Effect of homework on student commitment, growth and performance
Date
2000
Authors
Schmitt, Robin D
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2000
Abstract
This study examined the effect of homework on student commitment, growth and
performance over a period of six weeks. The sample included 22 Grade Eight students
taking Math every day for 51 minutes. During the first half of the study, the students
were assigned extra homework every night, and during the second half of the study the
students were not assigned any extra homework. Questionnaires, journals, selfevaluations,
records of incomplete assignments and a comparison of marks were used to
determine changes in student attitude and performance. The study found that in some
situations, homework proved to be a relevant and helpful tool for some students, in other
cases, regular homework did not affect the students positively, and in some instances it
proved to be a negative influence. As well, an increase in homework caused higher
levels of stress among some students that negatively affected their attitude towards class
as well as their performance in other subjects. On the other hand, the data could not
provide conclusive evidence as to whether the amount of homework affects student
marks. In all, it was concluded that the amount of homework was not necessarily as
important as the quality of assigned homework and the ability of the students to
internalize the experience and make it meaningful to them.
Description
vi, 59 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Homework -- Evaluation