how does homework teaches students how to set priorities

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Neag School of Education

How to use homework to support student success.

• by: Sandra Chafouleas
• January 13, 2022
• Community Engagement

Editor’s Note: Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Sandra Chafouleas shares insights on supporting students’ homework during the pandemic in the following piece, which originally appeared  in Psychology Today , where she publishes a blog.

COVID has brought many changes in education. What does it mean for homework?

School assignments that a student is expected to do outside of the regular school day—that’s homework. The general guideline is 10 minutes of nightly homework per grade level beginning after kindergarten. This amounts to just a few minutes for younger elementary students to up to 2 hours for high school students.

The guidance seems straightforward enough, so why is homework such a controversial topic? School disruptions, including extended periods of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, have magnified the controversies yet also have provided an opportunity to rethink the purpose and value of homework.

Debates about the value of homework center around two primary issues: amount and inequity.

First, the amount of assigned homework may be much more than the recommended guidelines. Families report their children are stressed out over the time spent doing homework. Too much homework can challenge well-being given the restricted time available for sleep, exercise, and social connection. In a 2015 study , for example, parents reported their early elementary children received almost three times the recommended guidelines. In high school, researchers found an average of three hours of homework per night for students living in economically privileged communities.

“ Debates about the value of homework center around two primary issues: amount and inequity.”

Second, homework can perpetuate inequities. Students attending school in less economically privileged communities may receive little to no homework, or have difficulty completing it due to limited access to needed technology. This can translate into fewer opportunities to learn and may contribute to gaps in achievement.

There isn’t a ton of research on the effects of homework, and available studies certainly do not provide a simple answer. For example, a 2006 synthesis of studies suggested a positive influence between homework completion and academic achievement for middle and high school students. Supporters also point out that homework offers additional opportunities to engage in learning and that it can foster independent learning habits such as planning and a sense of responsibility. A more recent study involving 13-year-old students in Spain found higher test scores for those who were regularly assigned homework in math and science, with an optimal time around one hour—which is roughly aligned with recommendations. However, the researchers noted that ability to independently do the work, student effort, and prior achievement were more important contributors than time spent.

Opponents of homework maintain that the academic benefit does not outweigh the toll on well-being. Researchers have observed student stress, physical health problems, and lack of life balance, especially when the time spent goes over the recommended guidelines. In a survey of adolescents , over half reported the amount and type of homework they received to be a primary source of stress in their lives. In addition, vast differences exist in access and availability of supports, such as internet connection, adult assistance, or even a place to call home, as 1.5 million children experience homelessness in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic has re-energized discussion about homework practices, with the goal to advance recommendations about how, when, and with whom it can be best used. Here’s a summary of key strategies:

Strategies for Educators

Make sure the tasks are meaningful and matched..

First, the motto “ quality over quantity ” can guide decisions about homework. Homework is not busy-work, and instead should get students excited about learning. Emphasize activities that facilitate choice and interest to extend learning, like choose your own reading adventure or math games. Second, each student should be able to complete homework independently with success. Think about Goldilocks: To be effective, assignments should be just right for each learner. One example of how do this efficiently is through online learning platforms that can efficiently adjust to skill level and can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

Ensure access to resources for task completion.

One step toward equity is to ensure access to necessary resources such as time, space, and materials. Teach students about preparing for homework success, allocating classroom time to model and practice good study habits such as setting up their physical environment, time management, and chunking tasks. Engage in conversations with students and families to problem-solve challenges When needed, connect students with homework supports available through after-school clubs, other community supports, or even within a dedicated block during the school day.

Be open to revisiting homework policies and practices.

The days of penalizing students for not completing homework should be long gone. Homework is a tool for practicing content and learning self-management. With that in mind, provide opportunities for students to communicate needs, and respond by revising assignments or allowing them to turn in on alternative dates. Engage in adult professional learning about high-quality homework , from value (Should I assign this task?) to evaluation (How should this be graded? Did that homework assignment result in expected outcomes?). Monitor how things are going by looking at completion rates and by asking students for their feedback. Be willing to adapt the homework schedule or expectations based on what is learned.

Strategies for Families

Understand how to be a good helper..

When designed appropriately, students should be able to complete homework with independence. Limit homework wars by working to be a good helper. Hovering, micromanaging, or doing homework for them may be easiest in the moment but does not help build their independence. Be a good helper by asking guiding questions, providing hints, or checking for understanding. Focus your assistance on setting up structures for homework success, like space and time.

Use homework as a tool for communication.

Use homework as a vehicle to foster family-school communication. Families can use homework as an opportunity to open conversations about specific assignments or classes, peer relationships, or even sleep quality that may be impacting student success. For younger students, using a daily or weekly home-school notebook or planner can be one way to share information. For older students, help them practice communicating their needs and provide support as needed.

Make sure to balance wellness.

Like adults, children need a healthy work-life balance. Positive social connection and engagement in pleasurable activities are important core principles to foster well-being . Monitor the load of homework and other structured activities to make sure there is time in the daily routine for play. Play can mean different things to different children: getting outside, reading for pleasure, and yes, even gaming. Just try to ensure that activities include a mix of health-focused activities such as physical movement or mindfulness downtime.

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In This Section

How to prioritize school assignments and homework: 8 tips.

A rigorous homework schedule can help children succeed in their classes and create a clear path for the future. However, students who aren't great at prioritizing assignments or creating good study habits can quickly fall behind and feel anxious about the homework they bring home every day.

So, how can you prioritize your work as a student? Following these tips below can help you create a clear homework schedule, complete your tasks on-time and achieve better learning outcomes.

Understand the Assignments

Completely understanding your assignments will save you time and help you plan effectively. Whenever you get homework, consider how you'll perform the task, how long each task will take to finish, any interconnected tasks and when each one is due.

While this may seem like a lot to take in, it can help to take a few minutes at the start of your homework time to complete a mental rundown of all your assignments. Then, you can start prioritizing assignments and optimizing the time you have to complete homework.

Rely on a Planning System and To-Do Lists

Next, you need to create a homework schedule and a to-do list.

Some people create three different lists — a daily to-do list with priority items marked, a calendar with a list of tasks and assignments with hour-by-hour listings, and an overall list of big projects and tasks. Good study habits rely on at least a daily to-do list. You can make your list by adding everything you need or want to do in a day and then rate the importance of each item.

Prioritizing Homework Assignments

Prioritizing assignments will help you know exactly what you have to do whenever you sit down to do your homework. A rating system works best for understanding which assignments you need to do fast.

For example:

·      Put an "A" beside highly important activities

·      Put a "B" beside somewhat important activities

·      Put a "C" beside activities you want to do but aren't as important

Set Deadlines

Take a look at your ranked items and decide how long it will take to complete each task. Set realistic and honest deadlines so you're not rushing or taking too much time. You can also try giving yourself a buffer between items in case you need extra time.

Be Flexible

While you can plan your daily activities, life happens — and you can't always plan a clearly ordered list. What if a teacher gives you a surprise assignment that's due tomorrow? Or you have a group assignment that takes up more time than you thought? Be flexible, reprioritize and don't let any setbacks prevent you from moving forward with your list.

Get the Worst Assignments out of the Way First

Many people tackle their favorite subjects or homework assignments first. However, the assignments you hate doing are still on your to-do list, and they'll be in the back of your mind until you get them done. Good study habits include completing the worst assignments first, then focusing on what you love.

Take Planned Breaks

Trying to complete all your homework in one sitting can actually make you less productive. Scheduling breaks can help you stay focused and complete more accurate assignments. Try working for 45 minutes, then taking a 10-minute break and repeating until you're done.

Recognize a Job Well Done With a Reward

Another way to stay motivated while tackling your homework schedule is by rewarding yourself every time you complete an important or long task. Whether it's a snack, an additional break or a few minutes on your phone, that reward can help you stay focused.

Get Help With Homework at Wilbraham & Monson Academy

If you or your child struggles with how to prioritize school assignments and homework, Wilbraham & Monson Academy can help create good study habits for the future. You'll feel happy, enthusiastic about learning, engaged with the community, and able to create lifelong friends. Talk to our admissions department today to learn more.

