A recent study suggests that assigning math homework to pupils can sometimes be counterproductive, especially when the tasks are too complex for children to complete even with parental assistance. Researchers from the University of South Australia and St. Francis Xavier University in Canada interviewed eight families with children in grade 3, revealing that the homework caused various negative effects. These effects included difficulty completing assignments even with parental help, disruptions to family time and bedtime routines, and feelings of frustration and inadequacy. The study also highlighted challenges faced by parents in adapting to new teaching methods compared to those they learned as children. This difficulty, particularly among mothers, could reinforce negative stereotypes about girls’ abilities in math. The study emphasises the need for better homework policies to ensure that assignments are appropriate and do not discourage students from pursuing math.
https://www.sciencealert.com/math-homework-can-end-up-doing-more-harm-than-good-study-shows
