Why Do We Need Homework to Succeed in School: Research

Homework is a universal tool in the education industry. Irrespective of the location, level of education, or field, students will always need homework to succeed in school. Have you ever wondered why students should have homework or how it influences school performance? If you have, this article is for you.

The importance of homework in formal education

While you can trace homework as a key part of education back to ancient Rome, it was not an official part of the western education system in 1986. The government finally realized the benefits of homework, making it a mandatory teaching tool in every school. After this, it was only a short time until giving homework to students across the globe became the gold standard.

There are different studies about the effectiveness of homework as a teaching tool. One school of thought believes that homework causes unnecessary stress to students, while another highlights that it makes it easier for them to retain knowledge. Below, you will find some proven ways homework helps students learn:

  • Promotes independent learning

Classroom learning alone is not enough for students to learn and retain knowledge. They also need to participate in independent learning, a habit that will benefit them short-term and long term. By giving students homework, you are making independent learning mandatory and making it easier for them to retain knowledge.

According to 2018 City University of New York research, independent learning during homework helps students develop essential skills. These skills include time management, goal setting, and discipline. It also gives them a high sense of accomplishment.

  • Encourages parents to get more involved with their children

Every parent should know what their children are learning to succeed in school and keep track of their educational progress. Homework is the perfect opportunity for this because children bring home part of their studies. Being more involved with their children’s studies will help parents provide personalized guidance.

According to a Johns Hopkins University research in 2010, students with parents who are involved with their homework thrive more academically than those without parental involvement. When children struggle with certain areas of their studies, parents will be in a better position to identify this and provide the necessary assistance.

  • Higher educational achievements

Another research on homework shows that students who get homework and complete it judiciously tend to have better performances. Because homework helps them to retain knowledge more efficiently, they perform better at standardized tests and exams. They also tend to have higher GPAs than students who do not do homework.

According to a 2012 study by the Institute for the Study of Labor, homework doesn’t just help students perform better in high school. It also makes them more likely to attend classes when they get into college. This shows that homework solutions offer long-term benefits.

  • Helps students master research

Teachers can give students homework that requires research and teach them how to identify high-quality information. They will learn how to identify and verify facts by taking time to do homework. Learning this skill is more essential than ever, thanks to the internet and its effectiveness as a tool for spreading misinformation.

High school students who explore research-based homework solutions will be more efficiently prepared for university education. It also expands their knowledge base, helps them learn discernment, and teaches them how to add credibility to their school work.

Do teachers assign too much homework?

While homework is great for students, it can be ineffective when it is too much, and teachers need to consider the quality. Homework that takes more than three hours to complete reportedly makes students tired, causing them to lose interest in the subject altogether.

Students already spend most of their time in school. If they have to spend too much time working when they get home, this may reduce the benefits of homework. It will reduce the amount of sleep students get at night. Without proper relaxation, they may not be in the best frame of mind to learn the following day.

The homework also needs to be an extension of what students learn in school. It should allow students to employ practical applications of their studies. It also helps when some homework is given to groups instead of individuals. This teaches students how to collaborate with their peers effectively.

Conclusion

Why do we need homework? Homework is a great teaching tool that helps students retain knowledge and build important habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. As long as the quality and quantity of the homework match the student’s needs, you must consider the benefits.