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How to prioritize homework assignments: 5 steps

Katie October 18, 2021 executive function , good habits , homework , productivity , time management

By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed.

Knowing how to prioritize homework is one of the keys to not feeling overwhelmed and falling behind in school.

There are some basic steps to prioritizing homework, which I explain below. But first, let’s get clear on the definition of prioritization.

Prioritization Definition : ranking tasks in order of importance and/or urgency for the purpose of determining which items to give primary attention to.

The goal with prioritizing homework assignments is to figure out which assignments to do first, on days when there’s limited time to begin with. Of course, the expectation is to complete all assignments eventually – but sometimes it really is impossible to complete everything within the time we have available. ( Are you doing too much? )

If you have fallen behind in your homework assignments and feel overwhelmed with getting it all done, the following homework prioritization tips can help you climb out of the hole.

Once you’re in the clear, though, it’s critical that you improve your time management skills so that you don’t end up in the same situation again. At the bottom of this post, I list my top time management resources to get you started.

How to prioritize homework assignments in 5 steps

1. find clarity.

You can’t prioritize what you don’t know. Here’s how to get clarity:

a. Get absolutely clear about everything you need to do. Gather all the information from your various sources (Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard, emails, classroom whiteboards, assignment notebook , syllabus, teacher, classmates, etc.).

b. Write all of the assignments down on a piece of paper and include the due date of each assignment. Don’t worry about organizing the list right now – just write things down.

2. Sort assignments by due date.

a. Organize your list by putting assignments in order of the earliest due date (at the top) to the furthest due date (at the bottom of the list).

b. Put all overdue assignments in another list on the same sheet of paper.

c. Highlight or star all the assignments due the earliest (most likely tomorrow)

3. Start with the assignments with the earliest due date.

You should start with the assignments due first, which you highlighted in step 2. If you don’t know whether to start with the easy ones or the hard ones, read this .

The reason you should start with the assignments with the earliest due date is so that they don’t become late assignments; we have to stop the bleeding at the source. Also, if you “can’t find time” to work on these assignments, read this .

4. Move on to late assignments.

After you’ve completed all the assignments that are due today or tomorrow, move over to your list of late assignments, which you created in part b of step 2. 

a. Start with the assignment worth the most points. Late is late at this point, so we should prioritize this list by IMPORTANCE instead of DUE DATE.

b. Chip away at this list, one or two assignments at a time, until you’ve completed all the assignments, even if it takes you a few days. Try your hardest not to add any items to this list.

5. Chip away at assignments with further-out due dates.

I suggest alternating step 4 and step 5. In other words, go back and forth between completing late assignments (1-2 at a time) and moving forward on upcoming assignments. Focus on the ones that have the most weight, are the most complex, and will take the longest. This includes assignments like essays and projects.

Final notes on how to prioritize homework assignments

Here’s a quick summary of the 5 steps above:

• Figure out exactly what you have to do, and make a list of all your assignments.
• Organize the list by due date, and make a separate list on the same paper of late assignments.
• First, complete all your assignments that are due today or tomorrow.
• Next, move on to completing late assignments and making progress on forthcoming (not due yet) assignments. Alternate between these two lists until you’re done.

Of course, to ensure that you’re not in a situation like this again, tighten up your time management skills with the following resources:

• How to batch assignments
• How to use the Pomodoro Technique
• How to handle multiple projects at once
• How to plan time to study: 3 tips

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The Benefits & Drawbacks Of Having Homework

Benefits of homework, teaching students how to manage their time.

There is no better instrument than homework to teach a child how to manage his or her time wisely.  This means that teaching and practising efficient use of one's time is a responsibility shared by the family and the school.

Even if your kid has other obligations, like playing or doing some minor chores, you should always give them plenty of time to finish their homework. Homework is best accomplished when one is in a calm, focused state of mind. It's important to make sure your kid is fed and rested before you start anything.

Sitting down with your kid and working through their schoolwork together is a great way to instill in them a sense of responsibility and teach them how to prioritise tasks.

As a consequence, with your help, your kid should be able to set his or her own priorities for the tasks. Using this strategy, you can more easily do multiple activities in a limited amount of time.

​​Teachers Can Gauge Their Students’ Progress in Their Lessons by Checking Their Homework

Ask yourself whether you've ever worried that your students didn't grasp the concepts you gave to them.  Then perhaps you might think about giving them some homework.

Based on the students' answers, you'll have a good idea of how much they've retained from the lesson. If the answers aren't what you were hoping for, it's time to review the chapter and break it down into smaller, more digestible chunks.

Some of your students likely struggled to keep track of more technical terms because they didn't grasp them.  The single most effective thing you can do is to encourage your students to seek clarification by asking questions about difficult ideas.

Additionally, feel free to incorporate a range of learning methods if you wish to ensure that the specific topic is grasped. Example: teaching pupils how to play an instrument requires direct interaction with the instrument itself. However, using real-world examples is the most effective method of visual education.

Looking for tutoring options for your kids in Australia? Let us help.

Prepares them to take on challenges and find solutions.

• Problem-solving skills are crucial for success in school, and teachers will use them to gauge your child's reasoning and decision-making prowess.

When your kid is in a classroom, they can work on projects with other students and get feedback from their teacher. But when they're at home, they have to rely on what they've already learned to solve their problems in the most efficient way possible.

However, putting this plan into effect is not easy. Ability to focus and the willingness to get instant help with difficult concepts are needed.

• However, if your kid is successful at school and learns how to solve difficulties, they'll be well-equipped to use those same skills at home.

Parents must start instilling a sense of confidence in their children from a young age.  Confidence is essential for both boosting pupils' self-esteem and allowing them to raise enquiries without fear of ridicule from their classmates.

Offers a Second Chance for Students to Review Course Content

There is no limit to learning, despite what you may have been taught in school.  If you're a student who takes their studies seriously, you should do your best to do them at the comfort of your own home.

• If your child does their homework on a regular basis, they will have a unique chance to revisit the material they learned in class.

By reviewing material on a regular basis, students are able to learn more, remember details more quickly, and see more options for how to tackle the same problem.

Your child's knowledge is more deeply embedded in their mind when he or she has had ample opportunity to revisit it through homework.

Consequently, the more students do the exercises, the easier it will be for them to respond to similar questions in the future.

Parents Can View Their Children’s Lessons.

In addition to the student, the instructor also stands to gain from homework assignments.

• If a parent is interested in their child's growth and academic progress across a range of topics, they can learn just as much as their child.
• In just ten or twenty minutes, you can quickly brush up on your child's schoolwork and be up to speed on what they're learning.

Based on the assessment's findings, you can help your child work towards building a range of strategies for responding to different types of enquiries.

However, it is essential that you encourage your child to research solutions independently in order to be appropriately prepared for examinations that measure individual comprehension.

Students Develop a Sense of Responsibility by Taking Ownership of Their Learning

There's a school of thought that says giving kids homework will help them grow up to be responsible adults.  Regular homework assignments serve as a subtle reminder to students of the value of their schoolwork.

Additionally, with each completed assignment, your child will be one step closer to achieving their educational goals and accepting responsibility for the decisions they make in their lives.

• In a nutshell, assigning your child homework helps them acquire the skills they'll need to take on adult responsibilities that are considerably more challenging and time-consuming than schoolwork.

Furthermore, your kid will have a growth attitude, which is a powerful tool for overcoming challenges and accomplishing ambitions.

When Students Are Forced to Do Something They Don’t Want to Do, They Learn to Do It

Most students dislike having homework to accomplish at home since it takes time away from their preferred pastimes.

However, if you give your kid homework and insist that he or she does it, you might help them learn an important lesson: that they have to do things even if they don't want to. Your kid should be ready to take part in the kinds of things that will be the norm for them by the time they're adults.

The emphasis is on prioritising long-term happiness over short-term satisfaction and learning to tolerate sacrifice.

