HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD STUDENTS SPEND ON HOMEWORK & STUDYING BASED ON SCHOOL LEVEL?

Many people ask the common question, “How much time should students do homework and study?” Unfortunately, there is not very easy to answer. Everyone knows that each student is an individual and will learn differently from others. Some students do exceptionally well in school and can complete their homework and studies in less time. At the same time, other students may need to spend more time on the assignments and studying to ensure they learn the skills. However, no matter what type of student they are, the goal is to learn and retain the skills. Research and Psychology will assist us in answering the question by sharing the knowledge as to how much time students should spend on homework and studying.

Recommended Homework and Study time for Elementary School students

The elementary years for students in school are critical years used to build the foundations of education. Many of the children do not get homework in the beginning. However, students should spend the time to assist in preparing for the years to follow. Children who do not get assignments from schools should at least spend time each night reading. This way, students can strengthen their abilities and reading comprehension.

Research states that students plan to study and do homework and study for a total of 10 minutes multiplied by the grade level. So, what does that mean? The information is highly accepted and recommended by the National Education Association and National Parent Teacher Association in the United States. The common practice is called the “10-minute rule” and states that students should do homework for each grade level reached. In addition, it is the most widely accepted homework guideline for elementary school students.

What is the total amount of Homework & Study time for elementary school grades?

 In the early grades students may not receive much homework. Therefore, the amount of time each night to study could be used to let the student read. Research shows that reading a little every night will boost the students verbal and reading comprehension skills. Thus, making future grades reached easier as they become mature individuals

How much homework and study time should older students spend each night?

Once students reach middle school, junior high, or high school the amount of time need for homework and study changes due to the difficulty increasing. These students will receive homework from multiple academic classes, so to get the best education they should spend some time for every academic class they are taking each night.

 Study Time to spend each night per academic class

How much time should a college student study?

Collegiate students need to be self-directed learners unlike they were before graduating high school. However,  unlike the teachers in k-12 schools, a college student will need to be self-motivated and form study habits and routines to gain the additional knowledge outside of lectures. The basic rule is that a college students should plan to study for at least 2-3 hours for each credit hour they are taking every week. This means that successful students in college will be spending between 36 – 54 hours a week, based on the number of credit hours taken each semester. Although, it may sound like a lot of time to set for studying, the guideline will help them retain information better. Along with earn better grades for the courses.

Study Time Plan for College Students

College Credit Hours Taken                   Total Study Time Each Week

Students in college should use their own judgement to make sure they do the best possible in courses.  Plan the academic courses and load of credit hours wisely. But if you have concerns talk to the college advisors at school.

The information above is only a guideline to assist students and their families understand how to get the most out of education. Read more about strong study habits and the Need for Study Breaks to boost productive learning, and retention, and academic success.

Additional Resources:

Study better from the American Psychology Association (APA)

Relationship between homework and academic achievement from Duke University

The Great Homework Debate from the National Education Association (NEA)