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Who Invented Math? The History of Mathematics

Did math start with the Greeks, or has it always existed?

Who invented math? It’s a deceptively complex question—a lot harder than 2+2. Math has been around forever, but we are always learning more about it.

Short answer: Many different people invented math, including ancient societies and many famous mathematicians who came along later.

The long answer: It depends on what kind of math you’re asking about. Below is a look at the history of mathematics and the people who contributed to developing math as we know it today.

What is math?

• Was math invented or discovered?

So, who invented math?

• Videos about the invention of math

According to Britannica Kids , math is the study of numbers. It’s a kind of language that we use every day to calculate distances, tell time, build things, and so on.

Mathematicians think about math in two areas: pure and applied. Pure math is studying math for its own sake. Figuring out how to solve a particular algorithm or tackling a theory, for example. Applied math is using math to solve real-life problems, like building a house or predicting an earthquake.

There are lots of different types of math: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and more.

So, since math is already a part of the world, the first question is, can math be invented at all?

Was math discovered or invented?

Some mathematicians think that math is invented, as people name aspects of math or create new ways of solving problems . Other people think that math is always there— the concepts and ideas exist in nature, just waiting for us to discover them .

Here’s a look at the history of math and many of the societies and people who contributed to its development.

Early Societies

Math has evolved over thousands of years , with input from thousands of mathematicians. We don’t know exactly how prehistoric humans dealt with math problems (like counting how many berries they picked, or figuring out the distance between two places), but researchers believe that people were using addition, multiplication, and other math concepts in early China, India, and Mesopotamia.

In fact, the oldest clay tablets we have with math inscribed on them are more than 4,000 years old. They’re from Mesopotamia. We also have Egyptian papyrus sheets with math written on them. So, there’s evidence of math from the two oldest societies in the world.

Around 1800 B.C.E., the ancient Babylonians developed a number system based on the number 60 (it’s still used today to think about angle measurement). They were the first people we know of to use actual numbers to represent amounts.

It’s clear that, considering the pyramids and their society, the Egyptians used math . They definitely understood geometry and even had a formula for calculating the volume of a truncated pyramid.

The Ancient Greeks

There’s more information about who invented (or discovered) math concepts as human society evolved. The Greeks , more than 2,500 years ago, started doing more advanced math. Plato, Euclid, and Archimedes are still remembered for their mathematical achievements. For example, Pythagoras studied triangles and he invented what we learn about triangles, called the Pythagorean theorem.

We also know that in ancient Greece, math became something to study, and mathematicians started thinking about specific theories and building on one another’s work.

After Ancient Greece

After ancient Greece, mathematicians continued making new discoveries and new theories and solving new problems. In 17th-century England, Sir Isaac Newton developed the field of calculus on his own. At the same time, in Germany, Gottfried Leibniz was also involved in developing calculus. Some mathematicians have created problems and hypotheses that have never been solved, like Bernhard Riemann , who created the Riemann hypothesis , which has been attempted but never proven.  

And throughout history, women have also studied math and invented math concepts. For example, Emmy Noether gained recognition for her innovations in advanced algebra, and Katherine Johnson calculated and analyzed flight paths for spacecraft that sent astronauts to the moon. Mathematicians of color who have made significant contributions to mathematics include Fern Hunt , who created math models to describe different kinds of movement, and Mark Dean , a mathematician and computer scientist who holds patents on the computer that all PCs are based upon.

As math has evolved, people are building on what we know to create new types of math and new ways to use math, like applying math to build computers and create game theory , a branch of applied mathematics. So, maybe the question isn’t who invented math, but what will math invent next?

Videos About the Invention of Math

Use these videos to explore how different math concepts came about.

The Origin of Numbers

How Old Is Zero?

Where Do Math Symbols Come From?

Who Invented Algebra?

Who Invented Geometry?

Who Invented Trigonometry?

More Teaching Resources

• Famous Mathematicians
• MacTutor Math Archives
• Chronological List of Mathematicians
• PBS NOVA: How Ancient Cultures Shaped Mathematics

Also check out Magical Math Puzzles and Number Tricks to Wow Students .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and tricks when you sign up for our newsletters .

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Who Invented Homework? A Big Question Answered with Facts

Crystal Bourque

Delving into the intriguing history of education, one of the most pondered questions arises: Who invented homework?

Love it or hate it, homework is part of student life.

But what’s the purpose of completing these tasks and assignments? And who would create an education system that makes students complete work outside the classroom?

This post contains everything you’ve ever wanted to know about homework. So keep reading! You’ll discover the answer to the big question: who invented homework?

Who Invented Homework?

The myth of roberto nevilis: who is he, the origins of homework, a history of homework in the united states, 5 facts about homework, types of homework.

• What’s the Purpose of Homework? 
• Homework Pros
• Homework Cons

When, How, and Why was Homework Invented?

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To ensure we cover the basics (and more), let’s explore when, how, and why was homework invented.

As a bonus, we’ll also cover who invented homework. So get ready because the answer might surprise you!

It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact person responsible for the invention of homework.

For example, Medieval Monks would work on memorization and practice singing. Ancient philosophers would read and develop their teachings outside the classroom. While this might not sound like homework in the traditional form we know today, one could argue that these methods helped to form the basic structure and format.

So let’s turn to recorded history to try and identify who invented homework and when homework was invented.

Pliny the Younger

Credit: laphamsquarterly.org

Mention of homework appears in the writings of Pliny the Younger, meaning we can trace the term ‘homework’ back to ancient Rome. Pliny the Younger (61—112 CE) was an oratory teacher, and often told his students to practice their public speaking outside class.

Pliny believed that the repetition and practice of speech would help students gain confidence in their speaking abilities.

Johann Gottlieb Fichte

Credit: inlibris.com

Before the idea of homework came to the United States, Germany’s newly formed nation-state had been giving students homework for years.

The roots of homework extend to ancient times, but it wasn’t until German Philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1762—1814) helped to develop the Volksschulen (People’s Schools) that homework became mandatory.

Fichte believed that the state needed to hold power over individuals to create a unified Germany. A way to assert control over people meant that students attending the Volksshulen were required to complete assignments at home on their own time.

As a result, some people credit Fichte for being the inventor of homework.

Horace Mann

Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

The idea of homework spread across Europe throughout the 19th century.

So who created homework in the United States?

The history of education and homework now moves to Horace Mann (1796—1859), an American educational reformer, spent some time in Prussia. There, he learned more about Germany’s Volksshulen, forms of education , and homework practices.

Mann liked what he saw and brought this system back to America. As a result, homework rapidly became a common factor in students’ lives across the country.

Credit: medium.com

If you’ve ever felt curious about who invented homework, a quick online search might direct you to a man named Roberto Nevilis, a teacher in Venice, Italy.

As the story goes, Nevilis invented homework in 1905 (or 1095) to punish students who didn’t demonstrate a good understanding of the lessons taught during class.

This teaching technique supposedly spread to the rest of Europe before reaching North America.

Unfortunately, there’s little truth to this story. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that these online sources lack credible sources to back up this myth as fact.

In 1905, the Roman Empire turned its attention to the First Crusade. No one had time to spare on formalizing education, and classrooms didn’t even exist. So how could Nevilis spread the idea of homework when education remained so informal?

And when you jump to 1901, you’ll discover that the government of California passed a law banning homework for children under fifteen. Nevilis couldn’t have invented homework in 1905 if this law had already reached the United States in 1901.

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When it comes to the origins of homework, looking at the past shows us that there isn’t one person who created homework. Instead, examining the facts shows us that several people helped to bring the idea of homework into Europe and then the United States.

In addition, the idea of homework extends beyond what historians have discovered. After all, the concept of learning the necessary skills human beings need to survive has existed since the dawn of man.

More than 100 years have come and gone since Horace Mann introduced homework to the school system in the United States.

Therefore, it’s not strange to think that the concept of homework has changed, along with our people and culture.

In short, homework hasn’t always been considered acceptable. Let’s dive into the history or background of homework to learn why.

Homework is Banned! (The 1900s)

Important publications of the time, including the Ladies’ Home Journal and The New York Times, published articles on the negative impacts homework had on American children’s health and well-being.

As a result, California banned homework for children under fifteen in 1901. This law, however, changed again about a decade later (1917).

Children Needed at Home (The 1930s)

Formed in 1923, The American Child Health Association (ACHA) aimed to decrease the infant mortality rate and better support the health and development of the American child.

By the 1930s, ACHA deemed homework a form of child labor. Since the government recently passed laws against child labor , it became difficult to justify homework assignments. College students, however, could still receive homework tasks as part of their formal schooling.

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A Shift in Ideas (The 1940s—1950s)

During the early to mid-1900s, the United States entered the Progressive Era. As a result, the country reformed its public education system to help improve students’ learning.

Homework became a part of everyday life again. However, this time, the reformed curriculum required teachers to make the assignments more personal.

As a result, American students would write essays on summer vacations and winter breaks, participate in ‘show and tell,’ and more.

These types of assignments still exist today!

Homework Today (The 2000s)

The focus of American education shifted again when the US Department of Education was founded in 1979, aiming to uplevel education in the country by, among other things, prohibiting discrimination ensuring equal access, and highlighting important educational issues.

In 2022, the controversial nature of homework in public schools and formal education is once again a hot topic of discussion in many classrooms.

According to one study , more than 60% of college and high school students deal with mental health issues like depression and anxiety due to homework. In addition, the large number of assignments given to students takes away the time students spend on other interests and hobbies. Homework also negatively impacts sleep.

As a result, some schools have implemented a ban or limit on the amount of homework assigned to students.

Test your knowledge and check out these other facts about homework:

• Horace Mann is also known as the ‘father’ of the modern school system and the educational process that we know today (read more about Who Invented School ).
• With a bit of practice, homework can improve oratory and writing skills. Both are important in a student’s life at all stages.
• Homework can replace studying. Completing regular assignments reduces the time needed to prepare for tests.
• Homework is here to stay. It doesn’t look like teachers will stop assigning homework any time soon. However, the type and quantity of homework given seem to be shifting to accommodate the modern student’s needs.
• The optimal length of time students should spend on homework is one to two hours. Students who spent one to two hours on homework per day scored higher test results.
•   So, while completing assignments outside of school hours may be beneficial, spending, for example, a day on homework is not ideal.

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The U.S. Department of Education provides teachers with plenty of information and resources to help students with homework.

In general, teachers give students homework that requires them to employ four strategies. The four types of homework types include:

• Practice: To help students master a specific skill, teachers will assign homework that requires them to repeat the particular skill. For example, students must solve a series of math problems.
• Preparation: This type of homework introduces students to the material they will learn in the future. An example of preparatory homework is assigning students a chapter to read before discussing the contents in class the next day.
• Extension: When a teacher wants to get students to apply what they’ve learned but create a challenge, this type of homework is assigned. It helps to boost problem-solving skills. For example, using a textbook to find the answer to a question gets students to problem-solve differently.
• Integration: To solidify the student learning experience , teachers will create a task that requires the use of many different skills. An example of integration is a book report. Completing integration homework assignments helps students learn how to be organized, plan, strategize, and solve problems on their own. Encouraging effective study habits is a key idea behind homework, too.

Ultimately, the type of homework students receive should have a purpose, be focused and clear, and challenge students to problem solve while integrating lessons learned.

What’s the Purpose of Homework?

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Homework aims to ensure individual students understand the information they learn in class. It also helps teachers to assess a student’s progress and identify strengths and weaknesses.

For example, school teachers use different types of homework like book reports, essays, math problems, and more to help students demonstrate their understanding of the lessons learned.

Does Homework Improve the Quality of Education?

Homework is a controversial topic today. Educators, parents, and even students often question whether homework is beneficial in improving the quality of education.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of homework to try and determine whether homework improves the quality of education in schools.

Homework Pros:

• Time Management Skills : Assigning homework with a due date helps students to develop a schedule to ensure they complete tasks on time. Personal responsibility amongst students is thereby promoted.
• More Time to Learn : Students encounter plenty of distractions at school. It’s also challenging for students to grasp the material in an hour or less. Assigning homework provides the student with the opportunity to understand the material.
• Improves Research Skills : Some homework assignments require students to seek out information. Through homework, students learn where to seek out good, reliable sources.

Homework Cons:

• Reduced Physical Activity : Homework requires students to sit at a desk for long periods. Lack of movement decreases the amount of physical activity, often because teachers assign students so much homework that they don’t have time for anything else. Time for students can get almost totally taken up with out-of-school assignments.
• Stuck on an Assignment: A student often gets stuck on an assignment. Whether they can’t find information or the correct solution, students often don’t have help from parents and require further support from a teacher. For underperforming students, especially, this can have a negative impact on their confidence and overall educational experience.
• Increases Stress : One of the results of getting stuck on an assignment is that it increases stress and anxiety. Too much homework hurts a child’s mental health, preventing them from learning and understanding the material.

Some research shows that homework doesn’t provide educational benefits or improve performance, and can lead to a decline in physical activities. These studies counter that the potential effectiveness of homework is undermined by its negative impact on students.

However, research also shows that homework benefits students—provided teachers don’t give them too much. Here’s a video from Duke Today that highlights a study on the very topic.

Homework Today

The question of “Who Invented Homework?” delves into the historical evolution of academic practices, shedding light on its significance in fostering responsibility among students and contributing to academic progress. While supported by education experts, homework’s role as a pivotal aspect of academic life remains a subject of debate, often criticized as a significant source of stress. Nonetheless, when balanced with extracurricular activities and integrated seamlessly into the learning process, homework continues to shape and refine students’ educational journeys.

Maybe one day, students won’t need to submit assignments or complete tasks at home. But until then, many students understand the benefits of completing homework as it helps them further their education and achieve future career goals.

Before you go, here’s one more question: how do you feel about homework? Do you think teachers assign too little or too much? Get involved and start a discussion in the comments!

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Who invented homework and why?

The creation of homework can be traced back to the Ancient Roman Pliny the Younger, a teacher of oratory—he is generally credited as being the father of homework! Pliny the Younger asked his students to practice outside of class to help them build confidence in their speaking skills.

Who invented homework as a punishment?

There’s a myth that the Italian educator Roberto Nevilis first used homework as a means of punishing his students in the early 20th century—although this has now been widely discredited, and the story of the Italian teacher is regarded as a myth.

Why did homework stop being a punishment?

There are several reasons that homework ceased being a form of punishment. For example, the introduction of child labor laws in the early twentieth century meant that the California education department banned giving homework to children under the age of fifteen for a time. Further, throughout the 1940s and 1950s, there was a growing emphasis on enhancing students’ learning, making homework assignments more personal, and nurturing growth, rather than being used as a form of punishment.

