School assignments given to students to be completed outside of class, typically at home. Work or preparation done in advance of a meeting or activity.
Compound of 'home' and 'work,' first appearing in American English in the 1880s. The concept formalized as public education expanded and the idea of extending learning beyond classroom hours became standardized.
Homework is a relatively modern invention - before the late 1800s, most learning happened during school hours, and the idea of taking schoolwork home was revolutionary. Studies show that homework effectiveness varies dramatically by age, with elementary students showing little academic benefit compared to older students.
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