The onus of being willing to make sacrifices in the name of success rests not only on the parents, but also on the offspring.

If your child is prepared to accept the rewards that come with making sacrifices, he or she will be in a better position to eliminate distractions and focus on the work at hand.

• Although it may be difficult, asking someone to turn off their TV and mobile phone is a great test of their focus and dedication.

It’s Great for Instilling Self-Discipline in the Form of Regular Practice

It's true that solving the same issues over and over again can be a real drag, yet doing so has long-term benefits for your discipline.  Oftentimes, hearing something more than once is necessary to really get it.

With continued training, you eventually reach a higher level of proficiency. Especially if it's for a difficult subject, completing your homework every night will make the material much easier to understand.

The student will benefit from this in the future when applying for jobs in the student's chosen vocational field.

This Helps Bring Parents Into Their Children’s Lives

Occasionally, parents may feel lost when attempting to understand the Common Core's mathematical standards.

For instance, the answer that appears to be accurate if the mathematical problem known as 53 is recast as an additional problem is the three-digit sum 5+5+5.

Three times three times three times three is the correct solution, though.

• Students can get their parents interested in their children's education by giving them homework to do at home.

Many parents ask for their children's assignments to be sent to them through email so that they can keep up with class.

The early education programme offered by Dr. Study is individualised to meet the requirements of each child. We ensure that children have a positive first experience with school, one that helps them develop self-esteem and a passion for learning.

You'll Learn How to Better Manage Your Time.

Homework is more than just a checklist item.  As a result, teaching children (and parents) to effectively manage their time is essential.

Planning up your day in advance is essential for getting everything done. It encourages creative problem-solving and the development of one's own unique cognitive processes.

Research capacity is bolstered as a result. Furthermore, it requires both parents and children to practise excellent decision-making, which can be difficult for all parties involved.

Having Homework Establishes a Common Ground for Conversation

Students' personal lives at home are rarely discussed during class. Similarly, parents rarely see their children's classroom environments.

Through the completion of homework, there is tridirectional contact between the home, the classroom, and the school.

That way, people can meet and get to know one another better. Educators benefit from a deeper understanding of their student populations' needs thanks to this tool.

This is a great way for parents to find out what their child is capable of and where they may have some challenges. Collectively, we can create a curriculum that provides the best possible conditions for learning.

This Creates an Ideal Atmosphere for Serious Academic Work

While classrooms have certainly improved throughout the years, they still can't compare to the comfort and safety of one's own home or another trusted environment.

• When a youngster is given the freedom to learn in a setting where they feel most comfortable, they are more likely to retain material that could be forgotten in a more formal classroom.

It Gives You More Time to Finish off the Learning Process

Each academic subject is sometimes given only an hour a day, if that, in schools, especially those serving pupils in grades K-12.

In most cases, more time is required for students to grasp the underlying concepts and principles of the topic completely.

We can lessen the impact of time constraints by compensating for missed study time with homework assignments tailored to individual student's areas of weakness. Over time, this will benefit students greatly.

It’s Perfectly Fine to Treat It Like Any Other Extracurricular Activity

When children in a household are involved in too many extracurricular activities , everyone's time and energy are spread too thin.

More than 40 hours a week can be spent on clubs and sports teams outside of the regular school day.

When there is ample downtime, schoolwork can be included as one of these tasks.  Some of the required preparation work can even be completed on the way to or from specific events.

The Downsides of Homework

Play is important for kids’ development.

• Learning can take place both inside and outside the classroom; both indoor and outdoor activities have their merits.

T oo much homework can stunt a child's development in cognitive and social areas since it cuts into their leisure time.

• A lack of play is associated with a number of negative outcomes, including underachievement in school, a lack of attention to safety, stunted character growth, and poor health as an adult.

It Encourages A Sedentary Lifestyle

It's possible that putting in the time and effort required for homework will pay dividends in terms of improved knowledge retention and skill acquisition, but this may come at a price.

We Can’t Assume That Everyone’s House Is a Safe Haven

The education of young children is a priority for some households. In some households, parents are actively involved in helping their kids with homework, while in others, tutors are available to help with more complex assignments.

On the other hand, there are some families that place little to no value on their children's education, which can be detrimental to their growth. Some parents refuse to help their kids with schoolwork, claiming that the school is to fault.

There are times when a parent would like to help and support their child, but they are unable to do so because of many factors. Ultimately, home life is not the same for every family.

For Most Kids, Schooling Already Constitutes Full-Time Work

Timetables for elementary schools often run from 9:00 am to 3:20 pm.

Children as young as five are devoting almost six hours daily to their schooling.

Schools actively encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities like athletics, musicals, and after-school programming, which can easily add another two hours to a student's daily instructional time.

Plus, you still have to do your homework?

Doing additional work or finishing homework early is a lot to expect of any kid, but especially younger ones.

No Research Has Shown That Assigning Homework Leads to Better Grades

• Studies have shown that assigning homework does nothing but make kids cynical about their schooling.
• On a nationwide scale, homework completion is also unrelated to student success in school.

According to certain sources[not in citation given] There is anecdotal evidence that students who have access to a knowledgeable tutor or parent perform better in certain areas, but no data to demonstrate that this has a widespread effect.

It Discourages Creative Endeavours

Each hour a pupil spends on homework is an hour they can't spend on something else.

Even if students enjoy these activities, schoolwork inhibits them from devoting the time necessary to improve their talents in areas like art, photography, and musical instrument performance.

Although original thought may be called for in completing some of the homework, this is usually not the case.

Enforcing Students to Complete Their Homework Might Be Challenging

Some pupils simply don't care if they finish their assignments. They know they can get good grades without it, so they choose not to bother.

For some students, no amount of encouragement from a parent or teacher will be enough to get them to do their homework.

Truth be told, you will need to put up some effort if you expect to finish your schoolwork successfully. Sometimes kids just don't want to put in the work that's needed.

Time Spent in Class Does Not Translate to Academic Success

Students in the United States spend over 100 hours more time in school than students in other high-performing countries throughout the world, but the educational gap between the two has not been closed.

The United States continues to slip behind other developed nations in a number of key educational indicators, even though kids are spending more time in class than ever before.

• Quality, not quantity, is what matters most while studying or completing assignments like homework.

It’s Possible That Realistic Training Is Unattainable

If students have homework, it is their responsibility (or that of a responsible adult) to acquire materials that will help them learn the concepts being discussed in class. Homework is assigned so that students may get some much-needed practice, but this serves no useful purpose if the students don't fully grasp the concepts behind the material they're working on.

Incorrect student practice requires the teacher to intervene, fix the problem, and then re-teach the material, lengthening the learning process.

Multiple Forms of Cheating Could Be Encouraged

• Some students may decide they can get away with cheating in class rather than doing their homework because of the time it would take them to finish it.

It's easy to fall into the trap of using Google or another online resource instead of thinking creatively and independently these days.

In order to save time and energy, families with multiple children may decide to manufacture copies.

Benchmarks Are Often Incorporated Into Homework Assignments

Homework is commonly offered to help students prepare for and perform better on upcoming assessments.

While this may have some positive outcomes, such as improved study abilities or habits, it ignores the reality that children's learning is impaired when they are sleepy.

The results of standardised tests tend to suffer when children are given more homework than is considered healthy. The stress level increases. The concept of burnout is addressed in class.

In search of primary school program ? Dr. Study is an English , Math , Science, and Humanities education programme for youngsters that is available both online and in-person.

Homework is essential for many students, but there are still those who struggle to do their homework on time or to the expected standard.

The benefits of homework include teaching students how to manage their time wisely, giving them plenty of time to finish their homework, and gauging their students' progress in their lessons by checking their homework.

Homework is best accomplished when one is in a calm, focused state of mind, and sitting down with your kid and working through their schoolwork together is a great way to instil in them a sense of responsibility and teach them how to prioritise tasks.

Help your child get ahead with one of the many online learning and tutoring programmes offered by Dr. Study.

