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Cited by 1,230Parental Involvement in EducationEducational Outcomes and InfluencesSchool Choice and Performance

Does Homework Improve Academic Achievement? A Synthesis of Research, 1987–2003

Cooper, Harris, Robinson, Jorgianne Civey, Patall, Erika A·2006·Review of Educational Research
DOI 10.3102/00346543076001001
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Abstract

In this article, research conducted in the United States since 1987 on the effects of homework is summarized. Studies are grouped into four research designs. The authors found that all studies, regardless of type, had design flaws. However, both within and across design types, there was generally consistent evidence for a positive influence of homework on achievement. Studies that reported simple homework–achievement correlations revealed evidence that a stronger correlation existed (a) in Grades 7–12 than in K–6 and (b) when students rather than parents reported time on homework. No strong evidence was found for an association between the homework–achievement link and the outcome measure (grades as opposed to standardized tests) or the subject matter (reading as opposed to math). On the basis of these results and others, the authors suggest future research.

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  • Practically every theory of learning requires a form of instructor feedback so that students are aware of their own level of understanding.

    “Regarding feedback, practically every theory of learning requires a form of instructor feedback so that students are aware of their own level of understanding (Cobb, 1988;Cooper et al., 2006;Davis et al., 1990;Steffe, 1996;Zemke & Zemke, 1995).”

    From The Effects of Online Homework on Achievement and Self-efficacy of College Algebra Students (2009) · cites this paper as Cooper et al., 2006

  • Students must attempt problems in order to learn.

    “Students must attempt problems in order to learn; they then need feedback on the correctness of their solutions; and then it is ideal if they can reattempt the problems equipped with new understanding.”

    From The Effects of Online Homework on Achievement and Self-efficacy of College Algebra Students (2009) · cites this paper as Cooper, Robinson, & Patall, 2006

  • Regardless of method, philosophy, or systemic structure, homework is a constant component of each mathematics course used to develop students' understanding.

    “However, regardless of which method, philosophy, or systemic structure is used, there is one constant component of each mathematics course -the use of homework to develop students' understanding.”

    From The Effects of Online Homework on Achievement and Self-efficacy of College Algebra Students (2009) · cites this paper as Cooper, Robinson, & Patall, 2006

  • The attempt-feedback-reattempt component is common to all types of math instruction.

    “This fundamental component is common to all types of math instruction (Cooper, Robinson, & Patall, 2006;Lefcort & Eiger, 2003;Trautwein & Koller, 2003).”

    From The Effects of Online Homework on Achievement and Self-efficacy of College Algebra Students (2009) · cites this paper as Cooper, Robinson, & Patall, 2006

  • Students need feedback on the correctness of their solutions.

    “Students must attempt problems in order to learn; they then need feedback on the correctness of their solutions; and then it is ideal if they can reattempt the problems equipped with new understanding.”

    From The Effects of Online Homework on Achievement and Self-efficacy of College Algebra Students (2009) · cites this paper as Cooper, Robinson, & Patall, 2006

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Authors
Cooper, H., Robinson, J. C., & Patall, E. A.
Affiliations
Duke University (US)
ORCID
Venue
Review of Educational Research
Publisher
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Published
2006-03
Volume
76
Issue
1
Pages
1-62
ISSN
  • 0034-6543 (ISSN-L)
  • 1935-1046
DOI
10.3102/00346543076001001
OpenAlex
W2157542520
Cited by
1,230
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 35 · 2025: 50 · 2024: 67 · 2023: 64 · 2022: 83 · 2021: 89 · 2020: 95 · 2019: 89 · 2018: 62 · 2017: 61 · 2016: 76 · 2015: 84 · 2014: 72 · 2013: 77 · 2012: 47
FWCI
108.58
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Review of Educational Research (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Parental Involvement in Education
  • Social Sciences › Education › Educational Outcomes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Education › School Choice and Performance
Keywords
homework, academic performance, study design flaws, grade level differences, elementary school students, high school students

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