It’s one of the things about school that many students struggle with: Homework. Taking assignments and projects home to finish can make kids feel overwhelmed. It takes away from their free time and time with friends. It can make them wonder “who invented homework and why?”
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Qualified tutors, such as those at School is Easy, can help students complete their homework. This allows students to better understand the topics being taught and get the work done right. As a parent, you’ll even start to see your child’s grades improve. This is because the person who created homework knew that practice makes perfect. But just who invented school homework anyways?
The History Behind Homework
Delving into the truth of who invented homework is not easy. There were a few individuals who are credited with the concept of homework. The question then becomes when was homework invented. We can go all the way back to Rome to consider that question.
Although we may not be able to definitively answer when homework was invented, looking back through the written records helps track homework throughout history. In his writings, Pliny the Younger encourages his students to practice their public speaking at home so they can gain confidence. While this did not involve practicing writing, reading, or arithmetic as students do today, it did promote the idea of taking your studies and working outside the classroom.
Homework Mythology
When looking into who created homework, one fun fact is that many credit a man called Roberto Nevelis of Italy. However, trusted sources debunk Nevelis as an internet myth. The development of homework seems to have come from the influence of different individuals. The reality is that teachers lack the time needed to ensure that all lessons are covered. The school day calls for some of the work to be done by students at home if they grasp all the material.
Horace Mann
From Rome, we flash forward to the 19th century when a politician named Horace Mann advocated for tax-funded public education. He was impressed by what he saw at German schools at the time. Some of the ideas he brought over to the United States included homework.
However, the motivation was different. In Germany, the goal was to demonstrate the power of the state government over an individual. This was done by handing out assignments that were to be completed on personal time.
A Brief History of Homework in the U.S.
Homework has had its ups and downs throughout the decades. Here is a look at how homework has been treated in the United States.
1901-the state of California put a homework ban in place. It stayed in place until 1917 and was for children 15 and younger.
1930s – homework was considered a form of child labor and frowned upon by many.
1950s – homework’s reputation got a boost during the 1950s as the American government looked for ways to stay competitive with the Russians. It was at this time that homework became seen as a good education initiative. Assigning homework to students was considered a way to improve the education of the young and pave a better and brighter future for the whole nation.
1980s – several publications of the 1980s promoted homework as a positive education strategy. Over the past 20 years, the idea that homework is hurting our children has again become popular. A few authors have put forward arguments that support schools doing away with homework.
Benefits of Homework
Despite the groan that you’ll hear from most kids when you use the word homework, there are some very good reasons it’s part of the educational process, such as:
Practice
By sending work home, teachers are encouraging students to practice what they’ve learned in class. This helps students grasp the concepts through reputation.
Time Management
Scheduling homework helps kids learn to manage their time better. Students will need to learn to make time for the work that is sent home on top of their other activities, chores, and responsibilities.
Parent Connection
Sending school work home allows parents to be involved in the learning process. Most children need parents to help them finish the work or understand what is being asked of them.
Drawbacks of Homework
There are some great reasons why teachers send schoolwork home for students to complete. But there are drawbacks to it as well, including:
Reduces Socialization
As children grow, they need socialization with family and friends to learn skills not taught in the classroom. These include cooperation, sharing, forgiveness, helping, and just generally getting along with others. Too much homework can hinder a student’s ability to build these skills and cultivate relationships.
Downtime
Just like kids need some socialization, they also need some downtime to give their minds a rest. It can lead to higher levels and stress and anxiety if they are not given this time.
Learning Styles
Not every child learns by reading or completing worksheets. If the homework involves a lot of these types of assignments, the learning of some children in the class will suffer. If too much emphasis is placed on completing worksheets it could leave some students at a disadvantage.
Help Get Homework Done with School is Easy
Homework can feel like a chore to students in any grade, even if they enjoy the subject. While students may feel that the goal of homework is to punish them, it’s far from the truth. By completing schoolwork at home, students can gain a better understanding of the content they are covering in class. But if your student is struggling through assignments, projects, and completing their homework, help is here.
At School is Easy, we have tutors that are skilled in all different subject matter, from English to science to math to socials and more. Our experienced tutors can help prepare a customized tutor plan for your child, that will include working with them to get their homework done correctly and on time.
If homework has become a battle for your kids, book a tutor with School is Easy today.
