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Explanation of ways to do homework faster and easier, but yet learning more, to get good grades. Also refer to time management, reading skills, memory, focus, education, self-improvement, excellence, training, attitude, motivation, high school, college, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Zip Through Homework

by Ron Kurtus (revised 15 September 2002)

Some students seem to spend more time on their homework than they would like to. For them, it seems like it never ends. They feel that homework is a drag and takes much more time from life than it should. Instead, their philosophy should be that they zip through their homework, so they can go out and have fun but still learn the material and get good grades.

Questions you may have include:

• Why don't many students zip through their homework?
• What attitudes do you need?
• Are there any special skills needed?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Many don't zip

Most students would like to spend less time on their homework but very few actually look into methods that can cut the time spent on it.

Some simply skip their homework and pay the consequences of poor grades and not learning things. Others are so worried about doing well, that they devote their lives to homework instead of being able to go out and have some fun.

You don't want to spend more time than is necessary on homework unless it is something you truly enjoy doing. You want to get through the material in the most effective and efficient ways possible.

Have an attitude of speed

How fast you go through your homework has much to do with your attitude and priorities. You should think in terms of speed and getting the work done, even before you start. The choice is yours whether to spend the whole evening on homework or to get the job done as soon as possible.

Focus on allotted time

If your goal is to get through with your homework as soon as possible, because you have other things you want to do, then you must set your mind to that goal and focus at completing the task in an allotted time period.

How much time should you spend?

Teachers usually have an idea of how long the homework assignments they give should take you. Some say you should spend one hour per class hour, while other teachers require less time.

Find out what their estimate is. If you are taking much longer than the teacher expects, then it is possible that you are ineffective in your study habits.

Time yourself

Time how long it takes you to do the homework in each subject. By measuring the approximate time it takes, you can tell if you are spending more time than you should on a specific subject.

Use special homework skills

Once you have set your mind to how you are going to do your homework, you get down to the actual task. Homework usually consists of reading material in your textbook and doing written assignments. Sometimes you must do outside research on a subject.

You want to be able to read the material rapidly, understand what you read and remember important points. Then you must answer questions, solve problems or write out reports. You want to go through each area quickly and efficiently. In some areas there are skills to increase your effectiveness.

(Check out the lessons on Special Homework Skills and Reading Faster for detailed tips and methods).

Get it done

You want to get your homework done as fast as possible. Who wants to spend excess time on homework, when there are other things to do? The way to do get it done is to manage your time, don't get sidetracked, keep focused and switch subjects when saturated.

(See Get Homework Done for more information.)

Summary

You can zip through your homework if you have the proper mind-set, use some simple techniques such as reading faster and improving your memory, and focus on finishing your homework.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Examine how you do things

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

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. Why don't most students zip through their homework?

2. What attitude is needed to get homework done faster?

3. What special skill can help you zip through your homework and learn the material?

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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Zip Through Homework