The most important details in this text are that parents should encourage their students to seek clarification by asking questions about difficult ideas, incorporate a range of learning methods, prepare them to take on challenges and find solutions, and provide a second chance for students to review course content.

Additionally, parents should start instilling a sense of confidence in their children from a young age, which is essential for both boosting pupils' self-esteem and allowing them to raise enquiries without fear of ridicule from their classmates.

Finally, parents can view their children's lessons, and the instructor also stands to gain from homework assignments.

Giving kids homework can help them develop a sense of responsibility by taking ownership of their learning.

It also helps them acquire the skills they'll need to take on adult responsibilities that are more challenging and time-consuming than schoolwork.

When students are forced to do something they don't want to do, they learn to do it. The emphasis is on prioritising long-term happiness over short-term satisfaction and learning to tolerate sacrifice.

Homework is a great way to instil self-discipline in the form of regular practice. It also helps to bring parents into the students' lives by providing them with homework to do at home.

It also encourages creative problem-solving and the development of one's own unique cognitive processes, and it requires both parents and children to practise excellent decision-making.

Additionally, it establishes a common ground for conversation between the home, the classroom, and the school.

Finally, it teaches children how to manage their time better.

Homework is a great tool for educators to gain a deeper understanding of their student populations' needs and create a curriculum that provides the best possible conditions for learning.

It provides the comfort and safety of one's own home or another trusted environment, gives students more time to finish off the learning process, and encourages a sedentary lifestyle.

However, too much homework can stunt a child's development in cognitive and social areas, leading to negative outcomes such as underachievement in school, a lack of attention to safety, stunted character growth, and poor health as an adult.

It is important to treat homework like any other extracurricular activity, as it can be completed on the way to or from specific events.

The education of young children is a priority for some households, while others place little to no value on their children's education. ome parents refuse to help their kids with schoolwork, claiming that the school is to fault.

For most kids, schooling already constitutes full-time work, and homework can add another two hours to their daily instructional time.

No research has shown that assigning homework leads to better grades, and homework completion is unrelated to student success in school. It discourages creative endeavours, and forcing students to complete their homework can be challenging.

Some pupils simply don't care if they finish their assignments, so they choose not to bother.

Students in the United States spend more time in school than in other high-performing countries, but the educational gap between the two has not been closed. Quality, not quantity, is what matters most when studying or completing assignments like homework.

• Homework is assigned so that students may get some much-needed practice, but this serves no useful purpose if the students don't fully grasp the concepts behind the material they're working on.

Additionally, multiple forms of cheating could be encouraged.

Benchmarks are often incorporated into homework assignments to help students prepare for and perform better on upcoming assessments, but this ignores the reality that children's learning is impaired when they are sleepy.

The concept of burnout is addressed in class, and Study is an English, Math, Science, and Humanities education programme for youngsters that is available both online and in-person.

Content Summary

• The vast majority of students think that homework is extremely essential and value the time they spend on it.
• Nonetheless, there are still those students who consistently struggle to do their homework on time or to the expected standard.
• The benefits of giving students homework will be discussed, and strategies for getting it done quickly will be offered.
• There is no better instrument than the homework to teach a child how to manage his or her time wisely.
• This means that teaching and practising efficient use of one's time is a responsibility shared by the family and the school.
• Even if your kid has other obligations, like playing or doing some minor chores, you should always give them plenty of time to finish their homework.
• Sitting down with your kid and working through their schoolwork together is a great way to instil in them a sense of responsibility and teach them how to prioritise tasks.
• Then perhaps you might think about giving them some homework.
• The single most effective thing you can do is to encourage your students to seek clarification by asking questions about difficult ideas.
• Additionally, feel free to incorporate a range of learning methods if you wish to ensure that the specific topic is grasped.
• However, using real-world examples is the most effective method of visual education.
• But when they're at home, they have to rely on what they've already learned to solve their problems in the most efficient way possible.
• It's crucial for parents to start instilling a sense of confidence in their children from a young age.
• There is no limit to learning, despite what you may have been taught in school.
• There's a school of thought that says giving kids homework will help them grow up to be responsible adults.
• Regular homework assignments serve as a subtle reminder to students of the value of their schoolwork.
• However, if you give your kid homework and insist that he or she does it, you might help them learn an important lesson: that they have to do things even if they don't want to.
• It's true that solving the same issues over and over again can be a real drag, yet doing so has long-term benefits for your discipline.
• Especially if it's for a difficult subject, completing your homework every night will make the material much easier to understand.
• We ensure that children have a positive first experience with school, one that helps them develop self-esteem and a passion for learning.
• As a result, teaching children (and parents) to effectively manage their time is essential.
• Planning up your day in advance is essential for getting everything done.
• Educators benefit from a deeper understanding of their student populations' needs thanks to this tool.
• This is a great way for parents to find out what their child is capable of and where they may have some challenges.
• Collectively, we can create a curriculum that provides the best possible conditions for learning.
• In most cases, more time is required for students to completely grasp the underlying concepts and principles of the topic.
• We can lessen the impact of time constraints by compensating for missed study time with homework assignments tailored to individual students' areas of weakness.
• When children in a household are involved in too many extracurricular activities, everyone's time and energy is spread too thin.
• Too much homework can stunt a child's development in cognitive and social areas since it cuts into their leisure time.
• The education of young children is a priority for some households.
• In some households, parents are actively involved in helping their kids with homework, while in others, tutors are available to help with more complex assignments.
• On the other hand, there are some families that place little to no value on their children's education, which can be detrimental to their growth.
• Some parents refuse to help their kids with schoolwork, claiming that the school is to fault.
• Ultimately, home life is not the same for every family.
• Truth be told, you will need to put up some effort if you expect to finish your schoolwork successfully.
• Sometimes kids just don't want to put in the work that's needed.
• If students have homework, it is their responsibility (or that of a responsible adult) to acquire materials that will help them learn the concepts being discussed in class.
• The results of standardised tests tend to suffer when children are given more homework than is considered healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does homework help students.

Homework teaches students how to set priorities. Second, homework helps teachers determine how well their students understand the lessons. Third, homework teaches students how to problem-solve. Finally, homework teaches students the importance of planning, staying organised, and taking action.

Is Homeworks Important?

Homework allows students to revise classroom learnings and builds the habit of self-study. In addition, it helps them to score better. Increases concentration: While doing homework, students find an isolated place to study to concentrate more.

How Often Should Homework Be Given?

This rule recommends that students are assigned a daily maximum of 10 minutes of homework per grade level. It means that a third-grader, for example, should do 30 minutes of homework each night. When they reach high school, this goes up to about two hours each night.

How Much Homework Is A Good Amount?

It would be best to assign too much homework: the maximum should be approximately one to two hours a day for high school students and one hour a day for elementary and middle school students. The amount of homework assigned to students should be gradually increased by around ten minutes with each grade.

How Does Homework Help Students In The Future?

Homework allows students to practice or extend the material learned in the classroom. Research tells us that doing homework increases students' learning and helps them learn important life skills such as organisation, problem-solving, goal-setting, and perseverance.

Dr Olga Abeysekera, founder of Dr Study Tutoring and the Dr Progress Group Pty Ltd, is passionate about transforming education through innovative and personalised tutoring. With a PhD in Management from Monash University and a background in both academic research and private tutoring, she has a deep commitment to helping students excel. Her holistic approach at Dr Study Tutoring emphasises not only academic success but also the development of lifelong skills, ensuring that each student receives the best education and support possible. Dr Olga’s dedication to continuous improvement drives her mission to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

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Homework: Helping Students Manage their Time

Two simple strategies for guiding students to improve a crucial skill.

This is the second of two parts. Part one can be found here: Is Homework Helpful?: The 5 Questions Every Teacher Should Ask .

Teachers assign work each and every day, either in class or for homework. That is the easy part. Put it on the board, tell students to copy it down, and move on to the next item on the day’s agenda. But why don’t teachers help students figure out how much time to allot to assignments? How do students know if an assignment should take 10 minutes or 40?

