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The Great Homework Debate: What's Getting Lost in the Hype

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The Great Homework Debate: What's Getting Lost in the Hype

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An easy-to-understand article discussing both sides of the homework debate, specifically written for students to understand the main arguments for and against homework.

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Homework - is it an unnecessary evil or a sound and valuable pedagogical practice? The media coverage of the debate often zeroes in on these two seemingly polar opposite views, even though they may not be all that far apart. Homework can be good until - well, until it isn't. Assign too much or the wrong kind (or both) and the law of diminishing returns kicks in, says Dr. Harris Cooper, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, r But as Cooper, author of "The Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents," recently told NEA Today, homework levels and parental attitudes haven't really changed dramatically over the years. Cooper also concludes - perhaps a shock of those who are convinced that very little in our classrooms is working as it should - "the vast majority of educators have got it right." There's a lot of focus on homework now, but has it been scrutinized so heavily in the past? esulting in undue stress for students, aggravation for parents and no academic pay-off.
Harris Cooper: Throughout the 20th century, the public battle over homework was quite cyclical. You can go back to World War I or a little after, when it was considered important for kids to exercise their brain like a muscle and that homework was a way to do that. During the 1930s, opinions changed. In the 1950s, people were worried about falling behind the communists, so more homework was needed as a way to speed up our education and technology. During the 1960s, homework fell out of favor because many though it inflicted too much stress on kids. In the 1970s and 1980s, we needed more homework to keep up with the Japanese economically. More recently, as everything about education and teachers is being scrutinized, homework has come into question again.
But haven't we seen an uptick in the amount of homework assigned to elementary students?
What's interesting is that the actual percentage of people who support or oppose homework has changed very little over the years. And the actual amount of homework kids are doing has changed very little over the last 65 years.

HC: There is a little bit of an uptick in lower grades. But when you look at the actual numbers, we're talking about the difference between an average of 20 minutes and 30 minutes. So you'll find some people who say the amount of homework being given to 2 nd graders, for example, has increased 50 percent. But If you look at the actual numbers, it's ten more minutes per night.

And probably a driving force behind that is obviously end-of-grade testing and accountability issues. Perhaps more legitimately is the importance of early reading. As they say, in third grade you learn to read, and in fourth grade you read to learn. So this has led to more reading assignments.

While most high school students are still doing approximately the same amount of homework on average, there's a great deal of variation. That's due to choices some kids make about how rigorous an academic program to take and the increased competition over college admissions. So there are a lot of kids out there taking four or five advanced placement and honors classes now, which might not have been the case a while back.
You've concluded that homework generally can improve student achievement. At what grade levels do we usually see this effect?
According to the MetLife Foundation national homework survey, 3 out of 5 parents said their kids are getting just the right amount of homework. One said too much and one said too little. That survey is a few years old now but I doubt that's changed.

HC: There's very little correlation between homework and achievement in the early grades. As kids get older, the correlation gets stronger. But there are experimental studies even at the earliest grades that look at skills such as spelling, math facts, etc. where kids are randomly assigned to do homework and not do homework. They show that kids who did the homework performed better.

But we're really talking about correlation here, so we have to be a little careful. It's also worth noting that these correlations with older students are likely caused, not only by homework helping achievement, but also by kids who have higher achievement levels doing more homework.
Have school districts coalesced around the 10-minute rule?
But at a particular point more homework is not a good thing. You've heard of the "10-Minute Rule," where you multiply a child's grade by 10 to determine how many minutes you assign per night. This rule fits the data. So 20-minutes for a second grader is where you'd start. In middle schools, it's between 60-90 mins for 6th through 9th graders, about two hours later in high school. When you assign more than these levels, the law of diminishing returns or even negative effects - stress especially - begin to appear.
What don't we know about homework? Where are the gaps in the research?
HC: From my experience, I have never seen a school district that recommends anything that isn't consistent with the 10-minute rule. They won't use the term "10-minute rule" usually, but they'll say, primary school grades will be assigned up to 30 mins., grades 4-6 up to an hour, things like that. But If you translate the policy to the 10-minute rule, it'll be very similar. Nobody has a policy that says you can expect your second-graders to bring home two hours of homework. The only place you'll see a warning about it is in high school: you can expect half an hour a night per academic subject. Again, if the kid is taking AP, expect more.
Parental involvement is a huge homework-related issue. How can educators work with parents to keep their role constructive?
HC: We need to know more about the the differing impacts by subject matter. Regarding the 10-minute rule, one question I am frequently asked is, "Does that include reading?" Generally, the answer would be yes, but if we're interested in kids' stress level, for example, they are more likely to burn out quicker doing math worksheets and studying vocabulary than if they were doing high-interest reading. So we really need more work on subject matter, on homework quality, on the level of inquisitiveness that it engenders and the way it motivates. Also we need to know more about the use of the Internet, especially as it relates to potential disparities between rich and poor and the ability to research at home.

