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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 (12 May 2001)

In order to get your homework done as fast as possible, you need to manage your time, make sure you don't get sidetracked, rather keep focused on your homework goal, and switch subjects when saturated.

Questions you may have are:

• 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 there are 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 out 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 on a subject, you may take longer than you need to get it finished.

Don't get sidetracked

If you are trying to get your homework done quickly, don't let yourself get sidetracked by some minor distraction. Set 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 getting it done right away, so that you can enjoy some free time.

Music

Many like to listen to music while studying. If it doesn't interfere with your mental concentration, fine. Some can do it, some can't. Try to 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 those having trouble keeping focused, see Harness Your Hyperactivity for some ideas on this subject.)

With friends

If you are going to do 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 to switch 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 if you change to a completely different subject (like from Math to English) you are using a different part of your brain and can get a lot more done. You can get back to the original to finish it later.

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, keeping focused, and remaining fresh by switching subjects.

Answers to Readers' Questions

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.

Good Grades Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Studying

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. What is an important part of managing your time?

2. What is wrong with watching television while studying?

3. Why should you try to switch subjects after around 40 minutes?

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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