It is a blind spot in my own teaching. I never realized until lately that I wasn’t supporting students with time management skills. I wasn’t developing their ability to assess an assignment and correctly evaluate how much time it should take. 

Why is this important? With good time management, students know how much time they have, how long it will take to get assignments done, and what they can accomplish in the time they have. This gives them more breathing room, which reduces the feeling of being rushed, which in turn leads to less frustration and stress.

Here are two ways to support students in understanding time management.

Do the assignment yourself.  See how long it takes you to complete the work. Then remember, you are the expert with this material. Ask yourself, how long would it take for a proficient student to complete it? What about students with disabilities, what might hinder their progress? Then provide students with a range of times. If you believe an assignment should take 15-25 minutes, let them know. The benefit of this is that it allows students to plan better. They can situate homework in the context of their entire day. A student may get home from school at 3:30 and has soccer practice at 5pm. He now knows that he can complete your homework in any 25-minute window between the end of the school day and the start of practice. The downside to this is that some students may lose confidence and doubt themselves if an assignment takes much longer than you suggested. 

Rate the assignment.  Classify assignments into three categories with time frames for each so that students know what type it is and how long it should take to complete. Here are three ways that I categorize assignments:

Quick checks:  These assignments are measuring sticks of understanding and they are short and sweet. I expect students to spend 20-50 seconds on each question on these types of assignments. A 20-question quick check should take 6-10 minutes.  

Thorough Responses:  When you want answer with more substance and more development, I look for thorough responses. These types of assignments are different than quick checks because I expect students to spend 2-4 minutes per question. Thorough responses typically have fewer questions consequently.Thorough response assignments take my students 20-35 minutes.

Sustained Thought:  When students must access new material, when there is challenging reading, or when they must chew on ideas before they formulate responses,  students can expect to spend 30-40 minutes to complete an assignment. 

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

7 Top Tips for Setting and Managing Homework

Homework is still considered an integral part of the learning process in schools. After all, it has benefits for both teachers and pupils. Students – while they may not always enjoy working outside of the classroom – always learn a valuable lesson about managing heavy workloads independently. Meanwhile, homework allows teachers to further assess their pupils based on their understanding of the subject, skills to succeed, and attitude towards education. If you are currently teaching in the UK, you can enjoy these benefits just by making sure that you have the right approach to setting and managing homework. Here are seven top tips that will help you get started.

1. Establish a firm routine

Homework shouldn’t be sporadic or random. Instead, your pupils should quickly learn that it’s part of their routine. This means that you should set it with some sort of consistency and work to establish a pattern. A great way to start would be to decide how many hours should be completed each week (a figure that will vary depending on the age group you’re teaching). In addition, the work should be spread across both evenings and weekends. Don’t forget, lack of a routine might cause pupils to struggle with managing their homework and lead to it remaining incomplete.

2. Gather parents’ support

Parents must be clued up when it comes to homework. You can accomplish this by letting mums and dads know – perhaps with a letter or an email – that you’ll be setting regular out-of-hours work and that you expect it to be completed to a high standard. The best way to gain parents’ support is by proposing an amount that everyone will deem reasonable. From this point onwards, you should keep mums and dads in the loop when their children are failing to complete the agreed amount of homework and let them know how they can help.

3. Avoid overnight homework

It’s best to steer clear of setting homework to be completed overnight. For starters, it doesn’t give pupils a chance to approach you for help in between if they are unsure about how to tackle the project. Secondly, you’ll be making a somewhat unrealistic assumption that your students have spare time during that night to devote to homework. Some pupils may have other commitments – such as a family occasion to attend or a dance lesson that’s already been paid for – that would mean they’re too stretched to complete the work in the space of just one evening.

4. Don’t dawdle with marking

Homework is a two-way street and the rules are quite clear: pupils complete it and teachers mark it. This is why it can be problematic if you dawdle on the marking and subsequently create the illusion that you’re not holding up your end of the bargain. Of course, teachers often find themselves pressed for time and forced with juggling different tasks. However, you should make every effort to ensure that homework doesn’t remain unmarked for days on end or else you could send the message that it doesn’t really matter.

5. Collect homework in the morning

You should try to collect homework promptly at the first opportunity you get. If you don’t, you could find that some of your pupils are completing it throughout the day – including at break time, during lunch hour and when you’re teaching at the front of the class. This won’t just mean that the students could fall behind with the syllabus, it can also be demoralising for others who have sacrificed their free time to complete the work and they could begin to ponder whether it’s worth holding off on their own homework in future.

6. Reward effort

Pupils who have clearly put in a lot of effort with their homework should be rewarded regularly. The individual doesn’t necessarily have to have done an amazing job as long as it’s clear that they have tried to work independently and devoted time to the project. Whichever avenue you go down – whether it’s giving out gold stars or sending letters of praise to parents – the reward should always encourage pupils to continue devoting the same amount of effort to their homework.

7. Consequences for lack of effort

There should be consequences for those students who have failed to complete their homework or have clearly rushed through it. The best punishment is usually to issue an after-school detention in which the individual will be made to have a second attempt at the project. The best form of discipline will always make pupils think twice about whether it’s worth skipping their homework in future and instil in them that there are consequences for those who don’t try hard.

Now let’s set some homework

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Prioritization Skills: How to Manage Tasks for Better Productivity

Published on March 23, 2022

Knowing how to prioritize tasks is an essential skill for students of any age. Students who know how to prioritize tasks and responsibilities have an advantage over classmates who approach homework and studying haphazardly. Prioritization keeps students organized and productive while ensuring they have plenty of time to finish assignments, study, complete household chores, and enjoy social and extracurricular activities.

Knowing how to prioritize work and responsibilities is a lifelong skill. Like any skill, prioritization improves with practice and can be taught at any age.

What Are Prioritization Skills?

Prioritization skills help students determine which tasks are the most important and urgent and how much time to allocate to each task. Knowing how to prioritize tasks helps students be more productive by making the best use of their time.

Prioritization is an executive functioning skill. Executive functioning describes the skills needed to plan, organize, focus, and follow instructions. Executive functioning skills include time management and organization .

How to Prioritize Tasks

With proper planning, students can list tasks and prioritize them by urgency and importance, allowing order to emerge from chaos and preventing “analysis paralysis,” which increases stress and decreases productivity.

Students should spend some time each day listing their school assignments and other activities and then identify the tasks requiring their immediate attention. For younger students, this can be as simple as making a to-do list and assigning each item on the list a priority number using the Ivy Lee Prioritization Template . Students then work on the highest priority task first, then the next most important, and so on down the list.

Older students can use more complex prioritization tools, such as a prioritization matrix. Also called the Eisenhower Matrix, a prioritization index uses a simple table to prioritize tasks by importance and urgency, as follows:

Tasks that are urgent and important should be finished first. Once these tasks are complete, students can move on to tasks that are urgent but not important and then important but not urgent. Tasks that are neither urgent nor important can be completed when the student has less pressing responsibilities.

For instance, let’s say a student has to prioritize the following six tasks:

• Study for an exam at the end of the week
• Complete algebra homework for tomorrow
• Research a major science project due in two months
• Complete household chores
• Go swimming with friends
• Attend a family gathering over the weekend

Using a prioritization index, your child might organize their priorities like this:

A prioritization matrix helps students identify their most pressing tasks and responsibilities. Different students will prioritize tasks in slightly different ways. For instance, some might consider household chores urgent and important or move swimming with friends into the important but not urgent square.

Tips to Help Prioritize Work

• When prioritizing tasks, keep the Pareto Principle in mind. The Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, states that you get 80% of your results out of 20% of your efforts. Students should prioritize tasks that bring real, lasting results or move them toward a long-term goal.
• Make sure that each task has a clear deadline.
• Use a student planner to budget time each morning for prioritization.
• When in doubt, start with the least exciting task, as getting that out of the way will provide motivation for later assignments.
• Regularly reevaluate priorities as circumstances change. Learn to avoid the “ sunk cost fallacy ” of continuing tasks or activities that have decreased in urgency or importance due to changing conditions.
• Consider how spending time wisely today frees up time for other activities.