HC: Parental involvement is more important in the earlier grades and teachers should try to make sure that parents have the skills to teach the material so to avoid any instructional confusion. Educators should also remind parents to not place great pressure on their child and to model behaviors, especially with young children. For example, when the child is doing math homework, a parent could balance the checkbook to demonstrate how the skill can be used in adult life, or they can they read their own book while their child is reading.

Homework also keeps parents aware of what their child is learning. I've had some very emotional parents come to me about having been told by teachers that their child is struggling, that there might be a learning disability. The parents don't necessarily see it until they see their child work on homework.
Do you think overall the current debate or controversy over homework has been helpful and what, if anything, should educators take from it?
If homework is going to have its intended affects, teachers should ask parents to take part less often as kids get older. If support from parents is withdrawn slowly, it can promote autonomous learning - teaching kids that they can learn on their own and they can learn anywhere.

HC: Well, I recognize that the debate will always be there, but I generally choose to ignore it, or at least the people who, as the old saying goes, use science the same way a drunkard uses a lamp post - more for support than for illumination.
Photo: Associated Press
Homework is probably the most complicated pedagogical strategy teachers use because it's open to variations due to child individual differences and the home context. But the vast majority of educators have got it right. They're not going to satisfy everyone, because kids take homework home to different environments and to parents with different expectations. But, like I said before, three in five parents are satisfied and there's one in each direction - too much homework or too little. That probably means teachers are doing their job properly.

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The Great Homework Debate: What's Getting Lost in the Hype | NEA

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Homework is one of the most complicated pedagogical strategies, says expert, and the vast majority of educators are getting it right.

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A kid-friendly article that presents the homework debate in simple terms, featuring opinions from students, teachers, and experts.

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We knew this question would spark a lively debate. School is a big part of life. Not just for kids, but for families, too. And for teachers. Everyone has an opinion about what is best for students. Do kids need homework? Some of our readers say students need the extra work. Others say homework takes time away from exercise. Readers also wondered what kind of homework kids should do. And how much they need. Here's what some of you said.

COURTESY SENTHILKUMAR MURUGESAN
Pradyun Senthilkumar, 9 Los Angeles, California
Kids need homework. When they learn something new in school, reviewing it at home helps them remember it. At my school, teachers give math and language-arts homework. That is because there is a lot we need to learn. And our homework gives teachers valuable information.

It tells them how much we are paying attention in class. It also tells them who needs extra help.

COURTESY HAIYAN WANG
Olivia Lin, 9 Minnetonka, Minnesota
Giving students homework is a bad idea. Kids need time for themselves after school. They can do activities that build a healthy mind and body. Homework just causes stress. And stressed students do poor homework. That is worse than doing none at all. If students are working hard in class, they do not need the extra work. It is better that they do not have it, for the sake of their health. And their happiness.

COURTESY EMILY GRIZZELL
Isla Dhaliwal-Grizzell, 8 Spokane, Washington
I think kids need homework. But the amount should vary by age. At my school, elementary students get homework. But it is not too much. For example, we might have to learn spelling words at home. Then we will take a test in class. We do most of our learning in class. For some homework, our families have to help. Other homework is optional. We get a special prize for doing it.

COURTESY MICHELLE MCKEE
Isaac McKee, 11 Durham, North Carolina
Homework is pointless. Kids already spend six hours a day in school. Homework just makes them repeat what they have been doing all day long. Plus, it takes time away from activities like sports, hobbies, and playing. These are just as important as schoolwork. They keep kids active. Kids do not need to spend more time staring at a piece of paper or a computer screen.

