Homework is a universally hated part of learning for many students. The thought of additional work is almost always dreaded but homework is one of the most effective ways to solidify a students learning into memory.

Homework allows students to revisit something they have recently learnt and practice it. This forces the brain to recall the memory of learning it and reinforces the neurological pathway between the memory and the application of it allowing the student to remember it more efficiently next time. The strengthening of the neural pathway is what makes the task seem easier after they have practiced. Spaced out studying and homework is the most efficient way to strengthen the pathway as it allows the memory to temporarily be ‘shelved’ before being retrieved again and homework is a task that allows this to process to occur.

Homework also allows students to identify their own personal learning gaps and understand what information they know very well and what they need to work on. This independent identification may be frustrating at the time but it helps build resilience within the student and strengthens their ability to learn and solve problems independently. These problem solving skills are often required for the student to build confidence in their knowledge as it allows them to work through challenging tasks without much assistance. When a student struggles with homework learning strategies to help themselves work the question out can be the most beneficial type of learning. These strategies and skills can range from working backwards from the answer to revisiting past questions and can all help significantly in allowing learning independence to form. Learning how to learn can be one of the most challenging things a student needs to learn but it is the most beneficial.

Homework is often the most effective tool for reinforcing recently learned skills and content as well as checking the student understanding. Although it may feel like a burden on the student the few extra hours spent throughout a week revisiting similar types of questions can significantly improve the students overall understanding and their ability to apply content effectively.

Olivia Moustakis