How Do Students Learn How to Prioritize?

A child’s prioritization and executive functioning skills begin to develop between ages three and five. According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, executive functioning skills strengthen once again during adolescence and early adult years. While these periods are prime opportunities to teach executive development skills, students can learn how to prioritize tasks at any age.

Some schools and individual teachers incorporate executive functioning skills into their curriculums, but this isn’t always universal. Many schools lack the resources to teach prioritization or expect students to have already mastered executive functioning skills. Revolution Prep tutors pride themselves on the teaching and application of prioritization skills — skills that provide both immediate and long-term academic benefits.

Need more information on prioritization and executive functioning skills? Check out our executive functioning guide . It’s a great starting resource for students to develop their prioritization skills. And consider working with a Revolution Prep private tutor for students who want to develop and hone their executive functioning skills.

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teaching you to manage homework effectively

Importance of Time Management for Students: How Homework Helps

Time management is a critical skill that can make or break a student’s academic success. Whether in high school or college or just a graduate student working on a thesis, managing your time effectively can help you set your priorities straight and reach your full potential.

Homework, in particular, plays a crucial role in helping students develop good time management skills. With the right strategies and techniques, you can use homework to create a schedule, prioritize tasks, and stay on top of your workload.

This article will explore how homework helps with time management and provide tips and tricks for making the most of your time.

Time management importance for students: why should they take it seriously?

Before we examine how homework can help students with time management, let’s evaluate its importance.

As you might already know, time management is planning, organizing, and allocating time effectively to achieve specific goals or objectives. It typically involves developing priorities, creating a schedule, and manufacturing strategies for achieving tasks efficiently.

So why is time management important for students?

Time management is important for students because it helps them prioritize their tasks, meet deadlines, and balance their academic and personal responsibilities. Effective time management allows even the most average students to make the most of their time, reducing stress and improving their academic performance.

Additionally, good time management skills are essential for success in college and the workforce, as they help individuals become more productive and efficient in completing tasks.

How does homework help students with time management in their schoolwork?

Homework can help students with time management in several ways, some include:

• Prioritization

Homework assignments provide students with a clear list of tasks that need to be completed, which helps them prioritize their time and focus on what is most important.

Homework is typically given with due dates, encouraging students to plan and schedule their time accordingly.

• Accountability

Homework helps students develop a sense of responsibility for their learning and progress. It encourages students to take ownership of their time and use it effectively.

Homework allows students to practice time management skills such as planning, scheduling, and prioritizing. It also offers long-term benefits that will serve them well in college and the workforce.

It is important to note that homework alone is not enough to develop good time management skills; it should be combined with other techniques such as creating a schedule, setting goals, and breaking down large tasks into smaller manageable chunks.

School homework management software: what is it and how does it work?

A critical aspect of homework time management is using various educational software that supports organizational learning. Various types of homework management system or software are available to help students and teachers manage and organize homework assignments. Some popular options include:

• Google Classroom

This free platform allows teachers to assign and collect homework digitally, provide feedback, and communicate with students.

• Show My Homework

This web-based platform allows teachers to create, assign and track homework. It also offers a student calendar, which allows students to view and keep track of their homework assignments.

• My Study Life

This is a cross-platform planner for students, teachers, and lecturers, which helps them to manage their classes, homework, exams, and assignments.

• Microsoft Teams

It’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite, and it allows teachers to assign homework and communicate with students, and also students can collaborate and communicate with their peers for assignments.

• Blackboard Learn

It’s a Learning management system (LMS) that allows teachers to create and manage homework assignments, and grades, and provide feedback to students. This software can help students to stay organized and keep track of their assignments, and also helps teachers to easily manage and monitor student progress, provide feedback, and communicate with students.

Bottom line

Now, if you’re ever asked how does homework help with time management? Time management is an essential skill for students, and it can be particularly helpful when managing homework. You can emphasize how they help create schedules, set goals, establish routines, and take care of students’ physical and mental well-being.

Developing good time management skills improves student performance in school and helps develop a sense of discipline and responsibility that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

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Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons

Is homework beneficial in education? It has long been a cornerstone, often sparking debates about its value. Some argue it creates unnecessary stress, while others assert it’s essential for reinforcing in-class learning. Why is homework important? The reality is, that homework is vital for students' personal and academic growth. It not only improves their grasp of the material but also develops crucial skills that extend well beyond the classroom. This review explores 20 reasons why homework is good and why it continues to be a key element of effective education.

Enhances Study Habits

Does homework help students learn? Establishing strong study habits is essential for long-term success. Home assignment plays a key role in enhancing these habits through regular practice. Here are reasons why students should have homework:

•  Routine Building: Independent work creates a consistent study routine, helping learners form daily study habits. This consistency is crucial for maintaining progress and avoiding last-minute cramming. 
•  Time Management: Managing home assignments teaches students to balance academic duties with other activities and personal time. 
•  Self-Discipline: Finishing assignments requires resisting distractions and staying focused, fostering the self-discipline needed for success in and out of college or school. 
•  Organization: Home task involves tracking preps, deadlines, and materials, improving students' organizational skills. 

These points underscore why homework is good for boosting study habits that lead to academic success. Regular home assignments help learners manage time, stay organized, and build the discipline necessary for their studies.

Facilitates Goal Setting

Setting and achieving goals is vital for student success. Homework assists in this by providing possibilities for setting both short-term and long-term academic objectives. Here’s why is homework beneficial for goal-setting: 

•  Short-Term Objectives: Homework encourages immediate targets, like finishing assignments by deadlines, and helping students stay focused and motivated. 
•  Long-Term Aspirations: Over time, preps contribute to broader accomplishments, such as mastering a subject or improving grades, providing direction in their studies. 
•  Motivation: Completing home tasks boosts motivation by demonstrating results from their effort. Achieving targets reinforces the importance of perseverance. 
•  Planning: Homework teaches essential planning and prioritization skills, helping learners approach tasks systematically. 

These aspects demonstrate the reasons why homework is good for setting and achieving educational targets. Regular preps help students establish clear objectives, plan effectively, and stay motivated.

Improves Concentration

Attention is vital for mastering any subject. Homework offers an opportunity to develop this ability. Here’s why homework is important for boosting attention:

•  Increased Focus: Regular assignments require sustained attention, improving mental engagement over time, benefiting both academic and non-academic tasks. 
•  Better Task Management: Homework teaches managing multiple tasks, enhancing the ability to concentrate on each without becoming overwhelmed. 
•  Mental Endurance: Completing home tasks builds stamina for longer study sessions and challenging tasks, crucial for advanced studies and career success. 
•  Attention to Detail: Home assignments promote careful attention to detail, requiring students to follow instructions and ensure accuracy. 

These elements show ‘why is homework good for students’. Homework aids students in improving their focus, leading to better academic outcomes. Regular practice through homework improves mental engagement.

Reinforces Perseverance

Perseverance is key to success. Homework significantly contributes to teaching this skill. Here are reasons homework is good in supporting the development of perseverance:

•  Problem-Solving: Homework challenges students to tackle difficult problems, fostering perseverance as they approach challenges with determination. 
•  Resilience: Regular homework helps build resilience against academic challenges, developing mental toughness. 
•  Persistence: Homework encourages persistence, teaching students to complete tasks despite difficulties, which is crucial for long-term goals. 
•  Confidence: Completing assignments boosts confidence, motivating students to tackle new challenges with determination. 

These reasons highlight ‘Why is homework good for fostering perseverance?’ Engaging with home tasks consistently helps students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Final Consideration

To recap, the motivating reasons for homework extend well beyond the classroom. From improving study habits and mental engagement to fostering goal-setting and perseverance, the advantages are clear. Preps equip students with skills necessary for personal and academic growth. What do you think are the top 10 reasons why students should have homework among the ones we listed? Discuss with your peers. To refine your homework or essays, consider using tools like the AI Essay Detector and College Essay Generator to boost your academic performance.