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History Cooperative

Who Invented Math? The History of Mathematics

Mathematics, the universal language of abstraction and precision, permeates every facet of our lives. But have you ever wondered who first invented this remarkable discipline? 

While we may never identify a single inventor, the invention of math is a collective endeavor woven into the tapestry of human history.

Table of Contents

Who Invented Math?

There isn’t a single person who invented math. Mathematics, as we know it today, is often perceived as a universal language that transcends cultures and borders. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that math, like any human endeavor, had its beginnings in the minds of ingenious thinkers from different corners of the world.

The concept of math as a human invention underscores its adaptable and evolving nature. Unlike the laws of nature, which exist independently of human cognition, mathematical systems were developed and refined by humans over generations. We didn’t just start with the Pythagorean Theorem or quadratic equations. Math started off much, much smaller.

The early origins of mathematical knowledge can be traced back to ancient civilizations that thrived thousands of years ago. Mesopotamia, often referred to as the “ Cradle of Civilization ,” saw the emergence of some of the earliest mathematical concepts. In this fertile region, ancient mathematicians devised methods for counting and recording numerical information, essential for administrative and economic purposes. Here, Babylonian mathematics was the backbone of ancient Mesopotamian mathematical education.

Similarly, the ancient Egyptians made significant contributions to early mathematics, particularly in the realm of geometry . Their mastery of geometry allowed them to survey land, build monumental structures, and calculate areas and volumes with remarkable precision. The ancient Egyptians not only built stunning structures, they were more than capable of comprehending geometric concepts that the rest of the world just wasn’t familiar with yet.

READ MORE: Ancient Egypt Timeline: Predynastic Period Until the Persian Conquest

The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest urban cultures, also made strides in mathematics. Archaeological discoveries suggest the existence of a standardized system of weights and measures, indicating a sophisticated understanding of mathematical principles.

So mathematics was not the product of a single individual or culture but a collective endeavor spanning centuries. Early mathematical knowledge was built upon the contributions of countless thinkers and problem solvers, each adding a piece to the puzzle.

Who is the Father of Mathematics?

The “Father of Mathematics” is none other than the ancient Greek mathematician, Archimedes. Born and raised in the Sicilian city of Syracuse, Archimedes is known for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and physics. His developments in math include the Archimedean property, the Archimedes principle, and early precursors to modern calculus . It is not to mention that Archimedes wrote a ton regarding mathematics, though many of these are among personal correspondences with Dositheus of Pelusium, the director of mathematics at Alexandria.

READ MORE: Ancient Greece Timeline: Pre-Mycenaean to the Roman Conquest and The Lighthouse of Alexandria: One of the Seven Wonders

Why Was Math Invented?

The invention of mathematics was a response to practical, real-world needs that early societies faced. Understanding why math was invented involves exploring the tangible and essential reasons that drove the development of mathematical concepts.

A Problem-Solving Tool

One of the primary reasons for the invention of math was its utility as a problem-solving tool. Early human societies encountered a myriad of challenges, from tracking the movement of celestial bodies to managing resources and conducting trade. Math provided a structured way to address these challenges, enabling civilizations to make predictions, plan, and optimize various aspects of their existence.

As you can see, math overlapped with a lot of early scientific ideas. No wonder it’s such a significant part of STEM.

Measurement and Quantification

Math was crucial for measurement and quantification, particularly in agriculture and trade. Ancient farmers needed to calculate the area of their fields, determine optimal planting densities, and manage harvests. Similarly, traders and merchants required math to assess the value of goods, establish fair exchange rates, and record transactions accurately.

Math is still central to life in today’s day and age. We’re still out here learning systems of measurement and quantification. Our math teachers were right: math shows up in just about everything. Although it may look different, today’s math of today is the product of thousands of years of human collaboration.

Architectural Advancements

Architecture and construction were areas where math played a pivotal role. Cultures such as the Egyptians and Greeks used mathematical principles to design and build structures that still awe us today. It may not look like much at a passing glance, but ancient construction required rigorous mathematics. From the precision of the Great Pyramid’s dimensions to the symmetry of Greek temples, math was at the core of architectural innovation.

Astronomical Understanding

Observing the heavens and understanding celestial phenomena was crucial for early societies. Math enabled astronomers to predict celestial events like eclipses, track the movements of planets, and create calendars for agricultural and religious purposes. The mathematical achievements in astronomy laid the foundation for modern astronomy and space exploration.

Navigational Excellence

In the Age of Exploration, math became an essential tool for navigation. Sailors used trigonometry to calculate their positions at sea, plot accurate maps, and explore uncharted territories. Without mathematical advancements, the great voyages of discovery would have been significantly more challenging.

Empirical Knowledge

Math allowed for the systematic recording and organization of empirical knowledge. From recording the growth of crops to tracking the positions of stars, math provided a framework to make sense of the world. It transformed empirical observations into structured data that could be analyzed and used for future planning. The complex analysis demanded by mathematics eventually gave way to the Scientific Revolution, which encouraged the emergence of modern sciences.

In essence, math was invented because it offered practical solutions to complex problems encountered by ancient civilizations. Its development was closely intertwined with the progress of human societies, enabling them to thrive, expand, and evolve. The utilitarian nature of math, rooted in the real needs of the time , played a pivotal role in its invention and subsequent advancement. In short, math made things make sense and made ancient life easy-peasy lemon-squeezy (sort of).

When Was Math Invented?

The invention of mathematics is a journey that spans millennia, with its origins lost in the depths of prehistory . Pinpointing an exact moment or a single civilization where math was first conceived is challenging, but through the study of historical artifacts and texts, we can trace an approximate timeline of math’s development.

Prehistoric Beginnings (~ >40,000 Years Ago)

Math, in its most rudimentary form, began with early humans . Archaeological findings reveal evidence of basic counting systems dating back tens of thousands of years. These early numeration systems were essential for tasks such as counting possessions, making sense of natural phenomena, and tracking the passage of time. Most folks started counting on their fingers and then went from there.

READ MORE: How Long Have Humans Existed?

Ancient Mesopotamia (c. 3400 BCE) 

The historical record offers some of the earliest written evidence of mathematical thought in ancient Mesopotamia. The Sumerians, who inhabited this region, developed cuneiform symbols to represent numbers and used math for administrative and economic purposes. Clay tablets from this era contain mathematical tables and problems that reflect some of the earliest mathematical texts.

READ MORE: Who Invented Numbers? Unraveling the Origins of Numerical System

Most impressively, the notational system in Babylon, with its famous Babylonian mathematics, had the ability to represent fractions with ease. They had extensive experience with quadratic and cubic equations, calculus, and algebra . Modern mathematics still relies on these early mathematical advancements today.

Ancient Egypt (c. 3000 BCE)

Egyptian civilization also contributed significantly to the early development of math. Hieroglyphic inscriptions show that they had a sophisticated understanding of geometry, which they used for land surveying, construction, and taxation. The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, dating to around 1650 BCE, is a notable example of Egyptian mathematics. Much like the Mesopotamians, the ancient Egyptians have among the oldest surviving mathematical documents in all of math history.

Ancient India (c. 2000 BCE)

Indian mathematicians made substantial contributions to mathematical thought, particularly in the realms of number theory and algebra. The ancient text known as the “Bakhshali Manuscript,” dated between the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE but containing older material, provides insights into early Indian mathematical ideas. Hallmarks of Indian mathematics include the concept of zero as a number, algebra, and arithmetic. Moreover, they had their own geometric concepts, which were unique compared to that of which is seen in Greek mathematics and later analytical geometry.

Ancient Greece (c. 600 BCE)

The Greeks, with their philosophical and deductive approach, laid the foundations of formal mathematics. Examples of pre-Greek mathematics reveal the use of inductive reasoning rather than the deductive reasoning used by the Greeks in math history.

Figures like Pythagoras and Euclid made profound contributions to geometry and number theory. Euclid’s “Elements,” written around 300 BCE, is a landmark work that influenced mathematical thought for centuries. Meanwhile, Pythagoras is the namesake of many contemporary mathematical terms, such as the Pythagorean Theorem and Pythagorean triples.

Euclid himself became known in history as the “Father of Geometry” for his contributions to the Theory of Proportions and Euclidean geometry. Generally, Euclidean geometry is known as the study of geometric shapes “and figures based on different axioms and theorems.” Later scholars, such as Omar Khayyam of the Islamic Golden Age, would study Euclid’s works and find perceived errors in its contents, such as the controversial parallel postulate.

Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries CE)

During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars in the Islamic world preserved and expanded upon the mathematical knowledge of earlier civilizations. Notable figures like Al-Khwarizmi, the “Father of Algebra,” and Omar Khayyam, known for his contributions to algebra and geometry, played pivotal roles in advancing mathematics. They expanded upon geometric concepts and various algorithms of the aforementioned civilizations.

The development of mathematics was a gradual process that unfolded over thousands of years, with different cultures contributing to its growth. While specific dates and milestones mark key moments in mathematical history, it’s important to recognize that math evolved organically and was a collective effort shaped by countless individuals and cultures. The invention of mathematics is a testament to humanity’s insatiable curiosity and capacity for intellectual exploration.

Where Was Math Invented?

There is no single location responsible for the invention of math. The invention and evolution of mathematics were not confined to a single region but unfolded in diverse geographical locations across the globe. Each of these regions contributed unique insights and perspectives to the development of mathematical knowledge. In short, math wasn’t isolated to a single country or region: it was, and always has been a global sensation.

Mesopotamia : Located in the fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Mesopotamia is often regarded as one of the cradles of civilization. It was here that early mathematical concepts like numerical notation and basic arithmetic operations emerged. The Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians in this region made significant contributions to early mathematics.

Egypt : Along the banks of the Nile River, ancient Egypt nurtured its mathematical traditions. The need for precise measurements and calculations to build grand structures like the pyramids fueled the development of geometry in this region. Egyptian mathematics also played a crucial role in agriculture and land management.

India : The Indian subcontinent is home to a rich mathematical heritage dating back thousands of years. Ancient Indian mathematicians made pioneering contributions to number theory, algebra, and geometry. Their texts, including the “ Bakhshali Manuscript ” and the works of scholars like Brahmagupta, who wrote the Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta , continue to influence mathematical thought.

Greece : The birthplace of classical mathematics, ancient Greece was a hub of intellectual activity. Greek mathematicians like Pythagoras, Euclid, and Archimedes laid the foundations for geometry, number theory, and mathematical proofs. Their rigorous approach to mathematics had a profound and lasting impact on the field.

China : Ancient China boasts a long history of mathematical discoveries, with its earliest known mathematical texts dating back to around 300 BCE. Chinese mathematicians excelled in areas such as algebra, geometry, and number theory. Chinese mathematics included a complex decimal system, in addition to the concept of negative numbers by 200 BCE. Their contributions influenced both Asian and Western mathematical traditions.

The Islamic World : During the Islamic Golden Age, the Middle East and North Africa became centers of mathematical scholarship. Scholars like Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Kindi, and Omar Khayyam made significant advancements in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Islamic mathematicians preserved and expanded upon the mathematical knowledge of earlier civilizations, like the ancient Greeks and Indians.

Mesoamerica : In the pre-Columbian Americas, civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs developed complex mathematical systems. The Maya, for instance, created a sophisticated calendar system that involved advanced mathematical calculations . These mathematical traditions were intertwined with astronomy and timekeeping. Meanwhile, the Aztecs developed a base-20 system , along with their own unique symbols used to track these numbers.

Each of these geographical regions fostered unique mathematical developments, often driven by the specific needs and challenges faced by their respective cultures. Honestly, the global diversity of mathematical inventions underscores the universal nature of human curiosity. Humans have the capacity to create and refine mathematical concepts, regardless of geographical boundaries, and that’s pretty astounding if you ask us.

How Was Math Invented?

The invention of math took years in the making! It was not solely about discovering numerical relationships; it also entailed the development of systematic methods, notations, and philosophical underpinnings. Understanding how math was invented involves delving into the processes and intellectual endeavors of early mathematicians.

Early Mathematical Processes

Early mathematicians employed empirical observation and trial-and-error methods to make mathematical discoveries. They engaged in practical problem-solving, seeking solutions to real-world challenges such as trade, agriculture, and construction. Over time, these practical observations led to the formulation of general mathematical principles.

Notation and Symbolism

The development of mathematical notation was a crucial step in the evolution of math. Numerical symbols and written representations of mathematical concepts allowed for the communication and preservation of mathematical knowledge. Different cultures devised various systems of notation. Eventually, symbols and notations became standardized.

Geometry, Arithmetic, and Measurement

Geometry played a central role in the early development of math. Ancient cultures like the Egyptians and Greeks applied geometric principles to land surveying, architecture, and astronomy. Geometry provided a visual and practical foundation for mathematical understanding.

Number Systems

The invention of number systems was fundamental to mathematical progress. Various cultures developed their respective numbering systems, including base-10, base-60, and base-20 systems. These numerical systems facilitated counting, calculations, and record-keeping. These many number systems continue to influence our modern mathematics.

Philosophical Foundations

The philosophical underpinnings of mathematics also played a significant role in its invention. Greek mathematicians, for example, sought to establish rigorous proofs and logical reasoning in mathematics. The idea of axioms and deductive reasoning laid the groundwork for modern mathematical rigor.

READ MORE: History’s Most Famous Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and More!

A Transcultural Exchange

As cultures interacted through trade and conquest, mathematical ideas and knowledge were exchanged and merged. Societies are going to socialize, after all. The Silk Road , for instance, facilitated the exchange of mathematical concepts between the East and West. This cross-cultural fertilization enriched mathematical thought and led to new discoveries.

Record-Keeping and Texts

The documentation and preservation of mathematical knowledge in written texts were crucial for its dissemination. Ancient texts, inscriptions, and manuscripts played a pivotal role in transmitting mathematical ideas from one generation to the next. As with most ancient history, the presence of a written text is vital to its survival.

The invention of mathematics was a dynamic process that integrated practical needs with intellectual curiosity and cultural exchange. It involved the gradual refinement of methods, notation, and philosophical frameworks. Thus, mathematics transcends mere counting and measurement to become a universal language of abstraction and problem-solving. The collaboration of early mathematicians, driven by the challenges of their times, continues to shape the mathematical landscape we know today.

