Making Homework More Effective.

When it comes to homework, quantity does not always equal quality, maintains Marilyn Haring, dean of the School of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. "I believe that parents should insist that their child's school experience include meaningful homework. Meaningful homework helps a student achieve mastery by practicing new skills, and parents should be prepared to participate in it."

Haring has heard it all when it comes to parental concerns about homework. Some complain their children aren't given enough of it and therefore don't spend additional time on important educational tasks outside the classroom. Others contend that assignments brought home frequently are "busy work" that doesn't stretch young minds. Still others complain that a particular teacher requires too much homework, especially for those students who are involved in extracurricular activities or have part-time jobs.

How much homework should a child be required to do? For young children, 20 minutes to an hour three to four times a week is just about right, Haring suggests. Older students in middle and high school can profit from meaningful assignments in the one- to two-hour range. Even then, it need not be every night. "I think homework may be even more effective if it is given on a flexible schedule and only when it truly enhances learning in the classroom. Important lessons in time management can be learned if students receive assignments ahead of time and are given a specific date for completion."

She stresses that all homework should be meaningful to the child "In the elementary school years. meaningful homework could include reading with a parent and discussing new vocabulary words. As students get...