Most teachers, students and parents believe homework is beneficial. However, some teachers admit that some homework is busy work and parents say homework can become stressful. TIPS- an intervention that can be used to ease the stress of homework. This study looks at the results of this intervention.
This included students from elementary and middle schools. Time spent on homework did not change when using TIPS. However, there were differences among subject areas. Elementary students reported spending less time on homework than middle school students (Landis & Voorhis, 2011). Both students and family members using TIPS reported a happier and more positive feeling when doing homework.
Students that participated in TIPS for two years reported more family involvement. 88% of families were involved. Students using the TIPS program received significantly higher scores than students in the control group. There are many benefits for teachers, students and family members when using the TIPS program.
Teachers need to recognize the importance of interactive assignments and think carefully about how to highlight the objective through these assignments. Also, think about how to link the assignments to the real world TIPS involves family members at home as an assistant not the teacher. Students are still expected to answer problems, write papers and collect information. Assignments should only take 15-30 minutes and directions should be very clear.
Overall the study is beneficial because it narrows down the objective of each assignment and eliminates the busy work that homework can become. Students and family members reported a more positive attitude toward TIPS homework assignments. Students also received higher scores when doing TIPS assignments for 1 to 2 years.