Mathematical Discovery in the Scientific Revolution

The Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries had a massive impact on the mathematical and scientific ideas of the Early Modern Period. During this time, the Greek approach to science and math, as established centuries ago by Greek mathematicians, was replaced. New polymaths flocked to the limelight provided by the scientific upheaval, garnering respect in their field for countless discoveries and contributions. Key figures of the Scientific Revolution include Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, René Descartes (who contributed greatly to analytic geometry), and Johannes Kepler.

Math As We Know It: Modern Mathematics

The invention of mathematics is a testament to the ingenuity of human civilizations across the ages. It emerged organically as a response to practical needs, evolving through diverse cultures and regions. While we may never pinpoint a singular inventor, mathematics stands as a collective achievement, enriched by countless contributions.

Mathematics’ enduring importance in fields ranging from science to economics underscores its vital role in shaping our modern world. The collaborative and cumulative nature of mathematical development reminds us that the quest for knowledge transcends boundaries and remains an enduring hallmark of human progress.

How to Cite this Article

There are three different ways you can cite this article.

1. To cite this article in an academic-style article or paper , use:

<a href=" https://historycooperative.org/who-invented-math/ ">Who Invented Math? The History of Mathematics</a>

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Homework is a part of life for children, parents, and educators. But who came up with the concept of homework? What happened to make it a standard in education? Here’s a quick rundown of homework’s history in the United States .

Homework’s Origins: Myth vs. History

Who was the first person to invent homework? We may never know for sure. Its history has been shaped by a variety of persons and events. Let’s start with two of its key influencers.

The Dubious Roberto Nevelis of Venice

Homework is typically credited to Roberto Nevelis of Venice, Italy, who invented it in 1095—or 1905, depending on your sources. However, upon closer examination, he appears to be more of an internet legend than a genuine figure.

Horace Mann

Horace Mann, a 19th-century politician and educational reformer, was a pivotal figure in the development of homework. Mann, like his contemporaries Henry Barnard and Calvin Ellis Stowe, was passionate about the newly unified nation-state of Germany’s obligatory public education system.

Mandatory tasks were assigned to Volksschulen (“People’s Schools”) students to complete at home on their own time. When liberals like Johann Gottlieb Fichte were striving to organize support for a unified German state, this demand highlighted the state’s authority over the individual. While homework had been established before Fichte’s participation with the Volksschulen, his political goals can be considered a catalyst for its adoption as an educational requirement.

Horace Mann was a driving force behind creating government-run, tax-funded public education in America. During a journey to Germany in 1843, he witnessed the Volkschule system at work and brought back several of its ideals, including homework.

The American Public School System’s Homework

Homework has not always been generally embraced, despite being a near-universal element of the American educational experience. Parents and educators continue to dispute its benefits and drawbacks, as they have for more than a century.

The 1900s: Anti-homework sentiment and homework bans

A homework prohibition was enacted in the Pacific state of California in 1901, barely a few decades after the idea of homework crossed the Atlantic. The restriction, which applied to all students under the age of 15, lasted until 1917.

Around the same period, renowned magazines such as the Ladies’ Home Journal and The New York Times published remarks from parents and medical professionals portraying homework as harmful to children’s health.1930: Homework as Child Labor

A group called the American Child Health Association deemed homework a form of child labor in 1930. This statement represented a less-than-favorable view of homework as an appropriate educational method, given that laws barring child labor had recently been implemented.

Early-to-Mid 20th Century: Homework and the Progressive Era

Teachers began looking for ways to make homework more personal and meaningful to individual students throughout the second half of the 19th and 20th-century modern educational changes. Could this be the origin of the enduring essay topic, “What I Did on My Summer Vacation?”

The Cold War: Homework Heats Up

Following WWII, the Cold War heightened tensions between the United States and Russia in the 1950s. The flight of Sputnik 1 in 1957 increased Russian-American enmity, particularly among their youngsters.

The best way to ensure that American students did not fall behind their Russian counterparts, especially in the extremely competitive fields of science and mathematics, was for education officials in the United States to assign demanding homework.

The 1980s: A Nation at Risk’s Homework

What Works, a 1986 publication from the US Department of Education, listed homework as one of the most effective instructional tactics. This followed three years after the groundbreaking study 

Early 21st Century: Homework Bans Return

Many educators and other concerned individuals are questioning the value of homework once again. On the subject, several publications have been published.

These include:

• The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do About It  by Sarah Bennett and Nancy Kalish (2006)
• The Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents  (Third Edition) by Duke University psychologist Dr. Harris Cooper (2007)
• The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning  by education professor Dr. Etta Kralovec and journalist John Buell (2000)

Homework is still a contentious topic nowadays. Some schools are enacting homework bans similar to those enacted at the start of the century. Teachers have varying opinions on the bans, while parents attempt to cope with the disruption to their daily routine that such bans cause.

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The Surprising History of Homework Reform

Really, kids, there was a time when lots of grownups thought homework was bad for you.

Homework causes a lot of fights. Between parents and kids, sure. But also, as education scholar Brian Gill and historian Steven Schlossman write, among U.S. educators. For more than a century, they’ve been debating how, and whether, kids should do schoolwork at home .

At the dawn of the twentieth century, homework meant memorizing lists of facts which could then be recited to the teacher the next day. The rising progressive education movement despised that approach. These educators advocated classrooms free from recitation. Instead, they wanted students to learn by doing. To most, homework had no place in this sort of system.

Through the middle of the century, Gill and Schlossman write, this seemed like common sense to most progressives. And they got their way in many schools—at least at the elementary level. Many districts abolished homework for K–6 classes, and almost all of them eliminated it for students below fourth grade.

By the 1950s, many educators roundly condemned drills, like practicing spelling words and arithmetic problems. In 1963, Helen Heffernan, chief of California’s Bureau of Elementary Education, definitively stated that “No teacher aware of recent theories could advocate such meaningless homework assignments as pages of repetitive computation in arithmetic. Such an assignment not only kills time but kills the child’s creative urge to intellectual activity.”

But, the authors note, not all reformers wanted to eliminate homework entirely. Some educators reconfigured the concept, suggesting supplemental reading or having students do projects based in their own interests. One teacher proposed “homework” consisting of after-school “field trips to the woods, factories, museums, libraries, art galleries.” In 1937, Carleton Washburne, an influential educator who was the superintendent of the Winnetka, Illinois, schools, proposed a homework regimen of “cooking and sewing…meal planning…budgeting, home repairs, interior decorating, and family relationships.”

Another reformer explained that “at first homework had as its purpose one thing—to prepare the next day’s lessons. Its purpose now is to prepare the children for fuller living through a new type of creative and recreational homework.”

That idea didn’t necessarily appeal to all educators. But moderation in the use of traditional homework became the norm.

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“Virtually all commentators on homework in the postwar years would have agreed with the sentiment expressed in the NEA Journal in 1952 that ‘it would be absurd to demand homework in the first grade or to denounce it as useless in the eighth grade and in high school,’” Gill and Schlossman write.

That remained more or less true until 1983, when publication of the landmark government report A Nation at Risk helped jump-start a conservative “back to basics” agenda, including an emphasis on drill-style homework. In the decades since, continuing “reforms” like high-stakes testing, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the Common Core standards have kept pressure on schools. Which is why twenty-first-century first graders get spelling words and pages of arithmetic.

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Who Invented Homework and Why

Who Invented Homework

Italian pedagog, Roberto Nevilis, was believed to have invented homework back in 1905 to help his students foster productive studying habits outside of school. However, we'll sound find out that the concept of homework has been around for much longer.                                                                                                                                                              

Homework, which most likely didn't have a specific term back then, already existed even in ancient civilizations. Think Greece, Rome, and even ancient Egypt. Over time, homework became standardized in our educational systems. This happened naturally over time, as the development of the formal education system continued.                                                        

In this article, we're going to attempt to find out who invented homework, and when was homework invented, and we're going to uncover if the creator of homework is a single person or a group of them. Read this article through to the end to find out.

Who Created Homework and When?

The concept of homework predates modern educational systems, with roots in ancient Rome. However, Roberto Nevilis is often, yet inaccurately, credited with inventing homework in 1905.Depending on various sources, this invention is dated either in the year 1095 or 1905.

The invention of homework is commonly attributed to Roberto Nevilis, an Italian pedagog who is said to have introduced it as a form of punishment for his students in 1905. However, the concept of homework predates Nevilis and has roots that go back much further in history.

The practice of assigning students work to be done outside of class time can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as Rome, where Pliny the Younger (AD 61–113) encouraged his students to practice public speaking at home to improve their oratory skills.

It's important to note that the idea of formalized homework has evolved significantly over centuries, influenced by educational theories and pedagogical developments. The purpose and nature of homework have been subjects of debate among educators, with opinions varying on its effectiveness and impact on student learning and well-being.

It might be impossible to answer when was homework invented. A simpler question to ask is ‘what exactly is homework?’.

If you define it as work assigned to do outside of a formal educational setup, then homework might be as old as humanity itself. When most of what people studied were crafts and skills, practicing them outside of dedicated learning times may as well have been considered homework.

Let’s look at a few people who have been credited with formalizing homework over the past few thousand years. 

Roberto Nevilis

Stories and speculations on the internet claim Roberto Nevilis is the one who invented school homework, or at least was the first person to assign homework back in 1905.

Who was he? He was an Italian educator who lived in Venice. He wanted to discipline and motivate his class of lackluster students. Unfortunately, claims online lack factual basis and strong proof that Roberto did invent homework.                                                                                                        

Homework, as a concept, predates Roberto, and can't truly be assigned to a sole inventor. Moreover, it's hard to quantify where an idea truly emerges, because many ideas emerge from different parts of the world simultaneously or at similar times, therefore it's hard to truly pinpoint who invented this idea.

Pliny the Younger

Another culprit according to the internet lived a thousand years before Roberto Nevilis. Pliny the Younger was an oratory teacher in the first century AD in the Roman Empire.

He apparently asked his students to practice their oratory skills at home, which some people consider one of the first official versions of homework.

It is difficult to say with any certainty if this is the first time homework was assigned though because the idea of asking students to practice something outside classes probably existed in every human civilization for millennia. 

Horace Mann

To answer the question of who invented homework and why, at least in the modern sense, we have to talk about Horace Mann. Horace Mann was an American educator and politician in the 19th century who was heavily influenced by movements in the newly-formed German state.

He is credited for bringing massive educational reform to America, and can definitely be considered the father of modern homework in the United States. However, his ideas were heavily influenced by the founding father of German nationalism Johann Gottlieb Fichte. 

After the defeat of Napoleon and the liberation of Prussia in 1814, citizens went back to their own lives, there was no sense of national pride or German identity. Johann Gottlieb Fichte came up with the idea of Volkschule, a mandatory 9-year educational system provided by the government to combat this.

Homework already existed in Germany at this point in time but it became a requirement in Volkschule. Fichte wasn't motivated purely by educational reform, he wanted to demonstrate the positive impact and power of a centralized government, and assigning homework was a way of showing the state's power to influence personal and public life.

This effort to make citizens more patriotic worked and the system of education and homework slowly spread through Europe.

Horace Mann saw the system at work during a trip to Prussia in the 1840s and brought many of the concepts to America, including homework.   

Who Invented Homework and Why?

Homework's history and objectives have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changing educational goals. Now, that we've gone through its history a bit, let's try to understand the "why". The people or people who made homework understood the advantages of it. Let's consider the following:                                                  

• Repetition, a key factor in long-term memory retention, is a primary goal of homework. It helps students solidify class-learned information. This is especially true in complex subjects like physics, where physics homework help can prove invaluable to learning effectively.
• Homework bridges classroom learning with real-world applications, enhancing memory and understanding.
• It identifies individual student weaknesses, allowing focused efforts to address them.
• Working independently at their own pace, students can overcome the distractions and constraints of a classroom setting through homework.
• By creating a continuous learning flow, homework shifts the perspective from viewing each school day as isolated to seeing education as an ongoing process.
• Homework is crucial for subjects like mathematics and sciences, where repetition is necessary to internalize complex processes.
• It's a tool for teachers to maximize classroom time, focusing on expanding understanding rather than just drilling fundamentals.
• Responsibility is a key lesson from homework. Students learn to manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Research skills get honed through homework as students gather information from various sources.
• Students' creative potential is unleashed in homework, free from classroom constraints.

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Who Invented Homework: Development in the 1900s

Thanks to Horace Mann, homework had become widespread in the American schooling system by 1900, but it wasn't universally popular amongst either students or parents. 

The early 1900s homework bans

In 1901, California became the first state to ban homework. Since homework had made its way into the American educational system there had always been people who were against it for some surprising reasons.

Back then, children were expected to help on farms and family businesses, so homework was unpopular amongst parents who expected their children to help out at home. Many students also dropped out of school early because they found homework tedious and difficult.

Publications like Ladies' Home Journal and The New York Times printed statements and articles about the detrimental effects of homework on children's health. 

The 1930 child labor laws

Homework became more common in the U.S. around the early 1900s. As to who made homework mandatory, the question remains open, but its emergence in the mainstream sure proved beneficial. Why is this?

Well, in 1930, child labor laws were created. It aimed to protect children from being exploited for labor and it made sure to enable children to have access to education and schooling. The timing was just right.

Speaking of homework, if you’re reading this article and have homework you need to attend to, send a “ do my homework ” request on Studyfy and instantly get the help of a professional right now.

Progressive reforms of the 1940s and 50s

With more research into education, psychology and memory, the importance of education became clear. Homework was understood as an important part of education and it evolved to become more useful and interesting to students. 

Homework during the Cold War

Competition with the Soviet Union fueled many aspects of American life and politics. In a post-nuclear world, the importance of Science and Technology was evident.

The government believed that students had to be well-educated to compete with Soviet education systems. This is the time when homework became formalized, accepted, and a fundamental part of the American educational system. 

1980s Nation at Risk

In 1983 the National Commission on Excellence in Education published Nation at Risk:

The Imperative for Educational Reform, a report about the poor condition of education in America.  Still in the Cold War, this motivated the government in 1986 to talk about the benefits of homework in a pamphlet called “What Works” which highlighted the importance of homework. 

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Who Invented Homework: The Modern Homework Debate

Like it or not, homework has stuck through the times, remaining a central aspect in education since the end of the Cold War in 1991. So, who invented homework 😡 and when was homework invented?

We’ve tried to pinpoint different sources, and we’ve understood that many historical figures have contributed to its conception.

Horace Mann, in particular, was the man who apparently introduced homework in the U.S. But let’s reframe our perspective a bit. Instead of focusing on who invented homework, let’s ask ourselves why homework is beneficial in the first place. Let’s consider the pros and cons:

• Homework potentially enhances memory.
• Homework helps cultivate time management, self-learning, discipline, and cognitive skills.
• An excessive amount of work can cause mental health issues and burnout.
• Rigid homework tasks can take away time for productive and leisurely activities like arts and sports.

