Students in an educational psychology course were offered the opportunity to earn a grade bonus by writing test items on content to be covered the following week. Results show both internal (student) and external (manipulable) factors had considerable influence on effort and persistence. A classroom procedure to enhance student motivation is…

A South Dakota survey of the parents of 560 fifth grade students found that parents supported the assignment of about 30 minutes of homework per night; most assignments were of a practice or preparational nature; and most parents had problems in helping children establish positive study routines. (SV)

Two cooperative learning techniques are presented for achieving carryover of speech and language skills: a speech-language peer homework monitoring system; and a contractual system among the student, the clinician, and the student's class in which group contingencies foster cooperative interactions. (JDD)

Examines findings and practical implications of a study on homework which helped Scottish policymakers, educators and families better understand, improve and build upon home-school relations. The study prompted the creation of study support centers in schools that were staffed by librarians, teachers, and parents. (JPB)

Elementary schools are getting larger, enrollments continue to climb, and Hispanic children comprise the biggest minority group. Teacher numbers are barely keeping up with student enrollment. Most elementary students do some homework daily. Technology use is increasing, adoption of new content standards is occurring, and tardiness, fighting, and…

Explores the effectiveness of an alternative grading scheme for college economics. This method consists of giving frequent homework but only grading one or two problems from each assignment. Initial studies suggest that selective grading has little or no adverse effect on the quality of the students' coursework. (MJP)

Three studies examined the effects of different interventions used with elementary students with learning disabilities and typical students on spelling and math homework completion and weekly quiz performance. Three intervention strategies resulted in significant increases in homework completion: giving students real-life assignments, using…

Investigates the frequency of homework in mathematics, science, and reading as reported by a large sample of primary school children. Reports on (1) amount of homework and its relationship to ability, home background, sex, and school and (2) school effect. Considers influences on the relationship between homework and achievement. (CMK)

Suggests a prewriting activity that encompasses peer questioning to help basic writing students come up with topics for papers. Contends teachers should explain their expectations to the students and gives a homework assignment to either write a letter to their "future" children or devise a "life tree." Describes questioning in…

Homework may boost academic achievement, involve parents in their children's schoolwork, and teach students to study independently. However, critics claim that homework increases family conflict, limits independent learning, and widens the achievement gap. After-school homework clubs help students whose home life doesn't support getting help from…

Describes a course for undergraduate students called "Supreme Court Decision Making". Focuses on aspects such as homework assignments, computer practicum (an in-class examination based on testing hypotheses), term paper, and midterm/final. Highlights the benefits of this course. (CMK)

Investigated sixth-grade students' perceptions of parental involvement with homework. Students completed mathematics homework assignments designed to involve parents, then completed surveys examining their experiences. Significant numbers of students believed they did better in school when parents helped with homework, but they had mixed…

A survey of study habits was conducted with entry-level mathematics students at the University of Louisville (Kentucky). Students also tracked their study, work, and leisure activities for one week. Findings indicated that students have sufficient time available but choose not to spend the time studying. Regular collection and grading of homework…

A survey of 639 general education teachers resulted in the following recommendations for improving home-school communication about homework for students with disabilities: release and mutual planning time, assignment books, parent attendance at meetings and daily monitoring of homework, and use of telephone networks to promote remote access to…

The present study investigated the role of students' homework practices in their self-efficacy beliefs regarding their use of specific learning processes (e.g., organizing, memorizing, concentrating, monitoring, etc.), perceptions of academic responsibility, and academic achievement. One hundred and seventy-nine girls from multi-ethnic, mixed…