Elementary School Children's Views About Homework

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Measuring, Assessing, and Fostering Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning

Abstract

Homework is an ever-present component of U.S. schooling and is viewed by teachers and parents as important for fostering academic growth (Cooper, Robinson, & Patall, 2006). Little research has investigated children’s views about the purposes and usefulness of homework. This study examined elementary school children’s views about whether homework helped them learn, why it was assigned, and the nature of the homework help they received. Children viewed homework as beneficial for their learning. They believed the primary purposes of homework were learning and skills development, but this differed across academic domains (math, reading, and language arts). Finally, children reported frequently receiving help with their homework. This study serves as a foundation for building knowledge about children’s views about homework.

Authors

• Shari R Metzger, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Susan Sonnenschein, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Joy A. Thompson