As parents, we often think that if our child simply “revises” or “reads over” their notes, they’ll remember the material and be ready for tests. But a growing body of research shows that what really sticks in the brain is retrieval, actively recalling information and explaining it aloud, not just re-reading or memorising. In other words: talking about homework matters more than passive revision.

This article explains why conversation supports long-term learning, how you can turn homework into meaningful dialogue with your child, and a few simple research-backed strategies you can use tonight.

Why speaking and recalling beats memorising

Memory is like a filing system with effort involved

When a student simply re-reads or highlights their notes, the brain says: “I’ve seen this before” but not necessarily “This is important.” On the other hand, when a child recalls key ideas and explains them aloud, the brain flags them as important, which helps move information into long-term memory. This is known in research as the “testing effect” or “retrieval practice.” Wikipedia+2The Learning Scientists+2

Studies show retrieval practice improves learning across ages

For example, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) blog explains that retrieval must involve actively trying to recall without immediately looking at notes, and that this kind of practice strengthens memory over time. EEF+2The Learning Scientists+2

Talking helps you spot misunderstandings early

When your child explains what they’ve learnt, you can hear where their gaps are—what they know, what they’re unclear about, what questions they can’t answer. This is far more useful than seeing a completed worksheet that might hide confusion beneath polished answers.

How parents can turn homework into a valuable conversation

Here are five simple steps you can use to make homework conversations effective:

1. Choose the right moment

Pick a time after homework when your child is relaxed and able to talk perhaps after a short break, not when they’re exhausted or about to sleep.

2. Ask open-ended recall questions

Instead of “Did you do your homework?”, try “What was the hardest part of your homework tonight?” or “Could you explain to me one concept from your homework as if I’ve never studied it?”

Every week, InstantTutor suggests homework-related questions linked to what your child studied, making it easy to start meaningful conversations about their learning across all subjects.

These prompts push your child to retrieve and explain.

3. Encourage explanation rather than reading

Have them say it aloud: “Tell me how you solved this question” or “What would you say if you were teaching this to your younger sibling?”

Speaking aloud builds stronger memory links than silent study.

4. Ask follow-up “why” or “how” questions

• “Why did you choose that method?”
• “How would you change your answer if the question asked ‘compare’ instead of ‘describe’?”

This pushes them into deeper thinking, beyond just repeating.

5. Reflect together on stuck areas

If your child isn’t sure how to answer a question, ask: “What part did you get stuck on?” Then help them plan a next step (e.g., revisit a topic, or practise a similar question).

This turns confusion into progress.

The research that backs this up

• A 2024 update from the Education Endowment Foundation emphasised that retrieval practice is not merely quizzing, it must engage long-term memory, include a bit of challenge, and come with feedback. EEF
• The blog by the Learning Scientists explains that retrieval practice consistently benefits students of different ages and abilities; the key is actively bringing knowledge to mind. The Learning Scientists+1
• A guide for parents describes retrieval practice as “getting information out of the memory… through talking or writing without notes” and states that this strengthens learning. bury.w-sussex.sch.uk

Why this matters for your child now

• Fewer surprises in exams: If they frequently practise retrieving and explaining, they’re more likely to handle unfamiliar questions confidently.
• Visible progress: When they can explain concepts aloud, you’ll notice growth, not just improved worksheets.
• Better use of study time: Talking and retrieving is more effective than passive reading, so revision time becomes more efficient.
• Stronger confidence: Explaining things builds deep understanding, which boosts confidence and confidence helps performance.

Final thought: Make a habit of the conversation

Rather than simply checking that homework is done, try adding just 5 minutes of conversation: “Explain it to me”, “What did you learn?”, “What puzzled you?” That small shift moves revision from passive to active, from memorising to mastering.