Not All Resources Are Equal: How to Choose the Best Content to Support Your Child’s Homework

Want to help your child with their homework but unsure where to begin? Here are some quick, practical tips to get you started.

Finding the right learning materials can be tricky. Curricula and syllabi vary between states, and some books or websites may be outdated or offer inaccurate information. To truly support your child’s learning, you need to be able to identify high-quality content — and filter out the rest.

Start by Defining What “Good Content” Means

Today’s students have unprecedented access to information — not only through the internet but also via digitised books, scholarly articles, and research reports.

The challenge is that so much of this information is unfiltered. Poor-quality or incorrect sources can easily make their way into a project, lowering the quality of the work and impacting how it’s marked. Teachers will notice when sources are unreliable, and marks may suffer as a result.

Quick Guidelines for Assessing Source Quality

In general, quality content should:

• Be current and up to date.
• Come from a credible author or organisation, ideally with educational expertise.
• Include clear, accurate explanations (with examples).
• Be relevant to the assignment or subject area.

A helpful way to assess materials is by using principles adapted from the C.R.A.A.P. Test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose), developed by the Meriam Library at California State University. Ask yourself:

1. When was it published?
2. Who is the author and what are their qualifications?
3. Where does the information come from?
4. Is it supported by evidence?
5. Has it been peer-reviewed?
6. Is the language neutral and free from emotional bias?
7. Are there spelling or grammar mistakes?
8. What’s the purpose? — to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
9. Is there any sign of bias (political, cultural, religious, or personal)?

Where to Find Reliable Educational Materials

Libraries
Your local or school library is always a solid starting point. Library resources are typically vetted for accuracy and relevance. Don’t hesitate to ask librarians for recommendations — they can point you to books, articles, and digital resources that match your child’s project needs.

Australian Curriculum Samples
The official curriculum site offers work samples that can help you and your child understand what’s expected for assignments and projects.

Online Resources

• Scootle – A national repository of over 20,000 digital resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum, including audio, video, and text materials. Many are free to the public via the Open Education Resources section.
• Twinkl – A hub with more than 525,000 teacher-created resources, from practice tests to educational games.
• Common Sense Media – Offers reviews and ratings of apps, websites, and digital tools, helping you choose safe and appropriate resources.

When in Doubt, Get Expert Help

If you’re unsure which resources will best suit your child’s needs — or if you want personalised guidance — Aussie Edu Hub can help. Our tutors not only teach subject content but also guide students in choosing credible, effective materials for homework and projects, ensuring they work smarter, not just harder.