​Homework – part 2

The researchers concluded that for all ages there is no significant relationship between grades and the amount of homework assigned. For all ages there is no significant relationship between test scores and the amount of homework assigned. Regarding the effect of grades on the amount of homework done, there was a negative relationship for younger students and a positive relationship for older students. And finally, the effect on test scores of homework done for all ages was not significant.

So after reviewing the research, the author concluded that there isn’t enough research to support the academic benefits of homework, and that it would be a mistake to conclude that homework is a meaningful contributor to learning even in high school.

WOW! So why are we educators assigning so much homework, and why are we parents looking for our children to do homework and thinking that it will improve our children’s grades or test scores for college? We have mistaken beliefs about homework. Homework is not what will result in higher levels of learning. Ouch, that was a whack on the side of the head!

So, what will improve our children’s school work? Well, there are lots of ideas about that! One that was presented to us last month at our teacher’s retreat by consultant, educator, and author Mike Brock, is that the highest predicator of child performance and happiness in school is based on three factors:

Does the child/student feel significant in his home? Does he have meaningful ways to contribute to the life of the family? 
Does the child/student receive affirmation in her home; does she know that she is valued by her family as a person?
Does the family have regular family dinners together?

It’s time that we, the true advocates for our children, become educated in the kinds of activities that maximize our children’s childhood experiences. Our child’s home life experiences are the real gifts we give to them. Perhaps they’ve been undervalued, overlooked, or seen as trite, but the truth is that our family values really are valuable for all of us. Childhood is brief and fleeting. Every child deserves to live it at its fullest in a family where s/he is valued, feels significant, and experiences what it means to be a part of a family, your family, as the family gathers together each evening for their family dinner.