These tips will help students, their parents, college students, and anyone studying, regardless of age.
First, you need to rethink your task. How much time should be spent on homework based on grades?
Opinions on this matter may differ. However, according to experts, homework should not be put in first grade. And doing your homework shouldn’t take you any longer than indicated here:
1.5 hours a day – for students in grades 2-3;
2 hours a day – for students in grades 4-5;
2.5 hours a day – for students in grades 6-8;
3.5 hours a day – for 9th grade and above.
For comparison, the National Education Association in the United States adheres to the Research Spotlight on Homework 10-minute rule: In each subsequent lesson, homework is done 10 minutes longer than in the previous one. So, a first grader should meet in 10 minutes, a second grader in 20. In the sixth grade, preparation for classes lasts 1 hour, and for the final, twelfth grade, 2 hours.
Studies conducted in the United States show that even high school students are contraindicated to sit on textbooks for more than 2 hours. Academic success does not increase as a consequence, but fatigue accumulates, and with it the desire to learn disappears. Fortunately, students can transcribe audio to text to make the learning process easier.
What prevents you from doing your homework quickly?
As a general rule, the following factors slow down the process:
- the curriculum has been reorganized;
- inability to concentrate;
- inability to properly allocate time;
- fatigue;
- lack of motivation.
The first point, when the program is too complex for a particular student, requires a serious rethinking of the educational process. You may need to contact teachers, find mentors, or even switch to a lighter educational program.
Usually, the issue is still in the other four reasons. If you pay attention to them at the beginning of the school year, the chances of you starting an important subject, and being among the chronic laggards, will be minimized.
How to help focus
1. Organize a comfortable workplace
Too high or low desk, uncomfortable fit, extraneous noise – all these little things irritate, reduce concentration and generally have a negative effect on well-being.
Ideally, you need a separate desk for the task in front of the window. The chair must be stable and adjustable, to guarantee maximum comfort and relieve the back. If your feet do not rest on the floor, but hang in the air, buy a special support.
2. Clean out your desk and drawers
This is something necessary. First, clutter is distracting. Secondly, more time is spent looking for the necessary items that should be at hand. Having removed all unnecessary things, you can conveniently organize notebooks, books and everything you need to complete homework.
3. Put down your cell phone and disconnect from social networks
Nothing distracts from the task like messengers, mobile games, and other smartphone freebies. When getting ready for class, place your cell phone as far away as possible and set it to Do Not Disturb mode. Just in case, make a list of contacts they can call even while you’re preparing for your math test.
If you are doing a task on the computer, develop the habit of disconnecting from all social networks.
4. Wear comfortable clothes
The less something presses, rubs, itches and restricts movement, the more likely they are to focus on the main thing. In this case, on the task.
5. Play classical music
This tip isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth a try. Some studies confirm that the classics promote concentration and the assimilation of information.
However, not all classical music is equally beneficial for learning. Let classical music help you. For example, symphony concertos with their rich sound and dynamics are more likely to distract from the main task, but piano works by Mozart, Poulenc or Debussy can be an excellent background for lessons.
How to distribute time correctly
1. Start your homework as soon as possible
It is optimal to do everything immediately after the class, before the knowledge gained disappears from memory.
2. Organize tasks according to their importance
There is always a task that can be postponed until tomorrow. And if there is a big risk that today you still do not have time to do the whole volume, it is better to spend more time on what you are burning. For example, preparing for tomorrow’s exam.
3. Start with the most difficult tasks
The longer you sit on your task, the lower your efficiency and concentration will be. This is understandable – fatigue gradually accumulates. It makes sense to start with difficult tasks – with a fresh head, you will be able to complete them faster, and then move on to something simpler. If you’re still having trouble, you can use a writing assistant for help with your essays.
4. Rest
There seems to be a contradiction here: if you have to do something faster, why waste time on breaks? But research has repeatedly confirmed that after a break, the ability to concentrate and efficiency at work increases. This means that the task can be solved in a shorter time.
One of the key techniques of modern time management, the Pomodoro technique, is based on this principle. The scheme “25 minutes of hard work – 5 minutes of rest” is also suitable for the educational process. The periods may be different, but the principle remains the same.
How to get rid of fatigue?
1. Get your energy back
After a busy school day, it is undesirable to sit down to classes on an empty stomach. Due to lack of energy, he will fall asleep on the book and work on tasks at a snail’s pace. A light snack and a sufficient amount of water will help fill the energy reserve and fuel the brain.
2. Let in some fresh air
Fatigue can be caused by a lack of fresh air and oxygen. It is good if fresh air is constantly circulated in the room. In cold weather, open windows for at least 5 minutes every hour.
3. Move more often
During breaks, be sure to get out of your chair, go for a walk, or do some exercises to warm up and release muscle tension.
How to improve motivation?
1. Don’t forget the benefits of homework
Its execution is not a useless and aimless pastime. Homework is essential to consolidate knowledge, gain new information and feel confident. If you remind yourself of the importance of what you are doing, the process is more alive.
Regular homework develops many useful skills: from time management to self-education skills to the need to constantly learn something new.
2. Enjoy your breaks
Read all your friends’ text messages and have a little chat. Eat a candy. Or listen to your favorite soundtrack. Try to make the most of the five minute break.
3. Try to do it without help
In case of difficulties, there is always the temptation to seek help from parents or friends who know more about the subject. Freelancing with unknown people may take longer. Gradually, you will be able to quickly find the necessary information and solve tasks.
Zayn Tindall
Zayn currently works as an English teacher at one of the reputed universities in New York. He even worked as a career counselor for the last 5 years. Zayn likes to spend his spare time reading educational books, novels, and writing educational blogs and articles. Professionalism
Read more
Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education