Who Invented Homework and Why? 5 Interesting Historical Facts

Homework is a task that students do outside of school. Students can do the following types of work: writing texts, solving math examples, reading literature, memorizing poetry, etc.

Since ancient Greece, there has already been home practice and the development of the acquired knowledge. At that time, only young men were allowed to study sciences, and they studied not only in men’s schools but also privately at home. Educator-teachers left until the following lessons different topics for reflection and texts for writing calligraphy and many different types of assignments in philosophy, ethics, and mathematics. The women were taught crafts. And they, in turn, received practical assignments from private teachers, which they prepared for the next lesson (from cooking and tailoring to pottery).

Also, according to many historical sources, for the first time in a more modern form, homework appeared in the 16-17 centuries. They were necessary for additional consolidation of the material by the student for his independent study of a particular subject.

On the Internet, it is often believed that Roberto Nevilis from Venice came up with giving homework to children. But there are no supporting facts for this. Horace Mann pioneered the concept of modern homework. Such an element of learning is firmly embedded in the educational environment and the school curriculum. Horace visited Prussia, where he saw compulsory homework assignments from the students of the Public Schools.

They were invented out of a sense of patriotism to demonstrate the excellent preparation of the younger generation, who studies even on their own time. This prompted Mann to implement this system in his homeland. Gradually, homework in education appeared all over the world.

Why do you need to do this work?

Homework assignments are intended to prepare students for subsequent lessons, consolidate knowledge, practice skills, and general mental development. Homework also provides an opportunity for parents to participate in the child’s life.

Teacher opinion

Teachers believe that it can discipline students and develop the necessary skills for adulthood. Homework is helpful for students, improves their knowledge and abilities.

Top 5 historical facts about the school

The first children to be homeschooled were the princely children.

From centuries-old sources, it became known that only representatives of very wealthy segments of the population could afford book education in the Middle Ages. Therefore, earlier science at home was an honor and fell out only to the noblest persons, but now the students were forced to switch to distance education and are not very happy with this.

In the Middle Ages, there were elements of school self-government.

The students filled the school treasury. Namely, they acted as a bell ringer and read the Psalter for the Dead and the Murdered. Interestingly, the students had to do their homework every day, and the parents had to supervise them. Probably, it was from there that the trouble of schoolchildren with homework began.

In the Jesuit school or college, instruction was conducted exclusively in Latin.

An influential Catholic order founded it. And only those who knew at least the basics of Latin could enter this institution. Do you still think that the conditions for admission to school these days are too harsh?

In the gymnasiums that existed in the Austro-Hungarian empires, girls and boys studied in separate educational institutions.

Also, in these schools, there was a strict dress code. In particular, the guys had to put on an overcoat and button it up. A famous writer who studied at one of these institutions told the strict rules of conduct from there. An hour of the punishment cell was given for each unfastened button.

Since then, there is no single entrance exam that would guarantee the opportunity to study in all European Union countries at once.

Each country has its aspects of the educational system, and exams and requirements for applicants may differ depending on the chosen university or faculty.

In our time, there is still a disagreement about whether homework needs to be done. This has its pros and cons. But experts believe that homework and self-study will only have a beneficial effect in preparing for important exams. Today for a student from any country, no one entrance exam would guarantee the possibility of studying in all European Union countries at once.

Each country has its aspects of the educational system, and exams and requirements for applicants may differ depending on the chosen university or faculty. Its implementation aims to bring education in other countries closer to advanced European standards, reduce corruption and ensure the possibility of joining regardless of material wealth.