The amount of homework that is considered “enough” can vary depending on a number of factors, including the student’s age, grade level, academic ability, and the specific class or subject they are studying. In general, homework should be designed to reinforce and extend learning that has already taken place in the classroom, rather than overwhelming students with busywork or assignments that are not meaningful or relevant to their learning.
Research suggests that the amount of homework that is most beneficial for students varies by age and grade level. For elementary school students, 10-20 minutes of homework per night is typically considered appropriate, while middle and high school students may need up to two hours of homework per night to support their learning.
It’s also important to note that the quality of homework matters as much as the quantity. Homework that is well-designed, relevant, and engaging is likely to be more effective than large volumes of homework that are tedious or poorly aligned with students’ learning goals.
Ultimately, the goal of homework should be to support student learning and help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic and personal lives. Teachers and parents can work together to create homework policies and practices that support these goals while also taking into account students’ individual needs and abilities.