great value).
- Use North Shore Free Online Homework Support. Live chat is available for Pre-school to Year 10 on Thursdays & Fridays – 4 to 6 pm and Saturdays – 2 to 4 pm (during our term programs). Individual campuses may provide additional support.
- Watch the online lesson videos in the student area of our website. The videos revise concepts taught during the latest lesson. By watching, students can ensure they have a full understanding of lesson content. Each lesson is available online for 3 weeks. Students require their ID and password to log-on.
- Free consultation. If homework is presenting your family with challenges, we are here to discuss the matter with you. Make a booking for a consultation with your Campus Director or myself.
Can there be too much Homework?
Yes. Analysis of research would indicate that younger students should be spending less time on homework each night than their older counterparts. Fifteen to twenty minutes per night for Year Two would correlate with the recommendations of many proponents of homework.
May I take this opportunity to thank you for being part of North Shore.
Keep learning, stay inspired and remain resilient. Being a positive role model ensures
your child of a bright future!
