Study Suggests Math Homework May Harm More Than Help

A recent study indicates that assigning math homework to students can have adverse effects, especially when the tasks are overly complex, making it difficult for children to complete them even with parental assistance.

Researchers from the University of South Australia and St. Francis Xavier University in Canada conducted interviews with eight Canadian families. These interviews focused on the families’ experiences with mathematics homework and its impact on their dynamics.

All the families included in the study had a child in grade 3, typically aged 8 or 9, coinciding with the introduction of standardized math tests in the region.

Generally, participants perceived mathematics as a disliked subject that demanded excessive additional effort.

Reevaluating the Role of Homework in Academic Achievement

Lisa O’Keeffe, a senior lecturer in mathematics education at the University of South Australia, states, Traditionally, we have regarded homework as a method to reinforce children’s learning and enhance academic achievement. “However, when assignments prove excessively challenging for students, even with parental support, it prompts questions about their appropriateness.”

The study identified various issues, including homework being overly difficult, encroaching on bedtime and family time, and inducing feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

As with many subjects, teaching methods in mathematics can evolve over time, causing frustration for parents accustomed to different approaches than their children.

“Mathematics teaching methods have evolved,” explains O’Keeffe. “But parents may struggle to adapt to new methods, adding additional pressure.”

This dynamic can perpetuate negativity across generations, particularly as mothers are often primarily responsible for assisting with homework. When they too find assignments challenging, it can reinforce stereotypes about mathematics being a subject where girls may not naturally excel, impacting their academic performance and career aspirations.

Advocating for Appropriate Math Homework Practices

While this study’s sample size is limited, its findings align with common narratives in education.

The researchers advocate for setting math homework in an appropriate manner to prevent early disengagement with the subject, particularly considering the recent pandemic-induced surge in at-home learning and parental involvement in assignments.

Study author Sarah McDonald, an education lecturer at the University of South Australia, emphasizes that teachers aim to avoid disadvantaging girls in cultivating strong mathematical identities. Therefore, she stresses the necessity for a better comprehension of homework policies and expectations.

McDonald further notes that homework is commonly believed to offer non-academic advantages, such as promoting independence and enhancing organizational skills and self-discipline. However, the family experiences documented in their study do not necessarily support this notion.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

Read more: Math and Music Combo Boosts Test Scores, Reveals 50-Year Review