Meaningful homework tasks can challenge us and enrich our knowledge on certain topics, but too much homework can actually be detrimental. This is where Studyfy can be invaluable. Studyfy offers homework help.

All you need to do is click the “ do my assignment ” button and send us a request. Need instant professional help? You know where to go now.

Frequently asked questions

Who made homework.

As stated throughout the article, there was no sole "inventor of homework." We've established that homework has already existed in ancient civilizations, where people were assigned educational tasks to be done at home. 

Let's look at ancient Greece; for example, students at the Academy of Athens were expected to recite and remember epic poems outside of their institutions. Similar practices were going on in ancient Egypt, China and Rome. 

This is why we can't ascertain the sole inventor of homework. While history can give us hints that homework was practiced in different civilizations, it's not far-fetched to believe that there have been many undocumented events all across the globe that happened simultaneously where homework emerged. 

Why was homework invented? 

We've answered the question of "who invented homework 😡" and we've recognized that we cannot pinpoint it to one sole inventor. So, let's get back to the question of why homework was invented. 

Homework arose from educational institutions, remained, and probably was invented because teachers and educators wanted to help students reinforce what they learned during class. They also believed that homework could improve memory and cognitive skills over time, as well as instill a sense of discipline. 

In other words, homework's origins can be linked to academic performance and regular students practice. Academic life has replaced the anti-homework sentiment as homework bans proved to cause partial learning and a struggle to achieve conceptual clarity.

Speaking of, don't forget that Studyfy can help you with your homework, whether it's Python homework help or another topic. Don't wait too long to take advantage of expert help when you can do it now. 

Is homework important for my learning journey?

Now that we've answered questions on who created homework and why it was invented, we can ask ourselves if homework is crucial in our learning journey. 

At the end of the day, homework can be a crucial step to becoming more knowledgeable and disciplined over time. 

Exercising our memory skills, learning independently without a teacher obliging us, and processing new information are all beneficial to our growth and evolution. However, whether a homework task is enriching or simply a filler depends on the quality of education you're getting. 

Who invented school homework?

Homework is a term that can stir up a spectrum of emotions among students worldwide. Some view it as an opportunity to reinforce classroom learning, while others perceive it as a chore. Regardless of these differing perspectives, the significance of homework in our education system is undeniable. But where did it originate? Let's delve into the intriguing history of school homework.

.css-26rqae{font-weight:500;} The ancient roots of homework

Our journey begins not in the 20th century, but much earlier, in ancient Rome. Pliny the Elder, a philosopher and naval commander, advocated for self-study among his pupils, fostering an early form of homework. He held a belief that independent exploration allowed students to delve deeper into their interests and broaden their knowledge beyond the confines of the classroom.

Debunking the myth: Roberto Nevilis

There's a common myth that an Italian educator named Roberto Nevilis invented homework in Venice around 1905. However, this claim lacks solid historical evidence and is widely debunked by historians and educators. The concept of homework, as we understand it, evolved gradually over centuries, shaped by educational philosophies and societal needs.

Horace Mann and the American education system

In the United States, Horace Mann, often hailed as the "Father of American Public Education," played a crucial role in shaping the nation's education landscape. While he didn't invent homework, Mann's emphasis on a structured and systematic approach to education likely influenced the incorporation and acceptance of homework in American schools.

The evolution and global perspective of homework

Homework has evolved significantly over the centuries, adapting to societal changes and advancements in technology. It's also interesting to note the variations in homework culture across different countries, reflecting diverse educational philosophies and practices. For example, in Finland, a country renowned for its high-performing education system, students have comparatively less homework and shorter school hours. In contrast, South Korea's rigorous education system is known for its heavy emphasis on homework.

Benefits of homework: A balanced perspective

While the debate over the effectiveness and necessity of homework continues, there are some benefits to consider. Homework can reinforce learning

The ongoing debate: The pros and cons of homework

The effectiveness and impact of homework is a subject of ongoing debate. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of homework.

Pros of homework:

Reinforces learning: Homework provides an opportunity to practice and consolidate classroom learning, leading to better retention of knowledge.

Develops time-management skills: Completing assignments within a designated timeframe can instill valuable time-management skills in students.

Encourages independent thinking: Homework allows students to think critically and independently, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Cons of homework:

Increased stress and burnout: Heavy homework loads can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout among students.

Inequity in access: Homework may create an uneven playing field for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who lack resources or parental support.

Limitations on free time: Excessive homework can limit a student's free time for extracurricular activities, family time, and leisure.

From the early advocacy of self-study by Pliny the Elder to the structured educational approach of Horace Mann, the journey of homework has been long and complex. Its evolution and global perspective continue to shape the education systems worldwide. While opinions on homework may differ, its undeniable impact on students' academic performance and development cannot be ignored.

So boo for homework, but yay for its potential benefits! It all depends on the individual learner.

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Wonder of the Day #1245

Who Invented Math?

MATH — Numbers

Have You Ever Wondered...

Who invented math?

• What is the definition of mathematics?
• When did mathematics get its start?
• discovery ,
• mathematics ,
• measurement ,
• Mesopotamia ,
• operation ,
• prehistoric ,
• Pythagoras ,
• Pythagorean Theorem ,
• trigonometry

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Dayana from Chicago , IL. Dayana Wonders , “ Who invented math ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Dayana !

We're sure that more than one student has wished that he could travel back in time and prevent someone from inventing math. Of course, that same wish probably has been made with regard to all subjects that result in homework and difficult tests from time to time .

But would that really be possible…even if time travel existed? Probably not! Why? Unlike a light bulb or a computer, mathematics isn't really an invention . It's really more of a discovery .

Mathematics encompasses many different types of studies, so its discovery can't even be attributed to one person. Instead, mathematics developed slowly over thousands of years with the help of thousands of people!

How did it get started? No one can know for sure, but we can use our imaginations to think about how mathematics might have gotten its start. For example, if we go all the way back to prehistoric humans gathering berries to eat, we can imagine how this basic task probably gave rise for a need for math. If you and your prehistoric buddy gathered a basket full of berries, you'd probably agree to split them evenly. First, you'd need to know how many berries you gathered. That means you'd need to count them. You might first need to come up with names for the basic units of measurement . Is this how counting and the first numbers came about? No one knows, but you can see how this might be how it happened.

Similarly, division might have been born from the need to split that pile of berries evenly. How advanced did prehistoric humans get with mathematics ? Probably not far at all, but a need for certain mathematic principles likely arose from daily life and, as such, were discovered or created out of need rather than invented. Early learning eventually led to more advanced fields of mathematics , such as algebra , geometry , calculus , and trigonometry !

Because many mathematical discoveries were made as a result of necessity, it comes as no surprise that scientists believe that many basic mathematical functions, such as addition, multiplication, and the like, appeared thousands of years ago in various areas at the same time , including China, India, Mesopotamia , and Egypt.

The oldest clay tablets with mathematics date back over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. The oldest written texts on mathematics are Egyptian papyruses. Since these are some of the oldest societies on Earth, it makes sense that they would have been the first to discover the basics of mathematics .

More advanced mathematics can be traced to ancient Greece over 2,500 years ago. Ancient mathematician Pythagoras had questions about the sides of a right triangle. His questioning, research, and testing led to a basic understanding of triangles we still study today, known as the Pythagorean Theorem .

Most experts agree that it was around this time (2,500 years ago) in ancient Greece that mathematics first became an organized science. Since that time , mathematical discoveries have spurred other mathematicians and scientists to build upon the work of others, constantly expanding our understanding of mathematics and its relation to the world around us.

Wonder What's Next?

Be sure to visit Wonderopolis tomorrow as we head to the Sun to check out some killer rays!

If you want to keep the learning from today's Wonder of the Day adding up, grab a few friends or family members and explore the mathematical activities below:

• Put yourself in a caveman's shoes for just a little bit. But cavemen didn't wear shoes! OK, smarty pants, you know what we mean. Take some time to pretend that you're a prehistoric human being. Your days are filled with mere survival. You must find food, water, and shelter. You must protect yourself from the many dangers in the world around you. What uses might you have for math? How might have you developed some basic mathematical skills? Have fun imagining how the very first beginnings of mathematics might have come about.
• For a fun change of pace, interview your math teacher. What does he or she find interesting about the origins of mathematics? Share what you learned in today's Wonder of the Day and ask for input. You never know when your math teacher might be able to provide some unique insight into the history of the subject they teach. Do they remember any special stories from when they first learned about the history of certain mathematical discoveries? Share what you learn with your friends and family members.
• Up for a challenge? Test how much you know about math and its history. Just jump online and navigate to Who invented math? Take the quiz! NOTE: Today's Wonder of the Day probably only addressed a few of the questions you'll see on this quiz, so don't worry if you don't know all the answers. Just look at this quiz as a way to challenge yourself and learn some new math facts!

Did you get it?

Wonder contributors.

We’d like to thank:

katelyn , Kevin and Elisha from AL for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!

Keep WONDERing with us!

Wonder Words

• mathematics
• prehistoric

Thanks for your input, Milind. We'll review the content and determine whether an update is necessary. 

Addison Batsell

Hi, Addison! We recommend reading  Wonder 1268: Why Was School Created?   Happy WONDERing!

Math is a very fascinating subject, even if it is sometimes difficult to understand.  We hope that you keep  Wondering about math with us, Yara!

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Hi, Denise! We LOVE Math!!  What is your favorite math topic so far??

why is there no south africa or west africa or africa at all! and most importantly there are no specific countries for africa and you werent trying to tell us mesoptamia is a part africa where you cuz it is. 

Hi, caleb! We did mention that math appeared thousands of years ago in Egypt, which is in northern Africa! We weren't leaving Africa off our list of places where math first appeared.  For more information on Mesopotamia, check out  Wonder 861: Where Is the Fertile Crescent? We hope this helps, and thanks for WONDERing with us!!

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"Who Invented Math?" Wonderopolis.   https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/who-invented-math . Accessed 24 Sept. 2017.

Thanks wonderopolis! I was trying to find a way to cite this page for an essay, this really helps.

Great, Van! Make sure you use the date YOU accessed this Wonder :-) 

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Aryan Sanskrit

Hi, Aryan! That's AWESOME you know so much about this topic! Thanks for sharing the interesting info! :)

I think its great u respond to your people on most sites they dont thats why this is so helpful.

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That's probably a question we can only Wonder about.  Pretty amazing to think of how far we have come!

RITA TIWARI

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Fraction DUde

We can't help you with that one, Fraction Dude but since you ARE the Fraction Dude, we have great confidence that you will figure that one out! ?

Wow, 8411c - that's some heavy stuff!  While we may not have given you the answer you were hoping for, we did enjoy starting the conversation of WONDERing about math.  Thanks for your comment!

That's great to hear, Gabby!  You set a great example of keeping an open mind!  It can be popular to hate math but if more people hung in there like you do, they would see how truly useful it can be.  Thanks for sharing, Gabby!

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Thanks for sharing your love of math with us, Parth!  You might enjoy exploring some of these  Wonders about math .  Thanks for WONDERing with us!

Thnks Wonderopolis for helping Me So much...???????

Glad to help, Parth!  Keep WONDERing with us!

Thanks for visiting Wonderopolis, Nate, and we're sorry you were confused by this Wonder. By doing research, we found that there wasn't just one person who created math. Rather, several cultures around the world developed a variety of mathematical functions.

Thank you for helping me understand?

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We hope this Wonder helped, destiny! :)

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PAREEZA HUSSAIN

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Hi, Landon! We're glad you learned more about the history of math! They probably used math in some way! :)

for me i think Pythagoras is a great inventor too

Hi, thon! Thanks for your comment! He is also a famous math inventor! We encourage you to keep learning about Pythagoras at your library and online! :)

Book worm23

Nobody actually invented math it just evolved over time. They discovered it not invented it.

We're glad you joined the conversation, Book worm23!

The Ancient Egyptians invented math. They used mathematics in order to build Houses, Temples and Pyramids.

Actually no one really invented it. It just evolved over the years.

Thank you for commenting, BlibbyB!

Welcome, KC! We're glad you learned something new! Thanks for sharing those cool facts! :)

well they didn't realy explein the creators of maths, they explained origine of calculation and this is not what we call mathematics is from grec mathema like explained in the article coming from the Pythagoreans, but the modern math origine is from muslim scientists who created the arabien numbers, algebra, algorythm....you can just google History of mathematics. I don't know why they don't teach this things in school even me i did my own search in books to find that...sorry for the english, i'm french

Thank you for joining the discussion, Aksel. This Wonder of the Day just started to scratch the surface on the long history of the development of mathematics. We encourage our Wonder Friends to continue learning by researching online or at their local libraries, like you suggested.

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Hi, Don! We hope this Wonder helped you learn more about the history of math! We also encourage you to explore the topic at your library and online! :)

I love math and I am doing a research project so I wanted to know who invented math

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We think so, too, zane! We're glad to hear you enjoy math! It's a very important subject and fun to learn about, too! :)

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Hi, Isabela! That may be the case. As the Wonder tells us, no one knows for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this Wonder question. Keep up the GREAT work! :)

Are you sure? Where did you get that information from then?

Thanks for joining the discussion, Isabela! We appreciate you WONDERing with us. We encourage you to keep researching the history of math at your library and online! :)

Hi, WONDER Friend! We appreciate you sharing your opinion about this Wonder. We understand that sometimes people have different beliefs. We are simply telling the most common information about the invention of math. We hope you understand and will WONDER with us again soon! :)

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MURALI KRISHNA

Hi, Murali! Sir. C. V. Raman was a famous physicists, who won a Nobel Peace Prize. We encourage you to keep researching more about him at your library and online. Maybe after researching you could write a biography about him. Check out Wonder #44: What Is a Biography? . Keep up the GREAT thinking! :)

Wonderopolis

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That's what I'm wondering

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Hi, Ethan! Because math concepts were often invented out of necessity, it is difficult to name only one person for inventing math. Instead, people worked together to create solutions and developed math concepts. If you're interested, we encourage you to continue researching the history of math at your library and online. Always keep WONDERing! :)

Kritisundar Barman

Hello, Kritisundar Barman! You're right, that you can count with letters, which are known as roman numerals. Check out Wonder #853: Can You Count with Letters? . Thanks for commenting! :)

We are glad you liked it, Olivia! We encourage you to try giving math a second chance. Math is very helpful for many things. Check out Wonder #9: How Can Math Help You Cook? . Have fun WONDERing! :)

Great connection, Myra! There are many other WONDERS about discoveries and inventions on WONDERopolis. Thanks for WONDERing with us! :)

Love_peace42

Great WONDER, Love_peace42! Math keeps evolving and changing over time. Maybe you can keep researching the topic at your library. We are happy to see you WONDERing! :)

Really!!!!!!!!!!?????????

