How to Approach Homework

Students are often overwhelmed by the amount of homework teachers assign to them. You have multiple classes, covering so many different topics. It is easy to become overwhelmed by homework, and not know where exactly to start. Furthermore, the material in these assignments isn’t always a breeze either. At times it is challenging, prompting the students to think outside the box and apply concepts that were taught in previous lessons.

            So how exactly should a student approach homework while still ensuring that one does not go insane, and maintains good work quality?

            First things first, you need to settle down and get ready to do work. Put away your computer games, and your cell phones if you have to. Sit down at your desk, and take a deep breath. This is where having an organized binder comes handy. Take out your assignments and organize them by subject, so you can tackle them one by one.

            Secondly, approach each homework assignment one at a time. If you can’t do them individually, it will be impossible to manage multiple subjects at once. Focus on a single homework assignment first. I personally like to work on the easier subjects first as a warm up for my brain, and get those out of the way. Then once you got all the small fries, you are ready for the boss battle against the toughest homework assignment of the day.

            Thirdly, do not panic. A hundred problems for homework? Sounds like torture. Well, sometimes it is torture. But guess what? The assignment is not going to do itself, so you better start working! On the bright side, usually if there are 100 problems, they are probably easy, read and go questions. The worst thing to do at this moment is lose your cool, which will only be a waste of time in hindsight.

            Fourth, do homework one problem at a time. If there is a tough problem and you’ve been stuck on it for forever, skip it and come back later. Perhaps you will get an epiphany or there will be an identical example problem later to help you out! Don’t let one problem stress you and don’t waste time sulking on that one thing! Keep moving!

            Fifth, use your book and your notes! Your book is there for a reason, or else your teacher wouldn’t lecture out of it (sounds crazy right?). Check your book for examples, because a lot of the time, the homework problems are literally copies of example problems presented in the lesson with different numbers. Use the book as a reference for each type of problem, and if not, use your notes if you have any! They are great tools.

            Lastly, take a break every now and then. You don’t have to work on homework for five hours straight. That’s just cruel and unusual punishment and nobody wants that for you. Take a short break after a bit (I personally like to take breaks after the completion of a large assignment), and let your brain rest for a bit before the next big thing. You deserve it.

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