Who Invented Homework and Why was it Created?

Who Invented Homework: Know the History

Roberto Nevilis, an Italian pedagog invented homework. Perhaps, he thought that learning loses its essence, once the students exit their classroom. Consequently, he observed that the students didn’t perform well, despite his efforts towards them. Hence he created homework, which has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, he believed to use homework as an alternative to punishment, since physical punishment was never an option.

Let’s dig deep and understand homework and its relevance for the students.

• Indeed, homework makes learning more effective and makes sure the students remember what they have learned in class.
• Though homework prevailed in the ancient Roman and Greek empires, it only formalized after Roberto’s effort.
• Besides, homework encourages students to engage in learning even after school hours.

Horace Mann

Besides, the 19^th-century educational reformer and politician, Horace Mann, played a vital role in the history of homework. Meanwhile, Horace and his modern counterparts like Ellis Stowe and Henry Bernard showcased a powerful interest in the mandatory public education system. Moreover, the students of the Volksschulen School were given compulsory assignments to complete at home. Furthermore, this mandatory requirement highlighted the state’s power over an individual’s time. Additionally, this was implemented at a time when nationalists like Johann attempted to rally support for an integrated German state. Also, Johann’s political aim seemed like a catalyst for the Volksschulen Institute, where homework was made mandatory.

Who Created Homework: The American Public School System

Though homework seems a nearly universal part of the American educational system, it was not accepted universally. Likewise, parents still argue the advantages and disadvantages of homework, just as they did over a century ago. Let’s dig into the history and explore some important components.

Homework Bans and Anti-Homework Sentiments

• Firstly, in 1901, homework made its entry across the Atlantic. Also, it was passed out by a homework ban in the Pacific State of California.
• Secondly, the homework ban had a major impact on students below 15 years and was in effect till 1917.
• Lastly, significant publications like the New York Times and Ladies’ Home Journal posted impactful statements. Moreover, these statements given by medical professionals and parents showcased the impact of homework on children’s health.

Homework and Child Labor: 1930

Unfortunately, in 1930, the American Child Health Association stated that homework is a kind of child labor. Since child labor was recently implemented, perhaps, homework was portrayed as a less beneficial part of the educational system.

Homework and the Progressive Era: Early to Mid-20th Century

Meanwhile, in the progressive era, teachers looked for ways that make homework more personalized. Perhaps, they catered to homework as per the individual needs of the students.

Evolution of Homework during the Cold War

Consequently, after World War II, the Cold War warmed up the American–Russian rivalries in the 1950s. Moreover, Sputnik 1’s introduction in 1957 increased competition between the Americans and the Russians, also comprising the youth. Also, the US education system believed that scrupulous homework might prevent American students from falling behind Russian students. Precisely, it was more common in the field of Science and Mathematics.

A Nation at Risk: Homework in the 1980s

• Firstly, the US Department of Education released a pamphlet called “What Work in the year 1986.
• Secondly, the pamphlet portrayed homework as one of the most effective educational strategies of the time.
• Lastly, these strategies came up 3 years after the National Commission on Excellence in Education published its Landmark Report- A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform.

Homework Ban Returns in the Early 21^st Century

Subsequently, numerous books were published on the homework subject. Let’s explore some of them.

• The Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents. (Third Edition) by Duke University psychologist Dr. Cooper (2007).
• The Case Against Homework: How Homework is Hurting our Children and What We Can Do About It by Sarah Barnett and Nancy Kalish (2006).
• The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning, by Dr. Etta Kralovec(educational professor) and John Buell 2000 (Journalist).

Who Created Homework- Teacher’s Approach

Does homework give you frustration? If yes, perhaps you want to catch the person who invented homework and frustrate him too. If not, possibly you are a bookworm, who always loves to study. But, did you ever think from a teacher’s perspective? Perhaps, not, otherwise, you may have not called it a frustration. Let’s explore who created homework from a teacher’s perspective, possibly it might help you overcome your disappointment.

As per a majority of educators and teachers, homework plays a vital role in a student’s academic development. Besides, doing homework may help the students practice and simultaneously reinforce what they have learned in class. Most importantly, many teachers suggest that until the students do their homework, their learning seems incomplete.

Why do Teachers Support the Person Who Invented Homework?

Generally, a variety of reasons exist. Here, let us see the common reasons why teachers value the person who created homework.

• Improved learning.
• Constant enhancement.
• Implement learning.
• Core understanding.
• Practice
• Conceptual clarity.
• Doubts identification.
• Continuous revision.
• Self-encouraged learning.

Considering the above advantages, the teachers have a strong point to argue that Roberto Nevelis’ homework is essential for learning. Perhaps, now we understand the person’s worth who invented homework.

Who Invented Homework- Student’s Perspective

Alternatively, students hate doing homework in many instances as this might pose an additional burden. Perhaps, doing homework will bypass their free time and they might not find time for themselves. In a nutshell, students assume that homework only gives them frustration and eventually no time to relax.

On the contrary, the students feel that the teachers don’t manage to complete the syllabus in class, hence they give excessive homework. Let’s explore some reasons why students don’t appreciate doing homework. Perhaps, they criticize the person who created the homework.

1. Extra burden.
2. Waste of time.
3. Lack of encouragement.
4. Extra burden.
5. High level of complexities.
6. Lack of potential to add value to the grades.
7. Health issues.
8. Excessive time investment.
9. Frequent episodes of stress and anxiety.
10. Lack of comprehensive growth.

Primary Objectives of Homework

Why was homework invented? Certainly, homework was not intended to be a burden on students; rather, its objective was to impart knowledge to them. Let’s look at some of the goals of homework.

• The most important aspect of homework is that it reinforces learning; otherwise, students may not revise their schoolwork when they leave the classroom. In addition, the students might come back to school the following day with nothing planned. They may have neglected their previous lessons. Simply put, a student may establish a solid foundation if they put what they have learned in class into practice.
• In addition, completing homework may inspire students to review class material and gain conceptual clarity.
• School homework permits practice and application, and a few perspectives are connected with this case.
• Students may not practice if there is no homework.
• Students can put what they’ve learned to use in real life. While working on their homework, the students might consider what they have learned in class.

Drawbacks of Homework

Despite its numerous benefits, homework has a few drawbacks, which you might not want to ignore. Let’s identify these drawbacks.

• Firstly, in many instances, the teachers allocate irrelevant homework, which was not even taught in class. Thus, instead of helping the students to practice, it makes things more difficult for them.
• Secondly, cases prevail, when teachers overburden the students by giving them excessive homework. Perhaps, they want to enable maximum learning, but they end up frustrating the students.

Get Homework Help Online from Experts

In general, homework has both benefits and drawbacks. If you are a student, then it is mandatory for you to submit the homework in the way your professors ask. Moreover, it doesn’t even matter whether you enjoy or despise doing your schoolwork. Whenever your instructor assigns homework, make sure to finish it on time. Remember, completing your coursework precisely before the deadline can help you in improving your academic performance.