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We're really glad you learned more about the origins of math, Clarina! We think you may enjoy these two Wonders about ancient history, math and invention! Can You Count with Letters? (https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/can-you-count-with-letters/) Do You Know the Greek Alphabet? (https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/do-you-know-the-greek-alphabet/)

We're sorry to hear that you were confused with our Wonder about math, Wonder Friend Matt. Thanks for stopping by Wonderopolis today! :)

Thanks for spending time WONDERing about math with us today, Maya! We think it must have been confusing back in ancient times, too. What do you like about math? We hope you have a WONDERful weekend! :)

Andrew Guerrero

We agree that everyday life can lead to many discoveries, Wonder Friend Andrew. Just think of all the possible things that you may be able to discover just by exploring and observing your environment! ;) Thank you for visiting Wonderopolis today! :)

We agree that numbers are important to math. Thank you for joining us to WONDER today! :)

Colby Dawson

We're sorry to hear you didn't like today's Wonder, Colby. We appreciate you letting us know your opinion. You'll have to stop back by and let us know what you think of tomorrow's Wonder. In the mean time, many of our Wonder Friends have really enjoyed Wonder #766: When Will Pigs Fly? We think you may want to check it out! :)

kepodgorski

We sure like hearing what you learned from today's Wonder and video, kepodgorski! Thank you for leaving us this AWESOME comment and continuing to WONDER! :)

Thanks for sharing what you learned about the discovery of math by exploring this Wonder today, James Alex. We hope you stop by and WONDER with us again soon! :)

Hey, Latisha! Thanks so much for your comment about Math. We hope you have a GREAT day too! :)

Welcome back to Wonderopolis, ssobus! We're SO happy you joined us to WONDER about math today! Thank you for sharing your learning with us and for being a GREAT Wonder Friend! :D

ajrodriguez26

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We think it is WONDERful that you learned so much from today's Wonder about math, Isai! You ROCK! :D Thanks for WONDERing with us today! :)

We're SO glad that you learned that math and Pi were not invented to torture students. We LOVE discovering new math concepts in Wonderopolis and hope you do too! :) Happy WONDERing! :D

We're glad you learned some new things about the discovery of math today, Wonder Friend Nathan. Thanks so much for visiting Wonderopolis! :D

Thanks for letting us know you thought today's Wonder about Math was COOL! We appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm, Wonder Friend TJ! :D It sounds like you have a very fun day ahead of you! :) We can't wait for you to check back in tomorrow and let us know about your day at Cedar Point. We'd love to hear about any WONDERing you do today! :)

I love this it is great and is very helpful

WONDERful, Michaela! Thanks for stopping by Wonderopolis! We hope you learned something new about math! :)

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Question 1 of 3

<p class=\"FreeForm\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: \'Century Gothic\';\">Mathematics wasn’t really invented, but was more of a what?</span></p>

• a discovery Correct!
• b accident Not Quite!
• c theory Not Quite!
• d creation Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

<p class=\"FreeForm\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: \'Century Gothic\';\">Which ancient Greek mathematician made important initial discoveries about the properties of triangles?</span></p>

• a Plato Not Quite!
• b Nero Not Quite!
• c Pythagorus Correct!
• d Einstein Not Quite!

Question 3 of 3

<p class=\"FreeForm\"><span style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: \'Century Gothic\';\">Mathematics wasn’t really an organized scientific field of study until about how many years ago?</span></p>

• a 10,000 Not Quite!
• b 50 Not Quite!
• c 50,000 Not Quite!
• d 2,500 Correct!

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Debunking the Myth of Roberto Nevilis: Who Really Invented Homework?

• By Emily Summers
• February 18, 2019

For those of us who have attended a formal education setting, you might remember the frustration of getting homework from most of your teachers. Before class ends, your teacher instructs your class to answer a certain page of your book or to write an essay about the topic you had just discussed.

Some of us really didn’t like doing homework. It was very time-consuming and, on top of extra-curricular activities, house chores, and other tasks you needed to do, you had very little time to yourself and your hobbies before having to go to sleep.

If you’ve ever been curious enough to find out who to thank for inventing homework, Google and several websites will tell you that it’s a man named Roberto Nevilis. That he invented homework as a form of punishment for underperforming students and, almost a thousand years later, billions of students are frustrated both at school and at home because of him.

But that, like a lot of things on the internet, simply isn’t true. In fact, Roberto Nevilis doesn’t even exist.

Who Invented Homework? Not Roberto Nevilis.

The nail in the coffin, a brief history on the education system, the father of modern homework, is homework still effective.

Online, there are many articles claiming that Roberto Nevilis was the first educator who came up with giving students homework. But if you look at the websites that claim this, you’ll find that it’s mostly forum websites or obscure educational blogs. No credible website or news source even mentions the name Roberto Nevilis. And for a guy who has affected the educational career of anyone who has had a formal education, you’d think a credible website would mention him at least once. Or some of the less-credible websites would confirm his contribution without saying the word “allegedly” or a vague “scientists believe” or the like.

Nevilis was supposedly a teacher based in Venice, Italy when he invented homework. Some claim that he invented it in 1095, while others claim he invented it in 1905 before it spread to Europe and to the rest of the world. It was said to be a form of punishment for students who underperformed in class. Students who performed well in class were spared from homework.

Either way, this claim is dubious. In 1095, education was still very informal around Europe and an organized education system in the continent didn’t start until 800 years later. In the 1500’s, English nobility were still being taught by private tutors.

Around 1095, the Roman Empire had long fallen and the Pope was still organizing the very first crusade and education was still informal, so it would be impossible for Nevilis to not only hold a class and give out homework, but to also spread out his idea to the rest of Europe when there was still no organized educational system.

And it couldn’t have been 1905, either. In 1901, California passed an act that banned homework for students younger than 15 years old before the law was revoked in 1917. That means Nevilis – assuming he does exists and isn’t the work of some internet trolls – couldn’t have invented it in 1905 in Europe if it already made its way to California and probably the rest of the world four years earlier.

And if that’s not enough evidence, just take a look at all the information you can get on him online. The only websites that mention his name: Quora, WikiAnswers, clickbait articles, and blogs for websites that help you write your homework (though if they can’t do their research properly, you might want to stay away from their services).

There’s no credible website mentioning him anywhere. And the websites that do mention him are very vague in describing his contribution. “Scientists believe” becomes a very sketchy claim when a website doesn’t cite a credible source. And if you try to search “Roberto Nevilis,” only the same handful of websites show up.

The truth is, homework existed dating back to the earliest civilizations and the first forms of education. In feudal times, education was reserved for the wealthy men. Those who weren’t rich had no time to study reading or philosophy and were busy making a living. Wealthy young women were trained in the more womanly arts, though princesses and nobles were expected to know a few things and were tutored as well. While they weren’t given workbooks and links to online quizzes, their tutors had expected them to read literary pieces during their free time.

The earliest evidence of a formal school comes from the Sumerian civilization. They had Edubas, which were houses of clay tablets were scribes practiced how to read and write. Archaeologists found student exercises etched into the tablets. Not much is known if they followed a schedule or were all taught by one teacher like the education system today.

During these times, however, homework did not involve answering questions or writing down essays as we’ve come to know it today. If we look back at history, there were other forms of educational methods that students and teachers at the time would have considered the homework of their time.

While we can’t pin the invention of homework to a certain teacher, we can trace back who was responsible for making homework that way it is to this day: Johann Gottlieb Fichte, a German philosopher known as the founding father of German nationalism.

In 1814, Prussia had a problem stirring nationalism among its citizens. Instead of serving the country after the war, citizens could choose to go back to whatever they were doing without thinking of dedicating their time and sacrifice to the country. There was no sense of pride or nationalism.

And so, Fichte conceived the Volkschule – a mandatory nine-year education similar to primary and lower secondary education provided by the state – and a Realschule – a secondary school available to aristocrats. Those attending the Volkschule were given the homework we know today as a way to demonstrate the state’s power even during personal time.

The system spread across Europe, but not in a totally dominating way. Some countries continued with their own system, which is why countries such as Finland don’t impose homework on their students. However, in 1843, back when the United States still practiced private tutors or informal lessons, Horace Mann reformed public education after travelling to Prussia and saw their education system and adapted it into the American education system. Thus, homework eventually evolved into a global practice.

Homework, therefore, is the result of nationalism and getting students to understand that “me time” actually falls on government time if they want to get their education. Contrary to what many websites would say, it wasn’t invented as a punishment for academically failing students.

However, over 200 years had passed since homework’s evolution into what we know it is today. So, is it still necessary to keep our students burdened with extra assignments? On one hand, it can be a good way to teach students time management skills. We like to think that work stays at work and personal life stays out of work, but as working adults, we know this is not the case. Homework at an early age teaches students to use their time wisely.

And while homework can still be helpful in students’ education, it’s only helpful to a certain extent. When plenty of teachers pile on homework, they’re depriving students of time to focus on their extra-curricular activities and personal life.

For those of us who have graduated with high grades, we’ve learned the hard way that a spotless report card can get our foot on the door, but if we have poor interpersonal skills and lack the skills you can only get outside of academics, you can’t achieve total success. Homework is good, but only to an extent. Then, it just becomes an unnecessary burden on students.

In fact, if you look at Finland and Japan – countries that don’t practice giving out homework – you can see that homework is unnecessary if the educational system favors it. Finland has shorter school days, longer summer breaks, and have an educational system where students aren’t required to start school until the age of seven. However, their students have always ranked high in terms of exams.

It’s because in Finland, a teaching career is at the same league as doctors and lawyers. Compare that to our current education system, where teachers are underappreciated and harried in public schools. Finland’s education system allows students more leeway, showing how it is possible to produce bright students without putting too much pressure on them.

We’ve all been frustrated with homework back when we were studying, but homework is actually more than just a nuisance we all have to face in our educational career. It’s actually an important factor which can shape productivity and the time students have for other factors of their education.

About the Author

Emily summers.

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Origin and Death of Homework Inventor: Roberto Nevilis

Roberto Nevilis is known for creating homework to help students learn on their own. He was a teacher who introduced the idea of giving assignments to be done outside of class. Even though there’s some debate about his exact role, Nevilis has left a lasting impact on education, shaping the way students around the world approach their studies.

Homework is a staple of the modern education system, but few people know the story of its origin.

The inventor of homework is widely considered to be Roberto Nevilis, an Italian educator who lived in the early 20th century.

We will briefly explore Nevilis’ life, how he came up with the concept of homework, and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Roberto Nevilis: The Man Behind Homework Roberto Nevilis was born in Venice, Italy, in 1879. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and received a private education.

He later studied at the University of Venice, where he received a degree in education. After graduation, Nevilis worked as a teacher in various schools in Venice.

Table of Contents

How Homework Was Born

The Birth of Homework According to historical records, Nevilis was frustrated with the lack of discipline in his classroom. He found that students were often too focused on playing and not enough on learning.

To solve this problem , he came up with the concept of homework. Nevilis assigned his students homework to reinforce the lessons they learned in class and encourage them to take their education more seriously.

How did homework become popular?

The Spread of Homework , The idea of homework quickly caught on, and soon other teachers in Italy followed Nevilis’ lead. From Italy, the practice of assigning homework spread to other European countries and, eventually, the rest of the world.

Today, homework is a standard part of the education system in almost every country, and millions of students worldwide spend countless hours each week working on homework assignments.

How did Roberto Nevilis Die?

Death of Roberto Nevilis The exact circumstances surrounding Nevilis’ death are unknown. Some reports suggest that he died in an accident, while others claim he was murdered.

However, the lack of concrete evidence has led to numerous theories and speculation about what happened to the inventor of homework.

Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Nevilis’ legacy lives on through his impact on education.

Facts about Roberto Nevilis

• He is credited with inventing homework to punish his students who misbehaved in class.
• Some accounts suggest he was a strict teacher who believed in disciplining his students with homework.
• There is little concrete evidence to support the claim that Nevilis was the true inventor of homework.
• Some historians believe that the concept of homework has been around for much longer than in the 1900s.
• Despite the lack of evidence, Roberto Nevilis remains a popular figure in the history of education and is often cited as the inventor of homework.

The Legacy of Homework

The legacy of homework is deeply embedded in the educational landscape, reflecting a historical evolution that spans centuries. From its ambiguous origins to the diverse purposes it serves today, homework has played a pivotal role in shaping learning experiences.

While its effectiveness and necessity have been subjects of ongoing debate, homework endures as a tool for reinforcing concepts, fostering independent study habits, and preparing students for future academic and professional challenges.

In the contemporary educational context, the legacy of homework is a complex interplay of tradition, pedagogy, and evolving perspectives on the balance between academic demands and student well-being.

The Complex History of Homework

Throughout history, the evolution of homework can be traced through a series of significant developments. In ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome, scholars and philosophers encouraged independent study outside formal learning settings.

The Renaissance era witnessed a surge in written assignments, marking an early precursor to modern homework. The Industrial Revolution further transformed educational practices, as the need for a skilled workforce emphasized the importance of individual learning and practice.

The purposes and perceptions of homework have undergone substantial transformations over time. In the 19th century, homework was often viewed as a means of reinforcing discipline and moral values, with assignments focused on character development.

As educational philosophies evolved, particularly in the 20th century, homework assumed various roles—from a tool for drill and practice to a method for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Perceptions of homework have fluctuated, with debates arising around issues of workload, equity, and its impact on student well-being. The complex history of homework reveals a dynamic interplay between societal expectations, educational philosophies, and changing perspectives on the purposes of academic assignments.

Conclusion – Who invented homework, and how did he die

Roberto Nevilis was a visionary educator who profoundly impacted the education system. His invention of homework has changed how students learn and has helped countless students worldwide improve their education.

Although the circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, Nevilis’ legacy as the inventor of homework will never be forgotten.

What is Roberto Nevilis’ legacy?

Roberto Nevilis’ legacy is his invention of homework, which has changed how students learn and has helped countless students worldwide improve their education.

Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Nevilis’ legacy as the inventor of homework will never be forgotten.

What was Roberto Nevilis’ background?

Roberto Nevilis was the son of a wealthy merchant and received a private education. He later studied at the University of Venice, where he received a degree in education.

