Homework Helps Kids Make the Grade, and More

Lest you think the real purpose of homework is to give teachers one more way to torture students, studies show doing homework is good for kids.

“Research bears out that students in seventh grade and beyond who complete more homework score better on standardized tests,” says Nancy Paulu, a researcher of homework issues for the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement.

In the earlier grades, Paulu says, homework helps establish good study habits and teaches responsibility.

“Meaningful homework promotes the home-school connection,” says Claude Goldenberg, professor of teacher education at Cal State Long Beach. “Parents need to be involved in a way that allows the child to become independent at whatever the teacher sends home.”

Both experts say homework strategies change as students move from grade to grade, but that in general short, well-concentrated homework sessions are far more effective than massive doses of time, especially with young children.

Here are some tips for students and parents.

For Students

* Organize and prioritize. Keep track of assignments in a personal date book and a calendar at home. Check off each task as you complete it. Organize homework in separate folders according to class. Write the due date in pencil at the top of each assignment and prioritize assignments according to due dates and the time it will take for completion. Set up mini-goals or deadlines for longer assignments and projects.

* Same time, same station: Do homework in the same place at the same time every day. Don’t start at the end of the day when you are tired. Pick a time when you have the most energy, and make homework a priority above sports and social time. Your study work space should be quiet and have plenty of light. In smaller quarters, get everyone in your home to agree to a daily quiet time. Remove distractions such as television and radios.

* Know your assignment. Don’t waste time wondering what you need to do. Be clear about what your assignment is and what steps you need to take. Write down directions and due dates immediately when they are given by the teacher. Ask questions before you leave class.

* Use time wisely. Do the easy stuff when you have a few spare moments. Knock out a couple of algebra problems at the end of lunch. Run through your French vocabulary words on the bus ride home.

* Know how you work best. Alone in a quiet room? By making flashcards? By studying with a friend? Be honest about what situation will get the job done. Study groups are great for drilling on spelling words and preparing for tests, but that’s only if the mutual goal is to learn and get the work done.

For Parents

* Ask teachers about their homework policies. What kind of assignments are given? How much time should the homework take? How much involvement from parents does the teacher expect? Openly communicate with the teacher about your concerns.

* Set a good example. Children are more motivated to do homework when they see parents doing homework too. Your children’s homework time is a good time to go through the mail, read or catch up on paperwork and correspondence.

* Provide supplies and resources. For starters, assemble pencils, pens, paper, an assignment book and a dictionary. Ask teachers at the beginning of the year if you’ll need to provide any special supplies at home. Keep everything together in one place.

If you don’t have a computer, find out where your child can use one. Most schools have an Internet connection and can make computer time available to students. Show children how to locate resources in newspapers and books as well as on computers.

* Show an interest. Ask your child about class topics and assignments. Attend school activities. Be available for questions. Make time for library runs.

* Monitor homework. Help your child to understand assignments and get organized and structure time. Show children where to get started, but do not do the work for them. For elementary students, look over completed work. Give guidance and praise. Encourage good study habits and ask all family members to respect study time.