COURTESY JOLYNN XIAO
Jolynn Xiao, 9 Corpus Christi, Texas
Here is why I think kids need homework. Imagine you cannot solve a math problem on a homework assignment. Now your teacher knows what to help you with. Parents also have a chance to help. So why would we not want kids to have homework?

COURTESY NATHANIEL KIM
Nathaniel Kim, 11 South Pasadena, California
I do not deny that homework teaches us positive work habits. But it takes time away from learning material that was not covered in class. I do not think homework should be done away with completely. But it should be reduced. This would give students more time for creative activities.

What is your opinion?

TIM PLATT/GETTY IMAGES

When people debate, it is usually about something they really care about. That is why TIME for Kids editors chose homework as a debate topic. We knew kids would have a lot to say about it.

Have this debate with your classmates. Or come up with another topic that you care about. First, write down your opinion about it. Make a list of the reasons you hold that opinion. Then get into a group. Give everyone a chance to share their opinion. Remember: The point of a debate is not to show that your opinion is the best. It is to discover other ways of seeing the topic. On some points, you and your classmates might even agree.

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We knew this question would spark a lively debate. School is a big part of life. Not just for kids, but for families, too. And for teachers. Everyone has an opinion about what is best for students. Do kids need homework?...

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An age-appropriate exploration of the homework controversy, including student perspectives and expert opinions.

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Let's face it: Not many students love doing homework. But like it or not, homework is part of life for most kids in the U.S. A recent survey showed that students in kindergarten through eighth grade spend an average of nearly five hours per week doing homework.

Some school officials argue that homework is important because it helps students remember what they learn in the classroom. Others point out that it helps kids develop good study habits. Also, some parents say homework helps them determine whether or not their kids are falling behind.

But many schools are rethinking homework. Some have cut down on the amount they give each week, and others no longer allow weekend assignments. Some have eliminated homework entirely. Why? Many parents and teachers worry that homework overload causes kids to be stressed. Plus, some studies have shown that homework doesn't actually help students perform better on tests.

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What's your opinion? Go online to cast your vote in this debate.

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A leveled article that presents arguments for and against homework, adapted for elementary school reading levels.

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning

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The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning

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A simplified adaptation of the book's main ideas, discussing how homework affects family life and student well-being.

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The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing

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The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing

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An accessible exploration of common homework beliefs and whether they're supported by research.

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A simplified research article examining the effectiveness of homework on student learning, written specifically for elementary students.

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Melissa D.Classroom Teacher, Navigator Schools

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Teach K-5 Literacy with Confidence | Reading A-Z

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Support your Science of Reading instruction with printable and projectable lesson plans, close reading packs, decodable passages, and assessments.

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An easy-to-read article discussing the pros and cons of homework, including tips for handling homework effectively.

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Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework - it shows kids that what they do is important.

Of course, helping with homework shouldn't mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break. And who knows? Parents might even learn a thing or two!

Here are some tips to guide the way:

1. Know the teachers - and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child's teachers. Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.

2. Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies - paper, pencils, glue, scissors - within reach.

3. Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.

4. Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary - and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.

5. Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)

6. Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.

7. Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.

8. Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents' examples than their advice.

9. Praise their work and efforts. Post an aced test or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.

10. If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.

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how can i help my children with homework

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Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework - it shows kids that what they do is important. Of course, helping with homework shouldn't mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break.

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An educational video that explores different perspectives on homework, featuring animated characters and simple explanations.

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BrainPOP - Animated Educational Site for Kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology

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A kid-friendly video discussing the appropriate amount of homework for different grade levels.

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Homework in High School: How Much Is Too Much? | Above the Noise | PBS LearningMedia

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It’s not hard to find a high school student who is stressed about homework. Many are stressed to the max — juggling extracurricular activities, jobs and family responsibilities. It can be hard for many students, particularly low-income students, to find the time to dedicate to homework. So students in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs program at YouthBeat in Oakland, California are asking what’s a fair amount of homework for high school students?