After graduation, Nevilis worked as a teacher in various schools in Venice.

What was Roberto Nevilis’ impact on education?

Roberto Nevilis’ invention of homework has had a profound impact on education. By assigning homework, he helped students reinforce the lessons they learned in class and encouraged them to take their education more seriously.

This concept has spread worldwide and is now a staple of the modern education system.

Is there any evidence to support the theories about Roberto Nevilis’ death?

There is no concrete evidence to support the theories about Roberto Nevilis’ death, and the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery.

What was Roberto nevilis age?

It is believed that he died of old age. Not much information is available on his exact age at the time of death. Born: 1879 Died: 1954 (aged 75 years)

Where is Roberto Nevilis’s grave

While many have tried to find out about his Grave, little is known about where he is buried. Many people are querying the internet about his Grave. But frankly, I find it weird why people want to know this.

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Who Invented Homework?

Homework is the bane of all students’ existence, and something they’ve tried to get out of more than once. Almost no one likes doing it, so who invented homework in the first place, and why?

It’s almost universally acknowledged that Roberto Nevilis was the first to issue homework to his students. He was teaching in Venice around 1095. However, he may not have been the actual first teacher to use it.

As long as there’s been education, there’s probably been homework. Experts agree that teachers in Ancient Rome almost certainly handed out homework to their students. There’s even evidence that it was given out in Ancient Rome. Quintilian, the teacher of Pliny the Younger, mentions homework in his works on education. There’s even been stone tablets uncovered that show assignments from teachers.

Today’s students will be surprised that homework used to be frowned upon, especially in the United States. This was because before the Second World War, children were needed to help out with chores around the home. Being given homework meant they weren’t available to complete essential tasks for their parents. It was so frowned upon, in fact, that a law passed in California in 1901 banned all homework for kindergartners all the way up to eighth graders.

The reason this changed was because of the Cold War in the 1950’s. There was a need for more highly educated students, especially those in the sciences. Homework was again assigned to help bring them up to speed on the essential subjects. Of course, the 1950’s saw a lot of societal upheaval after the World Wars. Children were no longer expected to work, and the family unit again became close knit as the fathers came back home. Ever since then, homework has been a staple of the education system.

So, did Nevilis know what he was doing when he started the tradition of homework, all those years ago? He probably didn’t expect today’s students to be carrying such a heavy workload home with them. Today’s children are doing two hours of homework a week, compared to the 44 minutes they would do in 1981.

Do children need to be doing homework at all? Opinion is divided, depending on which country you live in. People who want to abolish homework point to Finland, where homework never happens. They have a high school graduation rate of 93%, as opposed to 73% in the US. Two out of three students go on to college, too.

Whether homework is helpful or not, for now at least it’s here to stay. It’s a concept that has survived centuries in the educational world, and is known to help learning in some cases. It’s no consolation to students though, who need to finish their math problems before they can go play.

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I am an 8th grader with the insane ambition to try and ban homework at my school, and I just wanted to let you know that your article was extremely helpful to me and unbiased at the same time. Just the beautifully written cherry on top that I needed for this proposal. Whether or not it is a success, thank you very much for choosing to write about this topic. I hope to get to read some of your other articles even though a year has passed! 🙂

“I am so grateful for your blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.”

Let’s take Finland as a bright example of a country that successfully refused of assigning homework to schoolers. They do not do homework, just think about it, not looking for homework helpers or smth else.It shows that not doing homework doesn’t prevent you from going to college and getting a decent job. Every two of three Finnish students go to college and it’s the best index in Europe.

Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

thanks to Roberto Nevilis students don’t have any free time!

I agree with you

I was just looking at your Who Invented Homework? – Simple Grad site and see that your website has the potential to become very popular.

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Who Invented Homework?

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Homework is a part of life for children, parents, and educators. But who came up with the concept of homework? What happened to make it a standard in education? Here’s a quick rundown of homework’s history in the United States .

Homework’s Origins: Myth vs. History

Who was the first person to invent homework? We may never know for sure. Its history has been shaped by a variety of persons and events. Let’s start with two of its key influencers.

The Dubious Roberto Nevelis of Venice

Homework is typically credited to Roberto Nevelis of Venice, Italy, who invented it in 1095—or 1905, depending on your sources. However, upon closer examination, he appears to be more of an internet legend than a genuine figure.

Horace Mann

Horace Mann, a 19th-century politician and educational reformer, was a pivotal figure in the development of homework. Mann, like his contemporaries Henry Barnard and Calvin Ellis Stowe, was passionate about the newly unified nation-state of Germany’s obligatory public education system.

Mandatory tasks were assigned to Volksschulen (“People’s Schools”) students to complete at home on their own time. When liberals like Johann Gottlieb Fichte were striving to organize support for a unified German state, this demand highlighted the state’s authority over the individual. While homework had been established before Fichte’s participation with the Volksschulen, his political goals can be considered a catalyst for its adoption as an educational requirement.

Horace Mann was a driving force behind creating government-run, tax-funded public education in America. During a journey to Germany in 1843, he witnessed the Volkschule system at work and brought back several of its ideals, including homework.

The American Public School System’s Homework

Homework has not always been generally embraced, despite being a near-universal element of the American educational experience. Parents and educators continue to dispute its benefits and drawbacks, as they have for more than a century.

The 1900s: Anti-homework sentiment and homework bans

A homework prohibition was enacted in the Pacific state of California in 1901, barely a few decades after the idea of homework crossed the Atlantic. The restriction, which applied to all students under the age of 15, lasted until 1917.

Around the same period, renowned magazines such as the Ladies’ Home Journal and The New York Times published remarks from parents and medical professionals portraying homework as harmful to children’s health.1930: Homework as Child Labor

A group called the American Child Health Association deemed homework a form of child labor in 1930. This statement represented a less-than-favorable view of homework as an appropriate educational method, given that laws barring child labor had recently been implemented.

Early-to-Mid 20th Century: Homework and the Progressive Era

Teachers began looking for ways to make homework more personal and meaningful to individual students throughout the second half of the 19th and 20th-century modern educational changes. Could this be the origin of the enduring essay topic, “What I Did on My Summer Vacation?”

The Cold War: Homework Heats Up

Following WWII, the Cold War heightened tensions between the United States and Russia in the 1950s. The flight of Sputnik 1 in 1957 increased Russian-American enmity, particularly among their youngsters.

The best way to ensure that American students did not fall behind their Russian counterparts, especially in the extremely competitive fields of science and mathematics, was for education officials in the United States to assign demanding homework.

The 1980s: A Nation at Risk’s Homework

What Works, a 1986 publication from the US Department of Education, listed homework as one of the most effective instructional tactics. This followed three years after the groundbreaking study 

Early 21st Century: Homework Bans Return

Many educators and other concerned individuals are questioning the value of homework once again. On the subject, several publications have been published.

These include:

• The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do About It  by Sarah Bennett and Nancy Kalish (2006)
• The Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents  (Third Edition) by Duke University psychologist Dr. Harris Cooper (2007)
• The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning  by education professor Dr. Etta Kralovec and journalist John Buell (2000)

Homework is still a contentious topic nowadays. Some schools are enacting homework bans similar to those enacted at the start of the century. Teachers have varying opinions on the bans, while parents attempt to cope with the disruption to their daily routine that such bans cause.

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Common Core

The man behind common core math.

Sarah Garland

Jason Zimba, one of the writers of the Common Core, waits while his daughters play. Julienne Schaer for The Hechinger Report hide caption

Jason Zimba, one of the writers of the Common Core, waits while his daughters play.

Every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., Jason Zimba begins a math tutoring session for his two young daughters with the same ritual. Claire, 4, draws on a worksheet while Abigail, 7, pulls addition problems written on strips of paper out of an old Kleenex box decorated like a piggy bank.

If she gets the answer "lickety-split," as her dad says, she can check it off. If she doesn't, the problem goes back in the box, to try the following week.

"I would be sleeping in if I weren't frustrated," Zimba says of his Saturday-morning lessons, which he teaches in his pajamas. He feels the math instruction at Abigail's public elementary school in Manhattan is subpar — even after the school switched to the Common Core State Standards.

But Zimba, a mathematician by training, is not just any disgruntled parent. He's one of the guys who wrote the Common Core.

And four years after signing off on the final draft of the standards, he spends his weekends trying to make up for what he considers the lackluster curriculum at his daughter's school, and his weekdays battling the lackluster curriculum and teaching at schools around the country that are struggling to shift to the Common Core.

Zimba and the other writers of the Common Core knew the transition would be tough, but they never imagined conflicts over bad homework would fuel political battles and threaten the very existence of their dream to remodel American education.

When Zimba was first hired to help write a new set of K-12 math standards in 2009, the groups behind the Common Core — including representatives from 48 states — set very ambitious goals. The tough new guidelines would match the expectations set for students in higher-performing rivals like Singapore and South Korea. The standards would not only catapult American students ahead of other developed nations but would also help close the gaps between low-income students in the U.S. and their wealthier counterparts.

The Common Core would drive publishers and test-makers to create better curricula and better tests and push school districts and teachers to aim for excellence, not just basic proficiency, for their students. And the guidelines would arm every principal, teacher and parent with the knowledge of exactly what it takes to get into college and succeed.

The champions of the Common Core — including organizations like the National Governors Association and the Council for Chief State School Officers — expected the task to be difficult. Overhauling textbooks would take a lot of time, and training teachers would take even more. But the bipartisan groundswell of opposition to the standards took them by surprise.

"The creation of the standards is enshrouded in mystery for people," Zimba says. "I wish people understood what a massive process it was, and how many people were involved. It was a lot of work."

As much as supporters emphasize the democratic origin of the standards and count out the dozens of experts and teachers who were consulted, the Common Core math standards were ultimately crafted by three guys whose only goal was to improve the way mathematics is taught. That, some experts argue, is what makes the Common Core better than the standards they've replaced.

"It was a design project, not a political project," says Phil Daro, a former high school algebra teacher who was on the three-man writing team with Zimba and William McCallum, head of the math department at the University of Arizona. "It was not our job to do the politics while we were writing."

But the backlash was perhaps inevitable.

The Inner Circle

On the surface, Zimba, 45, seemed an odd choice for a major national project like Common Core. McCallum and Daro were well-known and admired in the world of math and education. McCallum is a prominent mathematician who has authored algebra and calculus textbooks and helped write Arizona's K-12 math standards. In 2009, Daro was a senior fellow at a for-profit curriculum and teacher-training company, America's Choice. In the 1990s, he was involved in developing California's math standards.

In contrast, Zimba was an obscure physics professor at Bennington, an elite liberal arts college in Vermont. He wrote a quirky math and parenting blog with posts about complex physics problems, his kids, and the occasional political issue, including a 2011 post titled, "Numbers Don't Lie (but Michele Bachmann Does)."

He grew up as an outsider. Raised in a working-class household in suburban Detroit, he was the first in his family to go to college. He chose Williams College in Massachusetts. Academically, the school was a good fit. Financially, it was more of a challenge. His friend Eric Mabery said the two got to know each other because they were the only poor people on campus. "He was the only person who had several jobs," said Mabery, now a biologist at a San Francisco startup. "He was the only other person who couldn't fly home. We had to take the bus."

But from Williams, Zimba's career took off. He was chosen for a Rhodes scholarship to England's Oxford University in 1991. At Oxford, he befriended a Yale student from Manhattan, David Coleman. Coleman went on to become a consultant for McKinsey, the global consulting firm. Zimba returned to Detroit to do stints of factory work to help support his family, but eventually he headed to the prestigious math department at the University of California, Berkeley for a Ph.D. in mathematical physics. In 1999 he reconnected with Coleman, who had an idea for starting an education business.

At first, they considered going into educational video games, but they scrapped the idea in favor of an even bigger educational trend: standardized testing. The No Child Left Behind Act was still around the corner, but a growing education reform movement, which insisted that holding schools more accountable for student test scores would increase performance, had already pushed many states to expand standardized testing.

Coleman and Zimba's business, the Grow Network, found a niche in the burgeoning field of testing by producing reports that helped schools, teachers, parents and even students themselves interpret results from the new exams. "To design a successful assessment report, you need to be thoughtful about what the teacher really needs, what the student really needs," Coleman says.

Thanks to Zimba, Coleman added, they were. Zimba had a genius for creating reports that were mathematically precise but also humanely phrased, Coleman says. Grow Network was hired by states like California and districts like New York City and was eventually bought out by the educational publishing giant McGraw-Hill for an undisclosed price.

Zimba and Coleman went their separate ways. Coleman stayed on a bit longer with the company under McGraw-Hill. After a brief stint at a liberal arts college in Iowa, Zimba landed at Bennington, where Coleman's mother was president. Zimba and Coleman stayed in touch, often discussing a problem that had bothered them during their years studying standardized tests.

"We looked at a lot of standards," Zimba says. "Previous standards ranged from terrible to not good enough. The best of them were little more than test blueprints. They were not a blueprint for learning math."

Every state had its own standards, which varied widely in their expectations for students. For instance, some states required students to memorize the times tables, but about a third of states didn't, according to Zimba.

But what most worried Coleman and Zimba — and many education experts — was the sheer number of standards in most states. The common critique was that most American grade-level guidelines were "a mile wide and an inch deep," in stark contrast to the fewer but more intense expectations in high-achieving countries like Japan and Singapore.

In 2007, Coleman and Zimba wrote a paper for the Carnegie Corp., a foundation with interests in education (and one of the many funders of both The Hechinger Report and NPR). "We were just trying to think about what could really matter in education," Coleman says. "What could actually help? One idea we thought is that standards could be really focused and better. At Grow we'd spent so much time with the endless vast and vague standards."

The paper got the attention of several groups that had latched on to a similar idea, including the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association, one of the original leaders of the Reagan-era standards movement. A couple of years later, when the two organizations joined forces to draft a set of "fewer, clearer, higher" standards, Coleman and Zimba were picked to help lead the effort.

The CCSSO contracted with a new organization Zimba and Coleman founded, Student Achievement Partners. It declined to disclose the amount of the contract or the total spent on the development of the Common Core but said funding was provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (another supporter of NPR), Carnegie and other foundations, as well as state membership dues from CCSSO and the NGA.

"We were looking for a skill set that was fairly unique," says Chris Minnich, executive director of CCSSO. "We needed individuals that would know the mathematics — Jason and the other writers obviously know the mathematics — but would also be able to work with the states, and a bunch of teachers who would be involved."

Writing The Common Core

In September 2009, Zimba started writing the Common Core math standards. Although his second daughter was due the same month, the standards were all-consuming. Zimba recalled getting a text in the delivery room from one of his co-writers telling him to stop responding to emails about the project: "It's time to be a dad now."

