The Invention of Homework

As contentious as the homework theme sounds, it is one of the most heated debates in the world today. 

Despite its numerous benefits in shaping the future lives of students from a tender age, homework also has nasty side effects that might have prompted you to wonder who invented it in the first place.

Well, many students often find themselves in similar circumstances leading to questions like why was homework invented and what its purpose would have been.

If these scenarios sound familiar, then you will love this article as it aims to provide you with interesting and proven facts about the history behind the invention of homework.

A little flashback

Given that, homework’s acceptability throughout the universe is still questionable. It therefore still raises a lot of concern to this very day just as it did centuries ago.

But what prompted its existence? Who invented it and why?

These are just but a few questions of interest that students are still yet to find definitive homework answers.

In the same spirit, let us try to settle these for the last time and we’ll start by exploring Roberto Nevilis. Have you ever heard of him?

Touted as the father of homework, Roberto Nevilis is said to be the first educator to have ever assigned his students with homework assignments. This is estimated to have taken place in Venice, Rome in 1905.

To answer your rhetorical questions of what made him come up with such an idea is that he realized that normal school hours weren’t productive enough and he wanted to punish his understudies without getting physically violent.

Oh, yes! You read that right.

Homework was invented as a form of punishment but least according to this version of its history.

So, when was this invention done?

By now, I know that you are particularly excited to find out when homework was invented. Without much further ado, it is quite interesting to note that parents were against schooling, let alone homework.

This formed the basis for homework abolishment in California back then. People living in this era, prioritized work more than learning, and education was considered a privilege.

However, things took a different turn in the 1900s when individuals started using their right to education as stipulated in the constitution. This sudden growth in the desire to learn then prompted the concept of homework in the American education system. 

Moreover, it is important to note that homework was invented as a learning tool rather than a form of punishment this time around.

Wrapping it up

There is no doubt that homework indeed plays a critical role in enhancing and reinforcing learning. Ranging from writing exercises to experimental designs, homework can sharpen students’ knowledge as well as nurture a set of positive learning skills for their future vocational tasks. These include the ability to work independently and honed research skills. Now that you know who, where, and when homework was invented, we urge you to stay positive and work towards nailing your assignments for better results.

 

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