Homework can feel like it’s taking ages to get done. When you have your homework assignments in front of you, half an hour can feel like an eternity. However, homework doesn’t need to feel like a marathon. If you feel like homework is taking ages to complete, you’re probably doing homework wrong!
There is the right and wrong way to do homework. When you do homework the right way, you will soon find yourself blowing through your assignments like a breeze. You can also get the actual benefits of homework, like being able to remember your lessons more easily. By doing homework the right way, you’re also passively preparing for your annual exams. So what’s the right way to do homework? Let’s find out!
Rule #1: Have a Dedicated Study Space
If you’re like most other students out there, you’re probably doing homework on your bed or couch. This is a bad habit for two reasons. Firstly, your brain starts associating these spaces with being ‘at work’. You will soon start having trouble getting to sleep there. Secondly, you will never be able to fully be ‘at work’ because your brain also associates it with relaxing and sleeping.
Instead, have a dedicated study space. It can be a spot on the floor of your room, you can get a desk for your room, or it can be any quiet spot in the house. Organize this space as a clean space helps you focus. Keeping everything close at hand will also mean you’re getting up to search much less.
Rule #2: Make a Plan
Once you have your dedicated study space, sit there and make your study plan. Your study plan can include as much or as little as you’d like. It is suggested that you schedule leisure time and slots for doing nothing as well. These are important to give yourself some space to breathe during busy times.
Make plans for your homework as well. If you have been given a project or essay as a homework assignment, assign days where you will plan the project, do research on it, make a rough draft, and so on. Giving yourself deadlines can help you manage your time and ensure you don’t procrastinate.
Rule #3: Get Rid of the Distractions
One of the reasons homework can seem to take time is because you are distracted. When you’re trying to focus, and something distracts you every few minutes, you’ll feel like the original task is never-ending. Thus, to finish this chore fast, you have to focus. Assess a study period and list everything that’s distracting you.
When you study, keep your phone on charge away from you. Put on a pair of headphones if there are other people in the house being loud. If you don’t like silence, you can use a white noise machine or app. If you use apps during this time, put your phone in airplane mode or silent mode and keep the screen down.
Rule #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Homework is where you assess how much you’ve learned in class. Didn’t understand a concept? You’re likely going to end up struggling with your homework. When you notice this happening, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family, or even teachers. If you are doing classes online, you can seek help online as well.
If you look online, answers can be found at Homeworkmarket, online forums, chat rooms, blogs, and hobby magazines as well. There are plenty of resources online for you to choose from. You can even do your research for larger projects from these, as they may cover perspectives that aren’t popularly talked about.
Rule #5: Be Consistent and Forgive Yourself
Okay, these are two rules in one, but each component is equally important. It is essential to stick to your plan as much as you can. Make a sincere effort to stick to the schedule and be honest with yourself about not slacking off. You will want to make excuses, but it’s essential to recognize the need but choose to step away from the option. This is important to keep in mind as we come to the next part of this rule.
Forgive yourself for messing up sometimes. You are a kid. It happens. There are bigger things in life than missing out on a day’s schoolwork or not turning in an assignment on time. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you should speak to your school counselor or even your parents about it. Make sure you remember to sneak some life into that study plan of yours!