That fall, though, finishing the Common Core math standards came first. He was still on the faculty at Bennington, although on leave for part of the time, so the standards were mostly written at night, in "the barn," an old garage on his property that he had transformed into a study.

"It was hard on us as a family," he says. "I gave an awful lot." In October, his mother, who had worked most of her life as waitress, died. Zimba kept working.

They started with a blueprint that laid out what students should know by the end of high school. It was written by Achieve, a nonprofit f ounded for the purpose, and by the testing groups College Board and ACT. Then they began consulting the research on math education and enlisting the ideas of experts in various fields of mathematics. During the course of the next year, they consulted with state officials, mathematicians and teachers, including a union group. Draft after draft was passed back and forth over email.

"We'd be up to 3 in the morning," says McCallum. "Jason would be up till 5 in the morning."

The final drafts of the standards were released to the public in June 2010. By the following year, thanks in part to financial incentives dangled by the Obama administration, more than 40 states had adopted them. Zimba quit his job at Bennington to work full time at Student Achievement Partners to promote the standards.

The backlash didn't really begin until 2013 in states like New York, where new Common Core-aligned tests had sent scores plummeting, and Indiana, where conservatives were leery of the Obama administration's support of the standards. It hit the mainstream in early 2014 , when a dad in North Carolina posted a convoluted "Common Core" question from his son's second-grade math quiz on Facebook, along with a letter he'd written to the teacher. "I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering which included extensive study in differential equations and other high-math applications," he wrote. "Even I cannot explain the Common Core mathematics approach, nor get the answer correct."

Glenn Beck and other conservative pundits picked up the post, and it went viral. A couple of months later, the comedian Louis C.K. complained about his daughter's Common Core math homework on Twitter, and late-night comedians like Stephen Colbert began mocking the standards, too. Critics called the standards too convoluted, too abstract and too conceptual because of the focus on getting students to explain and discuss their answers.

By the summer of 2014, Indiana and Oklahoma had pulled out of the Common Core, other states had passed legislation to replace the standards in the coming years, and still others are threatening to do the same this year. Supporters of the standards, including teachers unions and the Gates Foundation, are now trying to salvage Common Core by calling on states to hold off on the stakes associated with new Common Core tests, including new teacher evaluations in many states based on student scores.

The backlash has both annoyed and baffled the writers. "When I see some of those problems posted on Facebook, I think I would have been mad, too," McCallum says. Daro tells a story about his grandson, who brought home a math worksheet labeled "Common Core," with a copyright date of 1999.

They argue there's actually very little fuzziness to the math in the Common Core. Students have to memorize their times tables by third grade and be able to do the kind of meat-and-potatoes problems Zimba asks of his daughter during their Saturday tutoring sessions, requirements he believes the so-called Common Core curriculum at her school essentially ignored.

Hung-Hsi Wu, a mathematics professor at Berkeley and one of the expert advisers in the Common Core process, blames the Common Core's problems on bad — and ubiquitous — textbooks that the publishing industry is reluctant to change. "Publishers don't want to bother with writing anything because they've gone through too many sets of standards," he says.

And that is the irony of the debate over the standards, and what may be their undoing. As powerful and influential in reshaping American classrooms as the standards could be, they don't include lesson plans, or teaching methods, or alternative strategies for when students don't get it.

Even as Zimba and his colleagues defend the standards against cries of federal overreach, they are helpless when it comes to making sure textbook publishers, test-makers, superintendents, principals and teachers interpret the standards in ways that will actually improve American public education, not make it worse.

Like McCallum, Zimba agrees with the North Carolina dad that the question on his son's Common Core-labeled math quiz was terrible. But as long as Americans hold to the conviction that most of what happens in schools should be kept under the control of states and local communities, the quality of the curriculum is out of his hands. "Like it or not, the standards allow a lot of freedom," he said.

To Triumph Or Die

Zimba gave up an academic career in which he had the freedom to wonder about abstract physics problems in the peace and quiet of his Vermont barn. But, he says, "I'm now participating in a much more urgent problem."

That problem is how to elevate the academic achievement of American students, especially the most disadvantaged, so the country can maintain its competitive advantage in the global economy. These days, Zimba and his colleagues acknowledge better standards aren't enough.

"I used to think if you got the assessments right, it would virtually be enough," he says. "In the No Child Left Behind world, everything follows from the test."

Now, he says, "I think it's curriculum."

This year, Zimba persuaded his daughter's school to try out a new curriculum that's better aligned to the standards he wrote. He is also devoting his time at his nonprofit, Student Achievement Partners, to create checklists other schools can use to find good textbooks that match the Common Core. The group has published training materials, including videos in which teachers demonstrate Common Core lessons.

On a recent rainy afternoon in Manhattan, the organization gathered in a conference room to hash out ideas for an online tool, funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (also among the many funders of The Hechinger Report), that could help teachers better understand the standards.

One idea for this tool was a "swipe-y" app that teachers could use to figure out whether students grasped a standard or not — something that would function much like Tinder, the matchmaking site. In the end, the group was most enthusiastic about a more low-tech option: a hotline that teachers and parents could call to find out if the Common Core-labeled math problems they found in their textbooks and homework were good or bad.

Daro and McCallum are leading their own efforts. McCallum founded a nonprofit called Illustrative Mathematics that produces sample tasks linked to the Common Core, trains teachers and produces curriculum blueprints. And Daro is actually writing an entire Common Core math curriculum for use on tablets, to be put out next year by educational publisher Pearson.

But it's unclear whether their efforts, and similar ones by like-minded nonprofits and funders like the Gates Foundation, will trickle down to the millions of classroom teachers attempting to adapt to the new standards. Or if the bad curricula still circulating, coupled with the nation's fractured politics, will do them in.

For his part, Zimba is optimistic. "The influence of the tests on the curriculum, it's negative," he says. "They've been a pale imitation of mathematics. I've talked to teachers who say teaching these standards, 'I feel like a teacher again.' That's not going to be easy to take away. Once you taste that, that's powerful."

This story was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news service focused on inequality and innovation in education. Read more about Common Core .

Correction Jan. 5, 2015

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Phil Daro was involved in the writing of California's current math standards. Daro was involved in an earlier standards effort in that state.

The Story Behind The Myth That An Italian Teacher Roberto Nevilis Invented Homework

It's a necessary evil (or perhaps it's completely unnecessary — more on that in a moment) that has been bedeviling children and parents for generations: homework. Just check out any random parenting advice column and you'll see how much of a chore homework is for the parents and for the children. And even so, at least one parenting advice columnist is advising parents of younger children to not even volunteer to help unless specifically asked to do so.

But is homework one of those aspects of education, like sitting at a desk, that just developed organically over centuries of education? Or did one teacher or administrator come up with the idea? For about a century, a legend has stated that an Italian man named Roberto Nevilis came up with homework, and those in the know have been cursing his name for just as long. He even gets his own entry in Urban Dictionary . However, Nevilis is almost certainly a myth (or at the very least, the idea that he invented homework is a myth), and it looks like there's no one person to blame for the phenomenon.

Blame Horace Mann, Not Roberto Nevilis

As both Through Education and The Ed Advocate report, somehow a myth entered the world's collective consciousness that an Italian man named Roberto Nevilis invented homework. Some versions of the myth even add some context: It was intended to punish underperforming students and to reward those who excelled at their lessons. Some versions of the myth say that his invention dates to 1905, others that it dates to 1095 – an 800 year difference! There's supposedly a photograph of him on Twitter , with a caption claiming the year was 1095, which is a solid eight centuries before the invention of photography .

Needless to say, the Nevilis origin story is probably bunk. Putting aside the fact that he could have lived in either of two periods in history 800 years apart (and the 1095 origin story ignores some important facts about public education, including that it didn't exist at the time), the real indicator that his story is fictitious is that it exists only in question-and-answer forums and parenting blogs. On the rare occasions that someone attempts to cite it, it's always with vague words like "various sources" or "some say" or the like.

The real culprit is probably Horace Mann (his statue is above), and even he didn't come up with it. The American education advocate was inspired by a European system, according to Through Education, and it became more or less ubiquitous worldwide in the decades after he introduced it to the U.S.

Is Homework Necessary?

As mentioned previously, homework can be as bothersome for parents and families as it is for the children tasked with doing it, and for evidence, look no further than this 1999 Time article, " The Homework Ate My Family ." But is homework, like doing taxes, just one of those necessary evils that we all have to live with?

As it turns out, the jury is still out on the benefits of homework. For example, in 2019, Forbes highlighted several school districts across the country that have ditched homework, "citing research showing it doesn't do much to boost achievement," as the website notes. However, for a more thorough explanation of both sides of the issue we need look no further than ProCon which, as the website's name makes manifest, lays out the pros and cons of the matter. And in this case, there are points to be made on both sides. Some pros listed are that studies have shown homework increases student achievement and involves parents in the educational process, while studies have also shown that homework doesn't help younger students (while it may help older ones) and that it exacerbates the achievement gap.

Who Invented Homework?

Written by Fredrik

Modified & Updated: 16 May 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

• Education Facts
• Learning Facts
• Research Facts

Homework is the bane of many students’ lives. Many would rather see it disappear as it takes away precious time that people would rather use for hobbies or family time. “Who invented homework ?” is something a student may have exclaimed at some point. And we understand the frustration.

For all the hate that homework gets, its origin is surprisingly unclear. If you search for “who invented homework?” online, you may see many results. Some claim that a specific person invented it, but these sources may not be very accurate. In this article, however, we will uncover the truth about homework’s origins. We’ll also dive a little bit into the age-old question of whether or not homework is actually effective.

The Origins of Homework Are A Bit Disputed

As mentioned earlier, homework has a bit of a mysterious history. The concept of asking students to do work after school may have been around as long as school has existed. On the other hand, it might not be that old. Its history may even depend on exactly how you define “homework”. What is sure is one thing. Like many things, it’s possible that homework doesn’t have a single inventor. Instead, the concept has many progenitors, some of whom thought of it independently.

Now you may be wondering: don’t some sites claim that homework has a single inventor? Don’t they credit homework to a certain Roberto Nevillis? Well, that’s what we’re going to discuss next.

Roberto Nevillis, the “Inventor” of Homework, May Not Have Actually Existed

If you search for “homework inventor” on Google, you may see several hits for a certain Roberto Nevillis. He was supposedly an Italian teacher, whom many websites claim invented homework. However, if you do some deeper research, you will realize that this information may be inaccurate.

The first warning sign is that the Wikipedia article for homework makes no mention of this Nevillis person. While it’s true that Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, it does have standards. Notably, important claims need sources; otherwise, editors will remove them. If he indeed invented homework, surely the article would mention him, with references even. But nope, no mention of him at all.

Another warning sign is that the sources that mention Nevillis even disagree on when he came up with the concept. Some claim he invented it in 1905, which seems really recent. Other sources claim that he instead invented it in 1095. That makes little sense either considering how different education was at the time. Formal education was still a rarity in Europe in that era, especially among the lower classes. Since most lower classes who did receive education got them at home, technically all their studies were homework!

Indeed, if Nevillis did exist, information about his life seems almost non-existent. It’s entirely possible that no such person ever lived. In any case, if anyone did invent homework, it probably wasn’t Nevillis.

Homework Existed As Early As The Roman Empire

In reality, early concepts about “homework” may have already existed for centuries. Of course, this may not necessarily mean the homework we know today. However, this idea still encompasses activities like practicing or studying at home.

According to some writers, Pliny the Younger may have espoused an early form of “homework”. He encouraged students to improve their speaking skills outside formal education centers. For example, if the students were at home, they could hone their skills there. Obviously, speaking is more of physical activity than writing or reading . As such, practicing at home may not exactly be “homework”. Still, this shows that the idea of doing education-related work at home has been around for so long.

Johann Gottlieb Fichte May Have Invented Homework As We Know It

As for the “title” of the true inventor of homework, there are two people who have a good claim. One of them is Johann Gottlieb Fichte. Many historians consider him to be the father of German nationalism. Apart from his political life, he made some contributions to education. And unsurprisingly, these contributions happened because he wanted to promote a united German state.

Fichte’s innovation was Volksschule , a form of compulsory education. The state would support students and provide them with education. In exchange, the state would become part of people’s private lives . Homework began as a way for education to have a place in home affairs. By extension, this also extended the state’s role to the home. His ideas continue to influence German education to this day.

Horace Mann Helped Popularize The Concept In The United States

Another person who can claim to be the inventor of modern homework is Horace Mann. Mann was the first president of Antioch College, an Ohio-based institution that still exists today. Mann visited Europe and found the European methods of education to be inspiring. Upon returning to America, he decided to implement what he observed back in his native Massachusetts. Among the things he introduced was, you guessed it: homework.

His ideas weren’t limited to homework, however. Today, teachers and others praise Mann for his efforts to make education more accessible to the masses. Some even consider him to be the progenitor of common schools in America. Through his efforts, many reforms took place in Massachusetts. Among these was the establishment of a proper school board. He also strived to ensure that teachers had proper training and were effective in their jobs. Apart from his education career, he also served in the US House of Representatives. There, he advocated not just for good quality education but also for women’s rights.

Centuries after his death, Mann’s efforts to promote public schooling are still felt today. Homework-hating students may want to curse him for helping popularize homework. On the other hand, it would probably be better to thank him for allowing students to have the chance to have formal schooling at all.

Homework Was Unpopular At First

Considering homework’s ubiquity these days, you might think that the American education system embraced it from the get-go. But actually, it was not popular at first. Reasons varied, including people being skeptical about the need to do school-related activities at home. Many even thought that the idea would be harmful to the well-being of students.

Notable efforts against it included California banning homework in 1907; a ban which lasted for over a decade. Many prominent publications also questioned the practice. In the 1930s, the American Child Health Association, a government agency, even claimed that homework was a form of child labor !

How did the education sector warm up to the idea of homework? It comes from an unlikely source: the Cold War. At the time, the United States believed it had the lead over the Soviet Union when it came to education and science. However, events such as the launch of Sputnik 1 dampened this enthusiasm. This led to the so-called Sputnik crisis of the late 1950s. Homework was actually one of the ways the US thought it could close this perceived gap with the Soviets. By making students study at home, the US hoped that this could give them an edge in education.

Some Countries Ban or Discourage Homework

Even to this day, homework’s existence is controversial. Many education experts remain skeptical about its worth. Others also criticize it on the grounds that it gives students less time for hobbies, family time, or other free time. Indeed, homework (among other factors) has been linked to increased anxiety among students.

