Why Is Homework Important?
Linda A. Milbourne and David L. Haury

Homework is intended to be a positive experience that encourages children to learn. Teachers assign homework to help students review, apply, and integrate what has been learned in class; to extend student exploration of topics more fully than class time permits; and to help students prepare for the next class session.

But there's more to learning than simply mastering content. Learning has many facets and requires many skills that children have to build. So teachers also assign homework to help children:

	Acquire effective habits of self-discipline and time management.
	Develop initiative and learn to work independently.
	Gain a sense of personal responsibility for learning.
	Develop research skills, such as locating, organizing, and condensing information.
	Learn to use libraries and other reference resources.

Homework can also bring parents and teachers closer together--parents who supervise homework and assist their children with assignments learn more about their children's education and about the school.

Does Homework Affect Academic Achievement?

During the past decade, research on homework began to focus on the relationship between homework and student achievement. Some recent studies suggest that, on average, children who spend more time on homework do better in school and that the academic benefits increase as children move into the upper grades (see Helping Your Child With Homework at http://www.ed.gov/pubs/ parents/Homework). Similarly, a 1998 University of Missouri survey suggests that the more homework children complete, especially in grades 6 through 12, the better they do in school (see Yes, Johnny, Doing Your Homework Is Important at http://www.shpm.com/ articles/child_behavior /homework.html).

Although homework may not immediately affect the achievement of children in grades K through 5, many teachers and parents agree that homework helps to develop children's initiative and responsibility--attributes that play a vital role in their long-term academic development--and fulfills the expectations of students, parents, and the public. Homework helps younger children develop the strong study skills necessary for high academic achievement later. And regardless of age group, children appear to get the most out of homework when teachers carefully plan the assignments and make them meaningful.

How Much Homework Is Reasonable?

The National Parent-Teacher Association and the National Education Association recommend the following amounts of homework:

	Kindergarten through grade 3: up to 20 minutes each day.
	Grades 4 through 6: from 20 to 40 minutes each day.
	Grades 7 through 12: generally up to 2 hours, but recommendations vary according to the type and number of subjects a student is taking. College-bound students will receive increasingly lengthy and complex assignments (for more information, see the brochures Helping Your Child With Homework at http://www.ed.gov/pubs/ parents/Homework.

It will take some children longer than others to complete assignments. Children who listen carefully and participate actively in class often finish homework quickly, and those with particularly strong listening skills may be able to cut their homework time by 45 percent (see Homework & Studying at Home at http://henson.austin .apple.com/edres/ parents/pfet/ hwrkmenu.shtml). Lower-ability children may have to spend more time on homework to achieve equal gains (see The Homework Debate at http://family.go.com/ Features/family_1998_11 /metk/metk118homework).

However, teachers and parents need to be aware that children who generally take too long to complete assignments may need more instruction to complete the work successfully. While some homework is a good thing, too much can frustrate children and cause stress. It's also important that children have time to exercise, play, socialize, and pursue their own interests.

How Can I Help My Child With Homework?

First, avoid doing the homework yourself! Doing homework for your child sends the message that he or she is incapable of doing the work and that perfection is the main objective. It also denies your child the opportunity to develop skills and gain understanding from the experience. Remember, doing homework should help children plan, manage, and complete work on their own. Second, familiarize yourself with the school's homework policy so that you know what is expected of you and your child. Here are some other ways you can help your child get the most out of homework:

	Exhibit a positive attitude toward homework in what you say and do--show your child that you think homework is important and education comes first. Your attitude not only has a direct, positive effect on your child's attitude toward homework but also can affect his or her academic achievement (see Yes, Johnny, Doing Your Homework Is Important at http://www.shpm.com /articles/ child_behavior/ homework.html).
	Encourage your child to take notes on homework assignments when they are given.
	Discuss homework assignments with your child to become familiar with what he or she is studying. Talk together about the topic of an essay before writing begins, and do short quizzes on the day before a test.
	Limit afterschool activities to allow time for homework and family activities.
	Limit telephone use by agreeing ahead of time what will be allowed.
	Plan homework schedules and routines that allow some free time when assignments are completed. Make sure your child is well rested and fed and has had time to wind down after school. Also, avoid scheduling homework right before bedtime when children will be too tired or feel pressured to finish. For long-term projects, mark plans and deadlines on a calendar.
	Monitor television and radio use. If your child's favorite show comes on during scheduled study time, arrange to record the show if possible.
	Do some assignments or questions together when your child asks for help. Sometimes children need help learning how to break down large assignments into manageable pieces.
	Stay nearby--reading, writing, studying, or catching up on paperwork. Be available to help if asked, but avoid imposing your help or your way of doing something.
	Check completed assignments and review homework that has been marked and returned. Avoid negative comments, but contact the teacher if your child consistently gets 25 percent or more wrong on homework problems and assignments or if he or she never seems to have any homework.
	Provide your child with a convenient, quiet, and comfortable work area that is well lit, free of family traffic, and stocked with the materials needed to complete assignments. Some children study better with music or background noise, so try to accommodate your child's preferred learning style.
	Encourage the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, and provide a computer and a calculator if possible. If a computer is not available at home, plan regular visits to a public library or community learning center that provides access to computers (for more information, see the box The Homework Computer Connection below).

You may also find it helpful to talk to the teacher, counselor, or principal if your child develops a consistently negative attitude toward homework, continually fails to fully understand or complete assignments, or fails to make any academic progress. Homework is an essential component of the total educational program. It should enhance the intellectual development of your child while creating greater interest and success in learning and studying.

For more information about helping your child with homework, see Homework Helpers For Parents at http://family.go.com/Features/ family_1999_02/nwfm/ nwfm29homework and How Parents Can Help With Homework at http://family.go.com/ Features/family_1998_09 /sano/sano98homework/ sano98homework.html.

The Homework Computer Connection The computer has become a common and essential tool in learning many school subjects, particularly mathematics and science. You and your child can use a computer to: Complete reports and assignments using word-processing programs       and other software. Find information using reference materials on CD-ROMs; many are       typically available from school and public libraries. Access educational software that teaches science or math concepts       and skills in interesting and enjoyable ways. Access the abundant science, math, and general homework resources       and assistance freely available on the Internet. For a list of these resources,       see the Homework Companion on the ERIC Clearinghouse for Science,       Mathematics, and Environmental Education Web site at       http://www.ericse.org/ homework.html.

Linda A. Milbourne is Associate Director of the ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She is also the AskERIC Coordinator for the clearinghouse. David L. Haury is Director of the ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education and Associate Professor of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

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