Graduation Date
Fall 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Education
Committee Chair Name
Libbi Miller
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Tristan Gleason
Keywords
Homework, Pilot homework system, Alternative homework system, Study skill development, Parent involvement, Student choice, Effects of homework, Individualized homework, Elementary school, Fifth grade, Fun homework, Community connections in education, Family connections in education, Nature connections in education
Abstract
Homework has been a long-debated topic in schools. Regardless of where people stand on the issue, the evidence shows that quality homework can be an effective tool to help students be successful in school. Beyond academics, homework can also be used as a tool to help students develop important foundational study skills that are critical for future success. But how can school districts get all stakeholders behind a homework system if they do not see the value of homework, or if the homework is a point of individual or familial stress. Through an action research project using mixed methods, parents and students were asked to reflect on their perceptions of homework and its uses before and after implementation of the pilot homework system that prioritized connection to family life, nature, and communities, as well as a system to promote student choice and development of study skills. This pilot study revealed that parents value a shift in homework and their perceptions towards homework moved towards a more positive view, while students' thoughts and perceptions were mixed. Based on these findings, considerations such as offering students choices and partnering with families when developing homework, can be built upon for other uses.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Brock, Caroline, "Wait... homework can be fun?! A pilot homework system study" (2025). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2513.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2513