Top five education myths busted

Can you raise a future CEO without extra homework, private-school tuition and five extracurricular activities a week? We separate fact from fiction.

Here are the most common education myths busted.

Myth #1 – Homework is key to academic performance

Some schools have begun implementing a no-homework policy and with good reason; although debate continues on the issue of whether doing additional work at home contributes to academic success, studies show that there is little to no benefit assigning traditional homework to younger children in primary school.

In high school, evidence shows a slight correlation between doing homework and academic achievement – but only if you cap it at 60 to 90 minutes a night. In place of most homework sheets, experts recommend free reading each night to help improve academic performance.

Myth #2 – The more extracurricular activities, the better

If you’re struggling to ferry your child to weekly dance, swim, violin, art and soccer classes, it may be time to cull the extracurricular activities to two or three a week.

Studies, such as the joint paper by the University of Colorado and the University of Denver, found kids who spent more time free playing had more highly developed self-directed executive function (mental processes such as planning, decision making, switching between tasks and inhibiting unwanted thoughts) that help us work towards achieving goals.

Furthermore, it was found that those who have highly self-directed executive function are more likely to grow up to be healthier, wealthier and more socially stable.

Myth #3 – Focusing on the arts is a waste of time

Many parents push for their children to do well in English, maths and science, but doing well in creative arts can be just as important for future success, according to a joint study by the University of Sydney and the Australian Council for the Arts.

They’ve found that those engaged in the arts not only have higher school motivation and engagement in class, but also higher self-esteem and life satisfaction than those who only concentrate on the core subjects.

Myth #4 – Private schools provide a better education

Every parent wants their child to have the best education they can access, but can the best education be bought?

Not necessarily, say Flinders University researchers who found it’s not so much the private school children attend that plays a key role in the academic results, but their higher socio-economic status – a fact that ties in with global findings (across countless studies) that show sending children to independent and Catholic schools has no significant benefit on cognitive or non-cognitive outcomes.

Additionally, it has been found that those who attend public high schools perform better at university.

Myth #5 – Missing the odd day of school doesn’t matter

Think letting the kids stay home for the odd mental health day is OK?

Think again, say the researchers behind the studies showing that those with lax attitudes to attendance are at higher risk of poor academic performance and of dropping out of high school early. Adding to that are the studies showing those who attend school every day are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviour, while those who wag find themselves at a higher risk of welfare dependency.

If your child has begun to avoid school, it is best to contact the school to schedule a meeting.

Want to support your children with their education? Here’s 10 ways to help your child excel at school.