Age and gender differences in adolescents' homework experiences

• Published in: Journal of applied developmental psychology 2011-03, Vol.32 (2), p.70-77
• Main Authors: Kackar, Hayal Z., Shumow, Lee, Schmidt, Jennifer A., Grzetich, Janel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescents; Age; Age Differences; Biological and medical sciences; Developmental psychology; Educational psychology; Experience sampling method; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gender; Gender Differences; High School Students; High schools; Homework; Middle School Students; Peer Groups; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Pupil and student. Academic achievement and failure; Sampling; Stress; Stress Variables; Student Attitudes; Subjective experience
• ISSN: 0193-3973; 1873-7900
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2010.12.005

Extant data collected through the Experience Sampling Method were analyzed to describe adolescents' subjective experiences of homework. Analyses explored age and gender differences in the time adolescents spend doing homework, and the situational variations (location and companions) in adolescents' reported concentration, effort, interest, positive affect and stress while doing homework. Regarding age differences, middle school students reported more positive experiences when homework was done with companions and in locations other than home, whereas high school students reported more positive experiences when homework was done alone and at home. Regarding gender differences, girls, regardless of age, reported greater stress than boys when doing homework alone, and lower stress when doing homework with friends. High school girls reported lower interest than middle school boys when doing homework alone. Findings provide an understanding of age and gender differences in adolescents' perceptions of homework, which might help educators and parents structure engaging homework environments. ► High schoolers report positive experiences when doing homework alone and at home. ► Middle schoolers positively experience homework with companions and outside home. ► Doing homework alone is more stressful, and with friends is less stressful for girls. ► High school girls report low interest levels when doing homework alone.