Homework: a neglected research area

摘要: Homework is a controversial issue. Its advocates claim that it encourages student initiative, develops independent learning skills, and allows time for practice application of what has been learned in school. critics argue encroaches upon children's leisure denies them access to community activities. They also see homework as powerful instrument class discrimination the sense children from lower income homes often do not have conditions appropriate home study must compete on unequal terms with their middle peers. The overview research this paper intended serve basis identifying several important conceptual methodological problems, hopefully stimulate some interest somewhat neglected area educational research. No attempt made provide an exhaustive review available research, no reference studies at college or university levels. main concern which explored relationships between various practices achievement primary secondary school In first half these are described detail illustrate nature its problems. discussion latter part relates issues summarised by model There ample statements opinion numerous reports practices, but surprisingly few well-designed might support any particular viewpoint kind amount should be assigned. Goldstein (1960) reported 280 articles over 30 years prior 1958, only 17 were original experimental Hedges (1971) reviewed 40 'thorough' had published since 1954 concluded there was firm comprehensive evidence facets homework. same year Rosenshine noted actual classroom behaviour related Rosenshine's comment does