Does homework help make grades better? It’s a question that’s plagued parents and educators for decades. The answer is rarely as simple as “yes” or “no.” Today, let’s take a deep dive into homework—the pros, the cons, and what to do to improve homework outcomes.
Homework has been a staple of American schools since the 1950s, and the debates around its effectiveness have been raging ever since. If your learner struggles with this aspect of school, it’s easy to see some of the pitfalls: it can add to the tremendous academic stress that many learners feel, it can be tough to balance with other daily priorities, and it can cause students to fall behind. Remote learning, social media, and other challenges have only added to the pressure for learners.
Studies also show mixed results when assessing whether homework helps to meaningfully improve a student’s understanding of the materials. Some educators believe the mental stresses related to homework may be too much for students, or that the amount of homework should be decreased.
Like it or not, homework seems to be an ongoing staple in schools. And it can be more nuanced than approaching it as simply a good or bad aspect of education. Let’s explore some of the benefits, as well as types of support that can make a difference.
Does Homework Help To Improve Grades?
How Can Homework Help?
Does homework matter—and if so, how? Let’s review some of the ways homework helps a student:
- Homework helps to improve math and science learning. While you’ll hear different perspectives on the value of homework, a recent study notes its positive effect on math and science. Notably, short assignments are particularly useful.
- Homework can encourage study skills. When students pick up independent learning skills, it can have a huge range of applications throughout their life. Completing homework can be one great way to build these foundational life skills.
- Homework can give students more time with the material. For many subjects, practice and repetition help students gain a deeper understanding of the material. Homework offers many opportunities for that kind of learning.
Tips for Effective Homework Completion
When students struggle with homework, it’s easy to feel helpless and frustrated by what they’re going through. But parents can also help to encourage effective homework time. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Make sure they have brain fuel. Food doesn’t just fuel the body—it also fuels the mind. If possible, keep small, healthy snacks around for brain fuel. This can help learners concentrate on the task at hand!
- Keep screens away. Phones, tablets, and other devices can make it incredibly hard for learners to stay focused and on-task. While some homework may require the use of a computer, try to limit overall screen time while learners are studying.
- Consider homework help. If homework is a regular ordeal for your learner, consider getting outside support! For example, our one-on-one homework help programs can be a dynamic, focused way to nurture good homework habits.
Get One-on-One Support with LearningRx
While homework is meant to be a challenge for learners, it shouldn’t be overwhelming or so difficult that it’s tough to complete. If your student has a hard time with it, you may want to turn to LearningRx for our homework help programs.
Different learners struggle with different aspects of homework, which is why we always tailor our approach based on the needs, skills, and challenges of each unique learner. Through one-on-one brain training, students can focus on practicing and nurturing core cognitive skills related to effective homework. In the process, we also work on fostering practical strategies for homework help, such as time management and goal-setting.
We know that, with dedicated support, homework doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience for learners. We’re dedicated to helping students get enthusiastic about learning again!
Learn more about homework help from LearningRx. You can visit our website to explore our programs or contact 866-BRAIN-01 for more information.