A number of countries either limit or even ban homework outright. One notable example is Finland . Finnish education is quite different compared to the rigid forms of education in other countries. Notably, students have shorter school hours, and even at school, they have plenty of free time to do hobbies or interact with classmates and friends. Schooling is also less competitive, as there’s less emphasis on grading and instead an emphasis on the student’s learning.

You may think that the Finnish system would make students lazy, given the lack of pressure. But actually, Finland’s education system ranks among the best in the world. Not only that, but Finns in general are also happier than many of their peers. It’s gotten to the point that many other nations are taking inspiration from Finland when discussing education reforms .

Meanwhile, contrary to what you may see in some sources, Japan does have homework. Indeed, it’s actually a bit of a cliche in Japanese media for students to do homework during their summer breaks. Given Japan’s education system is very competitive, it’s probably no surprise that homework is a facet of a student’s life there.

Schooling Itself Has a Long History

While we’re here, it may be worth having a short recap about the history of formal education. That way, we can contrast between homework and schoolwork, and put things into context better.

How old is schooling? It may depend on how you define “education”. If schooling means one learning from another, it’s probably existed since the dawn of humanity. If schooling means formal education, as in some kind of classroom setting, that’s somewhat more recent but still ancient.

The Mesopotamian civilization , the world’s oldest, already had schools. So did many of the ancient civilizations you may be familiar with, such as the Egyptians , Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Indians, and so on. One notable thing was that, during those days, it was mostly boys who received formal education. They would learn how to read, write, do activities, and learn skills. Women usually did not attend school as societies then believed that they should focus on household and family work. Some women did receive education, but they were exceptions and not the norm.

Education gained more significance during the Middle Ages, mainly for religious reasons. Many centers of learning, such as Oxford in Britain, date to this time.

In the United States, schooling began almost as soon as the first colonies appeared. Boston Latin School was the first public school to open in 1635; incredibly, it’s still open after all these years. Eventually, schools popped up across the country, often in the form of single-room schoolhouses. A few of these still exist today, but most schools in the US are now much bigger than that.

So What Have We Learned Today?

Here are our takeaways: Homework as a concept dates back centuries, depending on how you define homework. Roberto Nevillis, whom some websites claim to have invented homework, probably didn’t even exist at all. Two people, Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Horace Mann, helped popularize the concept. And finally, even today, there’s debate as to whether or not it’s necessary at all.

The next time you’re doing your homework and want to curse someone for your extra work, don’t blame Nevillis. After all, it’s hard to blame a person who may actually be the figment of the imagination of some internet writer.

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Who Invented School Homework? [When, Where & How]

You can remember just sitting down and doing homework—no worries, no stress, and getting an A on your paper. School was the best time of your life. Ok, maybe that’s not true, but the point is you would always wonder who invented school homework.

The very first homework assignment can be traced all the way back to 1905 when an Italian teacher named Roberto Nevilis first invented the idea. He wanted his students to get used to thinking for themselves, so he gave them assignments that would require them to look up information and use it in their work.

Whether you’re a student trying to get ahead, or a parent wondering about homework for your own children, this article will help you to get a better understanding of the whole story about homework.

Interested in who invented school tests? Let’s find out here.

What Was the Original Purpose of Homework?

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The person who invented school homework in 1905 is a man named Roberto Nevilis. He created this new way of learning to help students who were struggling with their lessons.

Nevills was passionate about education and had a special interest in how children learn best. He believed that children should be treated as individuals with unique abilities and needs.

He also believed that children should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.

Nevilis realized that some of his students were not getting enough practice at home, so he decided to make a plan that would give them extra practice without them even knowing it.

He made up a booklet of questions for the students to answer about their lessons and gave it to them at the end of each day.

The next morning, he collected the booklets from his students and returned them with corrections and new questions for them to answer during recess.

This system became very popular with teachers all over Europe because it made learning more interesting for both students and teachers alike!

Homework is meant to reinforce what we have already learned during the day.

This can be seen through taking notes in class and then reviewing them after class by doing homework assignments.

This is the reason why many parents are against the idea of giving their children homework.

They believe that if their children did not do their homework, then they should not be punished for it.

The invention of math homework is credited to a man named Roberto Nevilis.

He was born in 1881, and he studied at the University of Rome.

While there, he became interested in mathematics and decided to pursue a career in teaching.

Math homework is a type of assignment that students are required to complete at home.

The purpose of this assignment is to help students learn the material they learn in class, and also to reinforce it.

Math homework can be completed on a variety of subjects, but one of the most common types is algebra and geometry.

The tradition of giving children holiday homework goes back to the 1920s.

It was thought to be a good way to keep children occupied over Christmas and New Year.

The practice became popular amongst schools in America and spread to Britain during World War II when many schools were evacuated to the countryside.

The practice continued after the war ended, but has since declined in popularity.

However, some schools still use it as a way of helping pupils keep up their grades during long periods away from school.

Read about the inventor of school uniforms .

In the 20th century, summer homework was invented to ensure that students did not forget what they learned during the school year.

Homework was a way for parents and teachers to ensure that students retained their knowledge.

Summer homework has been around for decades, but some parents don’t think it’s necessary. In fact, some argue that it’s harmful.

The debate over whether or not summer homework for school is good for children continues today.

Students may have different opinions about whether or not summer homework is necessary.

Some students enjoy being able to relax during the summer months and have time to do other activities.

Homework memes have become an internet sensation and the inventor is nowhere to be found.

The fact that the inventor of the homework meme is unknown adds to the mystery, making it more popular than ever.

The original source of the meme is unknown. It could be a high school student or even a college student.

Whoever it was, they definitely did not expect homework memes to become so popular.

The invention of homework is a bit complicated. Some say that Roberto Nevilis invented homework in the 20th century.

Others claim that it existed in Ancient Greece. However, most people agree that the Russians did make homework assignments first.

Homework was used as a way to teach children moral values and ethics .

Nevilis’ homework is said to be one of the most important inventions of all time.

It was an invention that revolutionized education and changed the way people think about learning.

It is said that he came up with this idea while working as a teacher in a local school in Greece.

One day after class, he found himself sitting alone in his room wondering if there was anything else he could do to help his students learn more effectively.

Who Invented Homework for Students?

The first person who invented school homework for students was Roberto Nevilis, an Italian teacher.

The idea behind homework was to improve students’ knowledge and, at the same time, to punish lazy students

He believed that if students were allowed to practice skills and concepts at home, their understanding of those things would be greater.

He also felt that homework could help teach responsibility and independence by giving students an opportunity to apply what they had learned in new situations outside of school.

Nevilis’ idea spread quickly throughout Europe and later to North America.

Today, homework is still used as a tool for teaching students important skills related to math, a science tutoring business, language arts, and more!

High school students are under a lot of pressure. Between preparing for college and dealing with the stress of being in high school, homework can be a huge burden for many students. Here are some reasons why homework is bad for high school students:

• It takes time away from other activities that are more important to them, like spending time with friends or practicing sports.
• Homework can cause stress, which can lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
• Homework can lead to poor grades because it takes away from the time students have to study for tests and quizzes in class, which leads to lower grades on those tests and quizzes (and possibly even failure).

Many people wonder did Roberto Novelis invent homework. The answer is: YES.

Roberto Novelis was an Italian teacher who invented school homework. He was born in 1877 and died in 1957 at the age of 80.

Roberto was a teacher at the University of Padua in Italy, where he worked for 52 years.

One day, while he was teaching his students about algebraic equations, he realized that they did not understand what he was saying.

So instead of repeating himself and giving them more examples, he decided to give them homework instead.

Roberto wanted to see if it would help his students understand better if they practiced on their own time instead of during class time.

It worked! His students were able to practice at home until they understood what the lesson was about and could answer questions correctly when he gave them back their assignments later in class.

Why Was Homework Invented?

If you’re curious about why homework was invented you should know that initially homework was invented because of the need to strengthen students’ understanding of the lessons they were taught in class.

While some teachers used it as a punishment, others used it as a way to ensure that their students understood and embraced the lessons fully.

Homework was invented because of the need to strengthen students’ understanding of the lessons they were taught in class.

It was used to punish students who were not paying attention in class, or who could not pay attention due to other responsibilities.

Homework was also used as an extension of classroom learning, where the students are given an assignment that requires them to apply what they have learned by creating something new based on their knowledge base.

Homework exists because it’s a good way to practice what you’ve learned in class.

It also helps you learn how to study and manage your time, so when you go into the real world, you’ll be able to keep up with all the things you need to do.

It can help you identify gaps in your understanding of concepts, which can then be filled by another activity or lesson at home or in class.

Homework is a great way for teachers to see how well students are grasping their lessons, and it allows them to adjust their teaching methods as needed.

When Was School Homework Invented?

You might wonder when was homework invented. Well, the answer is that it wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century. 

In fact, it’s hard to imagine a world without schoolwork at all!

But before then, children were expected to spend their time doing things that were more useful for their families or communities.

But in the early 1900s, more and more people started going to school for longer periods.

And as more children went to school for longer periods, they needed additional assignments that would help them learn new concepts—and this was when homework became popularized! 

In many schools homework was a part of the punishment for lazy and naughty students.

Nowadays, we don’t think twice about handing our kids assignments or asking them to do extra work at home. But remember: It wasn’t always like that!

To be even more precise, school homework was first invented in 1905 by an Italian teacher named Roberto Nevilis.

This practice spread to other countries and gained popularity.

 Years after it was first invented, giving students homework every day became standard in most schools around the world.

The reason why this practice became so popular around the world was that it helped students learn more about the subjects they were studying and improve their grades, which in turn made them more likely to succeed in life.

Did you know that homework was originally invented as a form of punishment?

It’s true! The practice of assigning students homework began in the late 19th century when educators believed that children needed to be taught how to spend their free time productively.

It wasn’t until the late 20th century that researchers discovered the benefits of homework, and it became an essential part of classroom learning.

However, some experts believe that homework is counterproductive and harmful to students’ health.

According to them, take-home assignments are stressful and overburden students.

Types Of Homework

There are many types of homework you can do, and they all serve different purposes. Here are just a few of them:

Writing essays is one of the most effective ways for students to learn how to express themselves in writing style

Students should use their imagination and creativity when doing this type of homework. This type of homework helps students develop their imagination and creativity skills.

Students are given specific tasks, which they have to solve as part of their homework. Their task is to master the material under study according to the textbook and perform it in an exam or a test. 

A student has an opportunity to perform oral exercises during his/her free time outside school.

If a student wants to participate in any kind of competition, he/she must practice his/her presentation skills as much as possible before participating in competitions. 

History of Homework in Schools in America

Although homework is a mainstay of American education today, it hasn’t always been.

Take a look at the history of school homework in America.

Horace Mann introduced homework to the American education system in 1848.

In 1901, just a few decades after his introduction, homework was banned in the Pacific state of California.

In 1930, the American Child Health Association declared homework a form of child labor and said that it should be abolished because recent laws prohibiting such activities were passed at around the same time.

In its pamphlet, “What Works,” the Department of Education recommended homework as an effective strategy to boost the quality of education.

The report lambasted the state of American public education and called for reforms to right the alarming direction it was headed.

In America, education has changed dramatically since the 1800s.

Nowadays, many educators, students, parents, and other concerned citizens are asking why homework was invented and if it’s still valuable.

These days, looking at school homework is all about making sure that students can do the work they need to do to be college-ready.

Teachers want their students to think critically, resolve problems, and work collaboratively to prepare them for life after high school.

To accomplish this, teachers are shifting away from traditional methods of learning and grading and towards more modern methods of showing students what they need to improve upon.

This means that teachers are often looking at things like group projects, group discussions, and mini-lessons instead of individual tests or essays as ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts.

If you have any questions you can first check this section. Here you can find some of the most common questions when it comes to this topic.

Homework exists to help you take control of your workload, increase your time management skills, and learn how to problem solve independently.

There are no laws against homework in California. In fact, many teachers and schools require students to do homework as part of their learning process.

Students dislike homework because they feel it takes too much time, is boring and pointless, and/or interferes with their social lives.

Research suggests a link between homework and mental health issues in young people, as well as poor academic performance. In middle schoolers, more than 90 minutes of homework per night is associated with lower test scores in math tutoring science.

In conclusion, Roberto Novelis, a man who invented school homework, improved the education system.

He created homework and it made teachers more accountable for what they teach their students.

What are your thoughts on homework? Do you believe that it is helping students or hurting them? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Who Invented Homework?

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Answer: The idea of homework was popularized by Italian educator Roberto Nevilis, who is often credited as the “inventor of homework.”

The origin of homework is unclear and it has likely been assigned to students in various forms throughout history. However, the modern concept of homework, as regular, outside-of-class assignments to be completed by students, can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States.

Objectives of Homework are to:

• Reinforce and deepen understanding of class material
• Promote independent learning and critical thinking
• Prepare students for upcoming lessons and exams
• Develop study habits and time-management skills
• Provide opportunities for students to apply and practice what they have learned.

Features of Homework Include:

• Assigned by teachers to reinforce classroom learning
• Typically completed outside of regular class time
• Can be individual or group work
• Can include a variety of tasks such as writing, reading, problem-solving, or research
• Often graded or evaluated as part of a student’s overall academic performance.

There have been numerous studies and articles on the topic of homework, covering various aspects such as its effectiveness, impact on student well-being, and approaches to assigning and completing homework. Some related resources include:

• The National Education Association’s recommendations for homework, suggest a maximum of 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night
• The meta-analysis “The Relationship Between Homework and Academic Achievement: A Synthesis of Research, 1987-2003” by Harris Cooper and colleagues, finds a positive correlation between homework and student achievement, particularly for older students
• The article “Too Much Homework Is Bad for Kids” by Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish, argues that excessive homework can lead to negative effects on students’ health, well-being, and family life
• The book “The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing” by Alfie Kohn, critiques the assumptions and practices surrounding homework and proposes alternatives.

Ways Forward to Improve Exams and Assessment Practices Include:

• Incorporating a variety of assessment methods, such as projects, presentations, and performance tasks, to better evaluate students’ knowledge and skills
• Providing timely and detailed feedback to students to support their learning
• Allowing for open-book or open-note exams encourages students to use their resources and apply their knowledge
• Implementing technology-enhanced assessments, such as online testing and automated grading, to increase efficiency and fairness
• Incorporating formative assessments, such as quizzes and progress checks, to provide ongoing evaluation of student learning. For example, a school might use a mix of traditional exams, class projects, and self-reflection assignments to assess student learning in a history course.

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