Math Practice Matters – Rethinking Homework in Modern Education

As a third-year high school math teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the culture around learning math education has changed, especially when it comes to homework. Students are completing significantly less math homework than in years past, and the effects are showing—particularly in higher-level math courses where retention and foundational skills are essential.

There is a clear and consistent correlation between homework completion and assessment performance. Students who regularly engage with math problems outside of class are better at recalling formulas, applying strategies, and solving complex problems. Those who skip practice often struggle with concepts that build on previous learning, leading to lower confidence and test results.

Conversations with long-tenured colleagues have highlighted just how much things have shifted. Twenty years ago, it was expected for students to complete their math homework consistently. As a result, only a hand full of students fell behind. Now, that ratio has flipped. It’s more common for the majority of students to arrive with little to no work done—despite math being a subject that demands regular practice.

That said, I’m not advocating for a drastic increase in math homework just to boost grades. Today’s students are juggling busy lives filled with extracurricular activities, sports, and work. What we need are more effective, targeted strategies that help students strengthen their math skills—without overwhelming them.

A Smarter Approach to Math Practice: Five Tips for Student Success

Students, this message is for you. If you’re serious about improving your math skills, these five tips are designed to help you work smarter. Take charge of your learning—you’ve got this!

1. Take Accountability Through Reflection: Growth starts with owning your learning. When students take the time to reflect honestly on what they understand—and what they don’t—they take accountability for their progress. This kind of self-check isn’t about blame; it’s about building awareness so they can make better choices, ask for help when needed, and take charge of their improvement.

2. Communicate Early and Often: Asking for help shouldn’t start after a poor test mark—it should be part of the learning process all along. When students are proactive in communicating confusion or uncertainty, they give teachers and parents a chance to step in before things snowball. A quick question or a simple “I’m stuck on this” early on can prevent bigger struggles later. Ongoing communication is how students stay engaged and supported.

3. Be Resourceful: If there’s a will, there’s a way—especially with the internet at your fingertips. Students today have access to an endless library of learning tools online. Miss a class? Struggling with a concept? You can find helpful videos from YouTube or Khan Academy. Being resourceful means taking the initiative to explore these supports instead of waiting for help to come to you.

4. Make Homework Time Purposeful: Even just 20 minutes afterschool can make a difference—but only if that time is used with intention. Scrolling through TikTok or switching back and forth between homework and Fortnite makes learning shallow and fragmented. Students need to set aside time that’s free from distractions, where the goal is real understanding, not just getting through the assignment. Quality always beats quantity when it comes to math practice. Now, if students carry this same mentality to in-class work periods, they are receiving roughly 45 purposeful minutes of math homework each day.

5. Keep Math a Conversation: Talking through math helps ideas stick—and it’s even better when done with a peer. Explaining your thinking out loud not only reinforces your understanding, but it also opens the door for others to help correct any mistakes and build on your ideas. Don’t worry about being perfect; the more students treat math as something to talk about, the more confident and capable they become.  

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to drown students in homework, but to help them approach math in a way that builds lasting understanding. Through regular reflection, early communication, and the smart use of available resources, students can strengthen their math skills in a way that works with their busy schedules. With the right approach, math becomes less about assignments and more about a continuous process of learning and growth.