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Prioritization Activities: 10 Tips & Games for School and Home

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Kids who struggle with executive functioning, especially planning and prioritizing, probably could benefit from doing some prioritization activities. 

Of course, it’s you- the parent who noticed this need. Your child was probably off trying to find a missing shoe, or getting hyperfocused on Minecraft, or waiting until the last minute to clean their toys before Grandma comes over. Or all at once, because that’s life with executive dysfunction. 

Executive functioning problems come in eight different flavors, but today we’re going to be talking about planning and prioritizing. This is how your brain evaluates information, recognizes sequences, decides what’s most important, and plots out your next moves. Complicated stuff! It shouldn’t be surprising that a child of any age struggles with these functions, never mind one with a diagnosis. 

But to help give you some tools and tips, I’ve collected some of the best prioritization activities to do with your child. With some repetition and dedication, you can help them make significant improvements in their ability to plan ahead. 

Prioritization Activities that are also Games

Timed races .

This can be a game between different kids or between a kid and a parent. Have each direction (without the number) written on strips of paper individually. Have child order them correctly and then do those actions in order: 

• make a container with paper and duct tape 
• run across a field/room 
• Collect candies/pom poms/lego pieces/whatever 
• carry items to starting location 
• empty items into master bucket

If they enjoy this one and it helps, you can make up your own versions with different tasks in different orders!

Chess is excellent for learning to plan and prioritize because it involves so much strategy. What’s even better is that there’s a hugely competitive element to this learning activity. There are also clubs, championships, and rankings surrounding chess if your child desires to really get into it. Otherwise, they can simply play against the computer for a fun challenge. 

“Following Directions” Drawing Game 

This is an activity best done one-on-one between you and your child. Have your kiddo describe to you the proper way to draw a teddy bear, car, or other common item. Be sure to only draw what they tell you to start. For example, if they say “he has big, furry ears,” but haven’t yet asked you to draw the head, explain why you can’t do that. Soon, they’ll learn they need to describe the general shape of things first before getting lost in details.

Geocaching 

Geocaching describes itself as “the world’s largest treasure hunt.” It combines running around in nature (which is really good for helping your child focus naturally ) and clues. This can be a very motivational prioritization activity because they get a prize at the end! 

Prioritization Activities for Students

Use a planner. .

Some teachers might call this an agenda notebook, homework organizer, or other term, but they’re all describing the same thing. These help your student understand what’s expected of them and when. Teach them to write down all homework or other to-dos, word for word, on the day they’re assigned. Then, another note on the day things are due to help them see the space in time between now and then. You can even teach them to write short notes the day before things are due to make sure nothing gets forgotten.

Wants vs Needs Lesson

They might want to go out and play kickball for the next three hours, but that’s not what they need. For a kid with executive dysfunction however, it can be hard to tell the difference. Help them out by doing a lesson on wants vs needs. Have a word bank filled with activities, like “be line leader,” “do my homework,” “have lunch,” or “go to recess.” This activity is great for discussion, because some things like “go to recess” could actually be both! Then you naturally get to talk about priorities and when that’s a want or a need. 

Rewards 

What kid doesn’t like a reward? Sometimes, the anticipation of the reward can really help a kid with ADHD, autism or other executive dysfunction really focus on something they might otherwise not. It can be hard to prioritize important but un-fun activities like classroom chores, homework, or  We talked more about rewards in our article on improving impulse control , but . 

Write Everything Down 

I’m talking about the daily schedule, any agendas, and all notifications on the board every day. If the child can’t quite read yet, add in lots of visuals 

Writing everything down serves two purposes: one, it helps you keep on task and moving throughout your day. (Every teacher needs help with that!) But two, it helps your students anticipate what’s coming and plan accordingly. It’s hard to remember to go to a cubby or locker to grab gym shoes if they forget it comes after lunch. Nailing down a routine with visual reminders on the board is an essential prioritization activity. Check out these morning and evening visual routines charts for some visual schedule help.

Prioritization Activities at Home

Talk about your own struggles.

Even adults want to have fun more than work sometimes. But if the children are fed, clothed, housed, and generally taken care of, that means you’ve done the hard work of prioritizing many times! You have a lot of experience in saying no to fun and prioritizing what’s important, so let your child learn from you. 

You can teach them this as you go through making a chore to-do list together, planning a vacation to Grandma’s, or even just what the day will look like. When your child hears you verbalizing how you weigh choices, they learn the questions to ask themselves when they weigh their own. Here are some sample questions to think about teaching:

• What’s the most important task today/this week/this trip?
• How many things would we like to do?
• How long will everything take? 
• Can any of these things be done another time? 
• How much energy do I have today? 

Cooking Activities for Prioritization

Cooking or baking together is one of the best prioritization activities because everyone needs to eat (priorities, people!) Get your child to help you plan the meals for a week. They can see how the leftovers from BBQ can become stir fry ingredients, but not vice versa. They also can see how grocery shopping needs to happen on time before anything can get made, too. This is doubly good if you’re worried about your child having good life skills when they get older. 

As an added prioritization activity, baking requires precise steps. I mean when you’re actually cooking, everything must be done sequentially. If you feel adventurous, test out a few recipes where you do things out of order and see how the results change. (But maybe have the dog handy to help eat any failed experiments!)

For more reading on this topic:

• Executive Functioning Activities: 50 Skill Builders for Kids
• Impulse Control Activities for Kids (And What WON’T Work)
• 15 Sensory Toys for Executive Dysfunction
• Accommodations for ADHD: 25+ Tips & Recommendations

Hillary is a former teacher who went rogue and became a freelance writer. When not offering support and advice to homeschooling families, she tends to her own garden, family, and cat. You can connect with her on her website, homegrownhillary.com .

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Successful Teens Know How to Prioritize

Prioritizing skills pay off in school and life success and satisfaction..

Posted June 12, 2023 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

• Why Education Is Important
• Take our ADHD Test
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• The development of prioritizing skills during the school years is critical for time management in the future.
• Homework is a great starting place to build prioritizing strategies.
• Prioritizing involves separating information or material by relevance, value, and time requirements.

Guiding your teens to build their planning and prioritizing skills, pays off big time in their school and life success, satisfaction…and even leisure opportunities.

The development of prioritizing skills during the school years is critical for time management in higher levels of education or employment, when monitoring decreases and routines vary constantly.

What one gets from prioritizing skills

Prioritizing involves managing time effectively to make sure that the appropriate tasks are completed. When kids are successful at prioritizing, they can evaluate goals and allot more or less time to tasks based on difficulty, time demands, and importance of the outcome.

Heighten their motivation and prioritizing skill development efforts by encouraging them to think about things they don’t have enough time for now. What could they enjoy if they efficiently plan and prioritize where to dedicate their time and effort? When teens become skilled at prioritizing, they gain more control of their free time without guilt or pressure about tasks you know they “should” be doing.

Examples of benefits of prioritizing to discuss with kids to boost motivation include these:

• Completing daily homework in less time and increasing its quality
• Turning in papers and projects when due, instead of last-minute scrambling
• Saving time by having all work for reports, projects, and jobs together and in an accessible way
• Not missing appointments, meetings, deadlines, releases of ticket sales, or dates with friends

Setting the stage for their success

Prioritizing demands increase as school years progress and long-term projects and reports become more prevalent. It is also during these years when teens take on more social, athletic , club, and community activities.

Many teens think they are not good at prioritizing and never will be because they have not been successful so far. Build their motivation to put in the effort and try new strategies by helping them recognize successful prioritizing tasks they have already done:

• Selecting choices of which television programs to prerecord
• Choosing items to pack for their school backpack or small bag for a trip
• Picking the most important information to study for a test when they did well

Starting with the power of prioritizing homework

Homework is a great place to build prioritizing strategies. Guide them to consider which tasks are most valuable, challenging, and critical to do. Then, with that awareness, plan the amount of time and the order in which they’ll do the day’s assignments.

