Homework FAQs

On average, students who do more homework do better in school. Research from a variety of educational sources supports the importance of students doing homework.

Homework assignments allow you to get ready for the next day's class and can be a critical part of your grade.

Homework helps you to better understand difficult concepts and allows you to practice what you have learned.  It can also expose you to interesting things that you may not have had the time to explore during class.

Homework encourages you to develop good habits and attitudes, teaches you to work independently, and promotes discipline and responsibility – all of which are vital to your life after you graduate from school.

Why do teachers give homework?

Homework helps you understand and review the work that has been covered in class.  It is also possible that you may have been assigned homework because there was not enough time in the school day to get everything done.

Your teacher wants to confirm that you understand the material covered in class and wants to help you learn how to find more information on a subject - and see how you would use that information.

Homework gives you the chance to practice without the time pressures that you may experience in a classroom setting.

Research shows that when homework is turned in to the teacher, graded, and discussed, it can improve your grades and understanding of your schoolwork.

How much time should I spend each night on homework?

It depends on your age, your grade, your teacher’s philosophy and your school’s policy.  Most educators agree that:

• for children in grades K-2, homework is more effective when it does not exceed 10-20 minutes each school day.
• older children, in grades 3-6, can handle 30-60 minutes a day.
• in junior and senior high school, the amount of homework will vary by subject. Most older students will also have homework projects, such as research papers and oral reports, which may have deadlines weeks away.  Make sure you organize your assignments and plan your work times so your homework is ready to turn in on time.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and every teacher, and every school, has an individual answer for this question.  Your teachers can tell you how much time they expect you to spend on homework.

Can I do homework while listening to music or watching television?

Music is an individual decision.  Some students can work with music playing in the background, while others must work in silence.

Sorry...although television can be a learning tool, it's best to leave the television off when doing homework.