Homework Research And Policy Summary

The second article I looked into was “Homework Research and Policy: A Review of the Literature” written by Harris Cooper goes over what he has researched over the issues that homework brings up. In this article he discusses how in over 60 years of research homework has been a rollercoaster of an issue. In some periods it is viewed as helpful and that more should be assigned. In other periods it is viewed as too much and that students should be assigned more meaningful tasks. “Elementary students' performance did not improve when they spent more time on homework. Junior high school students' achievement continued to improve with increased homework until assignments took between one and two hours a night. More homework than this was not accompanied by improved achievement” (Cooper, 1994).In his study he also had multiple tables that explained issues such as the positives and negatives of homework, factors that affect homework, recommended homework policies for districts, schools, and teachers.

He looks at the good and bad of what homework brings and he proceeds to provide solutions to make homework less straining on not only the students but the teachers as well. He explains that homework assignments should be tailored to the students that are taking them. He even goes and explains how homework should be handled for students in special education. “Finally, homework can have significant benefits for students with learning disabilities, but its positive outcome is contingent on (a) teacher preparation and planning; (b) assignments appropriate to the skill, attention, and motivation levels of students; and (c) appropriate involvement of parents” (Cooper, 1994). Solutions like this would be beneficial to all students and like was previously stated in the last article. Parental involvement in the child’s education is key for the child to remain interested in