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Explanation of ways to get your homework done as effectively as possible. Also refer to faster, easier, learning, good grades, time management, music, TV, focus, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Get Homework Done
by Ron Kurtus (revised 21 December 2008)
In order to finish your homework as fast as possible, you need to manage your time and make sure you don't become sidetracked. Instead, keep focused on your homework goal and switch subjects when mentally saturated on a specific subject.
Questions you may have include:
- How do I manage my time?
- What can sidetrack me?
- What does switching subjects do?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Manage your time
Once you get your assignments for the day, you need to make some plans to manage how you will spend your time. Determine how much time you want to spend on homework and if you have other pressing engagements to attend that evening.
Set aside a certain amount of time to do each homework assignment. It is not a bad idea to write down your time schedule.
Then try to blast through each subject, concentrating on getting the job done. In this way you won't dawdle or doodle. If you don't have a time limit set on a subject, you may take longer than necessary to finish your homework.
Don't be sidetracked
If you are trying to finish your homework quickly, don't let yourself be sidetracked by minor distractions. Set aside specific time periods for doing your homework. You can always phone your friend at a different time or during a break.
Keep focused
One thing to do is to concentrate on getting the job done. Unless you have a hyperactive mind, don't try to do several things at once. Rather, focus on doing your homework right away, so then you can enjoy some free time.
Music
Many students like to listen to music while studying. If music doesn't interfere with your mental concentration, fine. Some students can listen to music while studying, some can't. See what works best for you.
Television
Do NOT watch television while doing your homework. It will take you forever to finish your homework, and you will most likely do a poor job at it.
(For students who have having trouble keeping focused, see Harness Your Hyperactivity for some ideas on this subject.)
Friends
If you are doing homework with friends, make sure you don't spend too much time goofing around or talking. (See Doing Homework with Friends for more ideas.)
Switch subjects
If you have a lot of homework to do, try switching subjects every 40 minutes or so. If you stay on one subject for too long, you can become mentally saturated and less efficient.
Researchers found that when you become saturated and change to a completely different subject—like from Math to English—you use a different part of your brain. This results in a mental freshness and being able to get more done. Later, you can go back to the original assignment to finish it at that time.
If you pace yourself like this, you will be able to get a lot more done in a shorter span of time. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Summary
Concentrate on getting your homework done by managing your time. Keep focused on your homework goal and don't become sidetracked. Switch to a different subject when you feel mentally saturated.
Enjoy life
Resources
The following are resources on this subject.
Websites
B.J. Pinchbeck's Homework Helper - Listing of over 600 homework-related sites. Impressive, but almost too much information.
Homeworkhelp.com - Provides some free lessons but also charges for better information.
Homework Help - Homework tips. Can post questions and get answers.
Books
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in School. If you had problems, look over the material again.
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