the homework solution

the homework solution

Effective Strategies for Completing Homework Successfully

1. Introduction to Homework

In many classes, especially those with standardized tests, homework has little function other than to serve as documentation that students have completed required work. This work is basically busy work; the assignments have no obvious connection to the other components of the course. In some classes, especially those with no standardized tests, homework is used as practice or self-testing. Each assignment becomes an opportunity for students to figure out what they know and what concepts or skills need further practice. The other functions of homework are to engage students in some independent learning and to help prepare students for the next class.

Solved problems and questions become potential quiz or test questions or even exam questions. The main objective of homework is to hammer out all difficulties while the instructor is there to answer questions. Homework is successful when you can do every problem or question painlessly without outside help. In those cases where it pays to work in pairs or groups, I will specify that. After successfully completing an assignment, ask yourself these questions: What will I be expected to do in class? Do I feel comfortable with these expectations?

2. Time Management Techniques

Families that set up a regular, daily homework time are helping to build good homework habits. “We make it clear that homework is the child’s responsibility,” says the mother of a seventh-grader. “Our son comes home and starts his homework by 3:30 pm on most days. But not on Friday; the public school he attends dismisses classes early every Friday. Friday no one at our house starts homework until 4:30 pm, and everyone pitches in to get it over with as quickly as possible.” Homework typically takes longer than classroom instruction, and it can take less time with distractions or on nights when it seems to come easily.

In third grade, remember, students normally have 30 minutes of homework; in fourth grade, 40 minutes; in fifth grade, 50 minutes; and in sixth grade, 60 minutes. Time estimates are general, and children’s individual work habits and parents’ help can radically change these guidelines. Early elementary school children, who benefit from adult help with their homework, may turn into middle elementary school children who mainly benefit from help in establishing a regular daily homework routine. Parents should plan to check work, offer guidance, and then continue about their other tasks while children work. Older children, who might need parent support with starting and persisting on projects, may benefit from parent checking and encouragement when they complete a section, or when something is going well, or when they finish the assignment. The parent and child homework ritual should express a “we value school work” message, not a “you need constant reassuring from me because I doubt you can do this on your own” message or a “this is just one more unpleasant thing we have to deal with before going to bed” message.

3. Creating a Productive Study Environment

This is essential to good-quality homework. To ensure that a positive study environment is always present in your home, create a designated study space. Make sure that the lights and seating are adequate. Further necessities help ensure that everything needed to complete homework and other assignments successfully is at hand. Things that are frequently used for homework should be easily accessible. Keep textbooks and other necessary learning resources near the homework area. Working in a place that’s just for homework helps ensure that students are kept on track.

Limit noise and distractions. Keep the study space free of loud noises and activities. This may mean keeping younger siblings in a different area of the home during homework time, for example. Headphones and quiet study music can help to minimize this. Take regular study breaks. Young students are energetic and their attention spans are quite flexible. Just because they’re young doesn’t mean they can’t study! However, regularly scheduled study breaks can give students the opportunity to burn off some energy and return to their homework with a fresh perspective. Consider looking at how the Pomodoro Technique can be used to easily plan these breaks and manage study time.

4. Effective Research and Note-Taking Skills

When students know how and where to gather needed material, they feel less overwhelmed by the amount of homework to be done. Students should always browse through the various parts of the library or media center and become familiar with these resources before embarking on a research project. In many cases, the information they need may be found there. More advanced students will often find that college or local community libraries are also helpful sources of information. When gathering information, students need to paraphrase and condense the important points. The best way to do this is by taking notes. Good notes speed up the writing process by reminding the writer about major points which need to be covered in depth.

Effective notes are those on which students can rely. For written notes, the use of clear, large, well-spaced writing with division headings will promote scannable and organized studying. Notes should be clearly divided by topics and subtopics, and students should include all the details needed for writing. When notes are written on 3″ x 5″ or 4″ x 6″ cards, assigning one topic per card makes re-ordering the important points easy. Keep the amount of information on one side concise, highlighting only the necessary details. Numbering the sides and pages makes finding specific details easier to do.

5. Strategies for Maintaining Motivation and Overcoming Procrastination

Why is it that when we begin our homework, we often feel extremely motivated and full of energy to complete that homework, and yet when we try to begin, nothing happens? Often, we feel so bored with the task that we would much rather play outside or text a friend. We end up doing anything but that frustrating homework. One of the first things that you need to do is understand that procrastination is a natural and normal response to a demanding and difficult task. What you need to remember is that an exciting reward waits for you once you complete this difficult task. Remind yourself that the sooner you become absorbed in the task, the quicker you will complete it. You will then have more time to engage in the things that you want to do!

One of the most effective strategies to help control procrastination is to manage your time wisely by setting up a schedule. You may also find it helpful to begin by completing a shorter/harder assignment first in order to give your brain a break. Once you have become absorbed in that easy assignment, make sure you give yourself a break or reward. Find strategies that work best for you to help control your levels of boredom. Create a reasonable reward system by setting up specific goals. Upon successful completion of difficult homework, assign yourself a treat, such as a ten-minute break or mindless game. Make sure the break is not too long that you find yourself not returning to the homework. Finally, make sure to reward yourself with a special treat over the weekend if you have not procrastinated during the previous school week.