Published in: Irish Journal of Education

Abstract:

This article describes the self-reported homework and study behaviours of almost 5500 students from Third Year to Sixth Year in a representative sample of 20 Irish schools. In particular, the studying habits of Fifth Year and Sixth Year students are examined with reference to their previous participation or non-participation in Transition Year, which is intended, in part, to help students to become more self-directed and effective learners. Students who took part in Transition Year are found to be more likely to engage in additional study and to persist with difficult questions in Fifth Year and Sixth Year. Overall, they report spending significantly more time on homework in the years leading up to the Leaving Certificate than their non-participating classmates, after controlling for home background and educational aspirations.

Clerkin, A. (2016). Homework and study behaviours before the Leaving Certificate ‎among Transition Year participants and ‎non-participants. Irish Journal of Education, 41, 5-23. https://www.erc.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Clerkin-Final-Vol-41.pdf