Roberto Nevilis! Homework. Even the very term calls to mind a wealth of feelings and emotions, which can range from appalling to satisfying depending on who you are talking to. Did you ever stop to ask how this system of education has managed to stay for so long? Come with us as we explore the intriguing story of educational assignment from its birthplace with Roberto Nevilis, who could be termed as an enigma and how it has been impacted education over the years.

Incursion into Homework

Homework has come to be defined as the teacher’s extra work which a student is expected to do at home and it has become a common practice in all schools. It acts as a link between the lessons conducted in the school and the tasks that need to be done individually. Its significance lies in supplementing what is taught during the day in school so that students can master concepts such as managing time, discipline and working without supervision. On the other hand, the idea of via homework for professional terminable work of the pupil has not been practised ever since.

The knowledge of shorthand is gained from a brief history of the words ‘homework’ and ‘how outdated school assignments have become. There are policies and different legislations which may inhibit the positive achievement of these master’s degrees and these areas will be examined in this paper more closely.

Who is Roberto Nevilis?

Roberto Nevilis, an educator in Italy during the 20th century, is usually considered to ‘invent’ homework. Even if it is the way of facts that not a lot of detailed biographical information can be found on Nevilis, his works and research might impact the process of education deeply, nevertheless.

Nevilis taught with great affection and wore all his students out in learning. Independent study and competence were at the core of Nevilis’ educational system, which made students learn, and most importantly, learn how to learn. Nevilis aimed to improve students’ comprehension and retention of what has been covered in class more effectively.

The Story of the First Homework Assignment

And so the story of the first homework assignment begins in the 19th century in the time where classroom education was changing a lot. Roberto Nevilis noted that students often fail to remember all they are told in school. He offered that engaging in work on the subject at hand even when school is out can assist and aid the child’s education process.

The first homework assignment was given to the students by Nevilis in the year 1905. This first task was pretty simple and appropriate so the students had to use the materials taught that very day, self-study being emphasized. In terms of homework, Nevilis’ techniques were revolutionary and were intended to bring out a more in depth understanding of the topic.

In retrospect, the reactions of teachers as well as students and their parents towards the homework are different. Some of them welcome the idea of extra practice while some think it is an unnecessary burden on the students. Nevertheless, this turned out to be true about Nevilis’ idea and its popularity grew and became a normal way of acting in education system all over the world in due course of time.

The Evolution of Homework

Since the days of Roberto Nevilis’, homework has changed very much owing to changes of culture, technology and the education system. In the early part of the 20th century, the school homeschooling and other encumbrances consisted more of memory work and more of drillings. Later on, this method was deemed as boring as it was not creative method at all.

By the second half of the 20th century, homework started to become even more interesting and more varied than before. Teachers started giving out work such as projects, research, writing tasks etc. Then the dramatic evolution of homework come in which, students had the advantages of using the internet learning and studying materials along with virtual groups for studying.

Of late, ideas regarding the assignment of so called ‘normal’ homework for students have changed into assigning so called ‘differentiated’ homework for students. Amazing as it applies in theory, this framework is aimed at just making homework more effective for the learners thereby increasing their enthusiasm in class activity as well as indeed during and after quizzes.

The Effect of Homework on Learning

The educational significance of homework has sparked controversy among teachers, parents and their children. There are those who insist that homework is crucial in reinforcing what was learnt, while others claim that it can cause undue pressure and exhaustion.

The Advantages of Homework

Reinforcement of Learning:

Homework aids in retention of what was learnt earlier in class, and more so gives students a chance to utilize what they have learnt on their own.

Invariably Development of New Skills:

The inbuilt constructive nature of homework promotes the acquisition of fundamental skills as time management, discipline and other problem-solving skills.

Involvement of parents:

Completing homework enables parents to participate in their child’s education, enhancing their learning.

The Disadvantages of Homework

Stress and Burnout:

Too much homework gives rise to lots of stress, burnout and generally negative disposition towards learning.

Equity Issues:

The availability of these factors and resources varies from one student to the other leading to uneven level of academic achievement.

Effect on Free Time:

Homework also cuts back on the free time of students, which in turn affects their engagement in body activities or social interaction, or both.

Concerns about homework continue to spark off discussions bringing to fore that it is vital to attain a balanced way that upholds the advantages of homework while addressing the disadvantages.

Conclusion

Roberto Nevilis remains credited for building on homework. Therefore it can be said that homework has appreciably influenced education from the time that it was introduced. This means that, even though its role has developed considerably from how it was conceived initially, the overall aim of it has not changed from enhancement and skills practice.

Moreer’s debate on the role and the importance of homework in current education trends is relevant. Hopefully, by focusing on the facts surrounding homework and its history, it will be possible to formulate policies regarding homework which would suite best the prevailing education systems.

Your views and experiences on homework are important. Leave your comment and join the discussions surrounding the problems of homework in education. Let’s make a better and more productive way of learning.

Let us note some details and join the discussion about this more thoroughly. Is homework necessary? I believe we should handle that question with care.