The role of homework in academic success remains a topic of debate. However, a new study sheds unexpected light, redefining its usefulness.
Researchers from Maynooth University used artificial intelligence to analyze students' performance across several subjects. Their results suggest a new approach to homework.
The study focused on over 4,000 Irish students, analyzing the effects of homework frequency and duration in mathematics and science. The results show that the consistency of homework outweighs its length.
Doing math homework daily has a stronger impact than spending long hours on it occasionally. For science, three to four sessions per week are sufficient to improve students' outcomes.
The researchers also demonstrate that short homework sessions, of 15 minutes, are just as effective as longer tasks. This avoids overburdening students while promoting regular learning.
This study reveals another striking fact: the benefits of homework are equitable. Regardless of the students' socio-economic background, the observed advantages were similar, providing equal opportunities.
The researchers emphasize that educational policies should shift toward regular but short homework sessions, allowing students to maintain a balance with their other activities.
Nathan McJames, the study's lead author, indicated that these findings could influence policy decisions in education, encouraging a more balanced approach to homework.
Prof. Andrew Parnell adds that the use of advanced causal inference methods ensures the reliability of their conclusions. He hopes this will pave the way for more informed policies.