The effectiveness of homework in the primary classroom

Abstract

This research study investigated the effectiveness of homework in three core subjects in the primary sector, namely Mathematics, English and Maltese. This study focused on whether written homework is an important component of learning or if it can be reduced or eliminated without affecting the learning process. Pre- and post-tests about one topic from each of these subjects were given to two classes composed of 20 Year 5 students each belonging to different schools. One of the classes assigned homework on these topics while the other one did not. The views of parents/guardians and pupils were extracted from the questionnaires, while the teachers’ and Heads of School’s perceptions on homework were recorded through interviews. In general, test results revealed that although improvement was evident in both classes, superiority in the class which was given homework was evident. The general say of the participants involved suggested a preference towards the setting of homework.