A Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the impact of homework on student learning, released in August, has concluded that homework at the primary school level has little impact on the academic performance of students. The report states that there is strong evidence and general agreement on the lack of learning benefits.

For high school and college students, the case is not so clear, with the balance of evidence pointing to "some academic benefits" for homework. Teachers providing timely and meaningful feedback to students on their homework was found to be crucial. Without such feedback, the learning benefits of homework are reduced.

The report does, however, note some benefits from homework, apart from academic results. Homework can help parents to understand the progress their child is or isn't making and can therefore make parent-teacher interviews more meaningful and useful. For primary students, homework may play an important role in preparing students for secondary school and beyond.

This sentiment was echoed at Council's last general meeting where parents cited reasons why they valued homework, including developing organisational skills, a chance for parent-child interactions, and a way of keeping up with what was being taught at school.

However, other parents, and the inquiry's report, note disadvantages associated with homework which may outweigh these benefits. In particular, homework reduces the time available to spend on physical and recreational activities, artistic endeavours, and family and community engagement. In addition, homework can heighten inequities between students, as differences in support and resources at home can affect the quality of the homework and the ability to complete it. Homework clubs, according to the report, are vital for addressing these disadvantages.

The report also found that homework is often poorly adapted for children with learning difficulties.

Many parents feel that, given the lack of academic benefits in primary school, and questionable benefit in secondary schools, homework inflicts an unnecessary pressure on students and tension in families, as parents attempt to 'police' homework.

What does this mean for homework on ACT schools? At Council's AGM in November, a guest speaker will present the Education Directorate's position on homework, particularly in primary schools. Everyone is welcome to come along to discuss and debate this important issue and look at what action Council should take in relation to homework policies. The AGM will be held on Tuesday November 25, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at the centre for Teaching and Learning in Stirling (51 Fremantle Drive).

This article appeared in ParentACTion, Term 4, 2014. See other past editions of our quarterly magazine.