Who Invented Homework And Why?

Roberto Nevilis is the person who invented homework. Homework is undoubtedly an integral aspect of the modern educational process. But who invented homework? Why did they invest homework? These are some of the queries students ask when stuck with complex academic tasks. Many educators bombard students with challenging assignments with tight deadlines. Some learners say some academic work doesn’t make sense or even relate to their future career goals. This article provides a brief overview of homework’s origin.

Background On Who Invented Homework

Perhaps, you found this article after searching for the phrase, “who created homework?” In that case, this article is a perfect piece for you. Roberto Nevilis created homework to help students practice what they learn in the classroom. Also, homework reinforces classroom learning.

Many teachers content that students need homework to practice outside the classroom to grasp and retain the concepts they learn in class.

Here are some of the reasons why Roberto Nevilis invented homework.

• To enhance learning
• Enhance continuous improvement
• Enable learners to practice outside the classroom
• To reinforce learning
• To boost students’ understanding
• For conceptual clarity
• Constant revision
• Doubt generation
• Self-motivated learning

Most educators argue that these benefits make homework an essential and integral aspect of learning. But who made homework mandatory?

When Was Homework Invented?

Roberto Nevilis invented homework in 1905. But where did homework come from? Roberto created school assignments to enable students to work efficiently or without haste. He also wanted learners to study without outside estimation. Additionally, he wanted learners to select the optimal work rhythm and plan their work course independently.

Since Roberto’s invention, homework has gained popularity around the world to enable learners to fix what they learn in class in their memories. It also allows learners to repeat the materials educators provide in the classroom. Additionally, educators use homework to enable learners to expand and consolidate different skills to work independently.

Brief History of Homework

Although Robert Nevelis takes credit as the inventor of homework, Horace Mann, an educational reformer and politician, also played a vital role in the history of homework. Mann and his contemporaries, Calvin Ellis Stowe and Henry Bernard, had an interest in the mandatory public education system in the nation-state of Germany in the 19th century.

When attending the People’s Schools, pupils received compulsory assignments to complete at home. And this move was an attempt to emphasize the state’s power over individuals’ when nationalists like Johann Fichte wanted to rally support for the state. Although homework existed even before Johann’s involvement in the People’s Schools, his political goals speeded up the homework’s implementation as an essential in the education system.

History of Homework in America

Homework in America is an almost universal aspect of the educational experience. However, some educators and parents debate the merits and demerits of homework even today. Perhaps, the homework background in America goes back to 1901, a few decades after the concept spread across the Atlantic. The Pacific States of California implemented a homework ban, affecting all students below 15 years. This ban lasted until 1917.

• 1930s: Homework Ban As A Child Labor

In 1930, the American Child Health Association described homework as child labor. Due to the laws banning child labor, the proclamation made many people see Horace Mann homework as less-than-favorable and unacceptable practice in the educational system.

• The Cold War: Homework Rises Up

But teachers started looking for methods to make homework more relevant and personal to students during the 19th and 20th century’s progressive education reforms. During the Cold War that increased rivalry between the U.S and Russia, Sputnik 1’s launch increased competition between Americans and Russians in 1957, including their young people.

The education authorities in the U.S decided to implement rigorous homework to ensure that students didn’t lag behind the Russians, especially in the competitive fields of mathematics and science. The Department of Educations’ 1986 pamphlet in the U.S, What Works, made homework one of the effective strategies in the education system. And this was three years after the landmark report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education.

• Modern Days: Homework Value Diminishes

But this doesn’t mark the end of the homework origin. In the early 21st century, many concerned citizens and educators began to question the homework’s value. Since then people have written many books about this subject. Up to now, the practice remains a controversial topic.

Some schools have even instituted homework bans mirroring those from the previous century. However, some educationists have varying perspectives about the prohibitions. Also, some parents struggle to cope with the disruption that homework brings to home routines.

For How Long Has Homework Been Around?

Based on the above brief history of school homework, this practice has been around since 1905. Historians suppose that Roberto, an Italian oratory teacher, invented homework when he asked followers to try or practice public speaking in their homes. His idea was to help the followers become more fluent and confident in their speeches.

But why does homework exist even in subjects like math? Well, modern homework supporters argue that homework bridges school and home. Ideally, most parents don’t have adequate time to be with their children because they are primarily at school. Homework enables such parents to keep up with what their kids do at school every day. What’s more, the brief time students have to learn new concepts in the classroom is not enough. Therefore, homework enables learners to expand and understand what they acquire at school better.

Was Homework Invented as a Punishment?

Yes, initially, Roberto punished students with homework. However, he also used it to ensure that learners embraced and understood what they learned thoroughly. But because homework invention happened when the world was developing a formal education system, the practice became an integral part of it.

However, people didn’t take education seriously in countries like the United States until the 20th century. Parents saw education as a nuisance in such places because they wanted their kids to assist them with daily chores at home. But things changed during World War II when such countries realized they needed educated people like scientists.

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Consequently, many learners detest homework, despite being mandatory in virtually all learning institutions. Luckily, we can help you with the assignment. Our assignment writing help enable learners across the education levels to complete homework with ease and on time. Contact us for professional homework help now!