Students who try to convince their parents that they can effectively study and do homework in the great room within earshot of rattling pots and pans as dinner is being prepared, a blaring television, and chatting relatives could be trying to put one over on their folks.

“A lot of kids say they can study while the television is on and while everyone else is making noise,” said Terri Jackson Wallace, head of middle school at Maumee Valley Country Day School. “Research tells us that a lot of kids cannot multitask.”

And although quiet music may be a good backdrop for students who are studying, it may not work for those who “are easily distracted,” said Ms. Jackson Wallace, who added, “environment really does matter.”

“Some people work and study best in a library. If you know that about yourself, then you are setting yourself up for success. If you know you need quiet space, and if you have found a place that works best for you, where you are most successful, then that is where you should stay,” Ms. Jackson Wallace said.

As out-of-date as it may seem in a world overrun by talking technology at our fingertips, the decades-old concept of a quiet place for students to study is as important today as it was for previous generations of the K through 12th grade set.

“Parents need to provide a work space or study area at home that is free from noise or distractions,” said Taryn Miley, Springfield Local Schools director of curriculum instruction and assessment for grades kindergarten through five. “In that work area they need to have supplies — pencils, references such as a dictionary, assignment books to record whether they have completed their assignments.”

A good chair, proper lighting, comfortable room temperature, tools to maintain organization, and a tidy work area are other important study area factors.

Jim Gault, Toledo Public Schools executive transformational leader of curriculum, said parents should establish a regular time each day for children to study, and to make sure they hit the books when that time comes.

“Studying is something that should be happening nightly. It should be a routine, in the same location, with ground rules or guidelines in terms of uninterrupted time. Just because you don’t have homework doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be studying,” Mr. Gault said. “It becomes routine for students to know that [at a specific time] they have to do homework or study or read ahead or look at notes.”

Other educators agree.

“Some students need to start their homework right away when they get home,” said Ms. Miley. “Others need a break, so it depends on your children.”

Time management is vital to developing and maintaining good study habits, Ms. Miley said. It helps students learn to set short and long-term goals for projects to avoid becoming overwhelmed. For example, instead of trying to write a research paper right before its due date, do so over several weeks, as big projects are typically given well in advance.

“So instead of looking at it as a whole and worrying about it, the first week you do the outline, the second week the rough draft, and so on,” said Ms. Miley.

Meanwhile, sometimes parents complain about the amount of homework given their children.

“A lot of parents will say my son or daughter is spending two hours on homework,” Ms. Jackson Wallace said.

Looking into whether students are actually working or doing something else — such as cruising the Internet, texting friends, playing games — may reveal what’s really happening. The goal, after all, is for homework to “reinforce what is taught in class,” Ms. Miley said. With the exception of special projects, Springfield schools curbs homework assignment to about 10 minutes per grade level. Kindergartners shouldn’t spend more than 10 minutes on homework assignments in an evening.

Ms. Jackson Wallace said homework starts in the classroom.

“If they are studying for a test, that starts in the classroom. How active are they in the classroom? Are you asking questions, talking with your peers about what you understood the lecture to be or the new concept to be?” Ms. Jackson Wallace said. “So instead of taking it all home you are taking it and studying throughout the day.”

Of course parents are more hands-on with younger students. And while they back off as middle and high school students assume more responsibility for their work, Ms. Jackson Wallace urges them to not let go completely.

“Parents should be taking the back seat, but remain a passenger. Ask questions at dinner or during car rides,” said Ms. Jackson Wallace.

Additionally, parents’ attitudes about school affects their youngsters, and a good way to demonstrate school’s importance is by reading and writing with young children, Mr. Gault said.

“And get to know your child’s teacher,” he said. “When parents are engaged, their students do better. [Also], have an ongoing dialogue with the teacher and volunteer at the school.”

Ms. Miley said children notice positive behavior in parents.

“It’s important, number one, for parents to establish positive work habits at home. That may be modeling how they are creating lists and setting goals and checking off tasks as they are completed. Model being on time to events and even establishing guidelines for what quality work looks like. We do that in school and it’s important for parents to enforce at home,” Ms. Miley said.

“The number one suggestion is to value education and always be positive about future goals and letting students know they can do anything possible.”

Contact Rose Russell at rrussell@theblade.com or 419-724-6178.

First Published August 2, 2015, 4:00 a.m.