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Tips
for Getting Homework Done Efficiently
Homework
is necessary. There is no getting around it- it's there. Doing homework
is the virtual key to succeeding at school. Most students-and their
parents- struggle with homework, side-by-side. Whenever students fail
or do bad on homework, grades slip like melted butter. These students
can then have social problems.
Some people make excuses. "My child has no homework, Why doesn't
the school give them homework?" is a common one. "My child
is really smart, but they see no educational value of studying their
homework." is another common excuse. This, however, is not true.
Whatever the parent says is what the child is telling them. When children
get C's or D's, it is usually because of a lack of doing homework.
There
are some children who have no trouble with school or homework. They
usually make straight A's. This is not because they are bright, but
because they study. The homework is brought home and done on time. 80%
of the people in America have to "fight the homework battle."
One way
to get homework done is to do your homework as soon as you get home,
especially if you are a latchkey kid. As soon as you get home, do your
homework and try to finish it.
Another approach is to set certain expectations, or, set goals for homework.
To make A's and B's is the result of hard work and perseverance toward
your goals. Having -and keeping-
good grades depends on completing homework. You need to do your homework
to achieve the good grades.
Try to have interest in school- do a daily review of school. Tell your
parents about school. Don't use excuses (when referring to homework)
like "It's OK", "There's no homework", or "The
<insert subject here> teacher has it in for me." Tell your
parents what's going on. They are there to help you, not hurt you.
Get a good study place instead of your room. Do your homework at the
table with your parents. Try to have an organized schedule. Study with
a parent or a friend.
Good
Study Skill Tips:
1. Know
what to study. Don't go home unprepared. Know your homework and be familiar
with it. Decide an order to study with and take into consideration the
amount of homework in each subject. Set deadlines and stick to them.
2. Do difficult tasks first. Don't do the easy stuff right away. Do
the harder thing first, so that you will have a "break" when
it comes time to do the easy stuff. If you procrastinate, then do a
simple thing first.
3. Have a certain place to study. As mentioned in the above paragraph,
find a place to study. Play relaxing music and find a clean, clutter-free
place to work. Be sure to take into consideration the amount of materials
you have to use (tape, scissors) and the lighting.
4. Do long periods and then take short breaks. This applies mainly during
projects, reports, and sick days. Do a reasonable amount of homework
(ex. 30min) then take a short break (ex. 5min).
5. If you get bored, switch to another subject to study. The way to
do homework is NOT to bore yourself with one subject. If you get bored
then switch subjects.
6. Study with a friend. This is a good way to review for tests. Review
and compare notes. Make up expected test questions. Try quizzing each
other. That is a good way for you to study, learn, and spend time with
friends.
Exam
Study
1. When
the Exam is Announced
a.) Find out what the exam is going to cover
b.) Find out what kind of exam it will be, such as multiple questions,
essay, short stories, etc.
2. Exam Study:
a.) Make summaries for your notes and textbook chapters
b.) Spend several nights- about 4 to 6- making a final review of the
materiel.
c.) Stress the following in your exam studies:
1. Points emphasized in class or textbook.
2. Areas the professor or teacher advises for studies.
3. Questions on past quizzes, textbook questions, and study guides.
4. Preparation by Type of Exam
a.) Objective Exams: Study as if it was an essay exam.
b.) Stress specifics:
1. Definitions of key terms and examples
2. Lists of different examples
3. For True/False exams, write some false answers
c.) Essay Exams:
1. Stress concepts
2. Practice writing
Hope
this helps . . .
~Lawrence
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