Who Invented Homework?

Answer: The idea of homework was popularized by Italian educator Roberto Nevilis, who is often credited as the “inventor of homework.”

The origin of homework is unclear and it has likely been assigned to students in various forms throughout history. However, the modern concept of homework, as regular, outside-of-class assignments to be completed by students, can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States.

Objectives of Homework are to:

1. Reinforce and deepen understanding of class material
2. Promote independent learning and critical thinking
3. Prepare students for upcoming lessons and exams
4. Develop study habits and time-management skills
5. Provide opportunities for students to apply and practice what they have learned.

Features of Homework Include:

1. Assigned by teachers to reinforce classroom learning
2. Typically completed outside of regular class time
3. Can be individual or group work
4. Can include a variety of tasks such as writing, reading, problem-solving, or research
5. Often graded or evaluated as part of a student’s overall academic performance.

There have been numerous studies and articles on the topic of homework, covering various aspects such as its effectiveness, impact on student well-being, and approaches to assigning and completing homework. Some related resources include:

1. The National Education Association’s recommendations for homework, suggest a maximum of 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night
2. The meta-analysis “The Relationship Between Homework and Academic Achievement: A Synthesis of Research, 1987-2003” by Harris Cooper and colleagues, finds a positive correlation between homework and student achievement, particularly for older students
3. The article “Too Much Homework Is Bad for Kids” by Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish, argues that excessive homework can lead to negative effects on students’ health, well-being, and family life
4. The book “The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing” by Alfie Kohn, critiques the assumptions and practices surrounding homework and proposes alternatives.

Ways Forward to Improve Exams and Assessment Practices Include:

1. Incorporating a variety of assessment methods, such as projects, presentations, and performance tasks, to better evaluate students’ knowledge and skills
2. Providing timely and detailed feedback to students to support their learning
3. Allowing for open-book or open-note exams encourages students to use their resources and apply their knowledge
4. Implementing technology-enhanced assessments, such as online testing and automated grading, to increase efficiency and fairness
5. Incorporating formative assessments, such as quizzes and progress checks, to provide ongoing evaluation of student learning. For example, a school might use a mix of traditional exams, class projects, and self-reflection assignments to assess student learning in a history course.