Written plans can help—especially when they create them for themselves. Here are examples of how they can create a day’s homework plan:

• List the tasks to be done to complete the assignments for each subject, including any items they need to bring in the next day.
• Rate each task from 1 to 5 to indicate its importance to the outcome or grade.
• Write down how much time they think they’ll need for each task. Take into consideration the rating of importance they designate for each task.
• Use these estimates to write down the predicted start and finish times for each task.
• Set a timer for estimated finish time to stay on track so they don’t overspend time on low-value tasks and run out before doing the high-value ones.

Kids can use a similar table for prioritizing in advance of future long-term projects.

• Include five-minute breaks after about 20 to 30 minutes of focused work time. These planned breaks reduce temptations to interrupt work to respond to texts, check email, or lose efficiency with other distractions.

When kids evaluate their insights about what worked and what they would change, it powers up their brains’ prioritizing skills. Encourage them to go back to the homework plans they prepared and followed for a few days and think about how things went.

Long-term projects

As teens develop the skill of prioritizing, they’ll be able to evaluate which tasks are the highest priority and break the habit of putting off the ones they like the least, but that count the most.

The goal is for them to prioritize how they’ll divide their time before starting a long-term project or for planning a study schedule for final exams. Help them use calendars or written plans to schedule time allotments based on their evaluation of the importance of that task.

Opportunities can include the following:

• Create a plan for breaking long-term tasks into doable daily steps.
• Make a list of all the parts of an assignment, project, long-term plan, or big goal. Just write down the tasks as they come to mind, and then revise the list in the order in which things should be done.
• Next to each item, write stars to indicate the importance or value of that task to the outcome or grade.
• Write estimates for the time they predict each task will take.
• Know when they do their best work and plan their schedule accordingly. Plan to do “high-value” tasks that are particularly difficult at the times when they feel their brain's power is at its best (for example, first thing after school, or after some exercise, or before others come home and the house is noisy).

Prioritizing the most relevant information

Prioritizing involves determining hierarchies of importance and separating information or material based on relevance, value, and time requirements.

Prioritizing is also used for students to evaluate the value of information they use to effectively solve problems. This type of prioritizing might include determining which information in math word problems is necessary to reach a solution, what is extraneous, and what information is needed to solve the problem. Similarly, in reading, prioritizing involves the ability to recognize main ideas and essential characters and give this information more attention than lower-relevance details.

Prioritizing skills are also critical for kids to separate less-relevant details from the main ideas of a text, analyze essay questions, select what lecture information to include in notes, and decide what material to study for a test. Ask them what strategies they would use for the most efficient use of their time and effort.

Guide them to prioritize relevance on topics of their interest in magazines, newspapers, Web sites, or instructions for games they want to learn. Have them tell you the main ideas they recognize and which facts they feel are consistent with the major topic.

To prioritize information—that is, to emphasize what they need to remember from a lecture or textbook reading or what to study for a test—teens can use the approach of a news reporter. This familiar nursery rhyme will show them how it works:

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown And Jill came tumbling after.

• Who? Jack and Jill
• When? Not known
• What? A fall
• Where? A hill
• How? Using pails
• Why? To get water
• What is the important message? When on top of a high place, watch where you step.

Now invite them to use the same system to recognize the most important information to remember from a section of one of their textbooks or literature reading assignments.

Each time teens try this strategy, their brains will become more efficient at recognizing high-priority material.

Reflections about the outcome of their efforts

Teens can use these questions as guides for self-evaluation:

• What did I do that was the best use of my time?
• What improvement did I first notice?
• What did I try that I’d do again?
• What would I do differently next time?
• What other strategy do I think will boost my success?

It increases effort and future motivation when your kids take time to recognize and appreciate the impacts of their efforts. They might first note their greater success in things such as staying on top of assignments, class preparedness, or timely completion of long-term projects. Continue to encourage them to acknowledge their evolving skills and independence in using them. Share with them the recognition of the reduction in family strife, nagging, and frustrations. As your teens improve, give yourself a pat on the back for your efforts that supported their successes.

Judy Willis. Unlock Teen Brainpower . Rowman & Littlefield. November 2019.

Judy Willis , M.D., is a board-certified neurologist and middle school teacher, specializing in classroom strategies derived from brain research.

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Concrete Ways To Help Students Self-Regulate And Prioritize Work

Please try again

There are a lot of skills necessary to succeed in school that aren't directly about mastering content, including the ability to recognize, name and control ones emotions. The school day often comes with lots of emotion, everything from elation to frustration, which makes it the perfect place to practice self-regulation.

"One of the most authentic ways for me to help them expand their own vocabulary is to use my personal experience with my own emotions in the classroom," said Lindsey Minder, a second grade teacher. She regularly models describing how she's feeling and why throughout the school day, as well as demonstrating simple practices like taking a deep breath to calm down.

"One of the critical features of learning is modeling," said Linda Darling-Hammond, president and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute in an Edutopia series on the science of learning. "We learn by watching others. In this classroom, we see the teacher modeling her recognition of her emotions and also modeling how she deals with them in productive ways. And that is the first step in helping children learn to manage their own emotions."

This type of modeling also helps students recognize that their teachers are people too, and that like students, they get frustrated when no one listens or follows directions. It builds empathy to know that all humans experience a range of emotions across a day and each person is doing their best to manage them productively.

Students must also learn and practice how to prioritize and tackle tasks for academic and life success. Executive function often develops in middle school when the skills become even more important as students juggle work from multiple classes with many deadlines. Learning how to prioritize work not only makes it feel more manageable, it also helps students use work time efficiently.

"Mark Twain said if you wake up every morning and eat a frog, everything else will taste great," said eighth grade teacher Catherine Paul. "So, I taught them to take their frog from the list, which is the thing they want to do the least, and get it out of the way, because everything else will seem easy."

Paul guides her students through the process of creating a priority list together so they have a tool to do it on their own later.

"Then you can know what to do first and categorize it and get it done efficiently," said Arius, an eighth grader.

By: Cathy Vatterott, Lee Jenkins, and Larry Sandomir

To assign homework or not to assign homework? To grade homework or not to grade homework? Educators, parents, students—they all have an opinion. So, what is the value of homework and should it be graded?

Giving Feedback

Cathy Vatterott

When you ask teachers about the value of homework, they often say it teaches responsibility—to complete the task you’ve been given and return it on time. That may encourage obedience and responsibility for working, but the more important purpose is to encourage students to take responsibility for learning. When properly designed, homework encourages students to self-evaluate and reflect on their learning. “What do I know and how well do I know it? What am I confused about?”

For the teacher, whether homework is for practice, to check for understanding, or for application, homework is feedback about learning. Homework allows teachers to assess student understanding, diagnose problems, and prescribe remedies. Homework creates a private conversation between the student and the teacher. But students will only have that conversation if there is no shame or penalty for not understanding. “I didn’t do it—it was a stupid assignment” often means “I couldn’t do it—it made me feel stupid.” Struggling students would gladly take the zero. Then the question becomes: “Why grade homework?”

The most common reply is “If I don’t grade it, they won’t do it.” But teachers can wean students off their addiction to points. The other common reply is “Homework grades help poor test takers.” But a passing grade is no gift to a student who goes on to advanced classes without mastering prerequisite skills. A better solution is to rethink the test and create alternatives.

The current consensus is that homework is formative assessment that informs the summative assessments. Does it “count”? Yes, because it helps you pass the assessment. Should homework be graded? No. Should homework receive feedback? Absolutely!

Teachers who don’t grade homework still monitor completion of assignments and communicate with parents about missing work. They just don’t count it as part of the student’s grade.

Coaches don’t keep score during practice, but they do give lots of individualized feedback and they do require their athletes to practice.

Cathy Vatterott  is professor of education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  [email protected]   www.homeworklady.com

Removing Pressure

Lee Jenkins

First, the premises:

• Homework is a method; it is not a subject.
• No method works on 100% of the students.
• Homework is good for some students, but not all.
• The issue is not whether you complete your homework, but whether you learn the content.
• Homework refers to daily assignments, not to long-term projects.

Next, the problems:

• Teachers say that most homework in secondary schools
• Teachers often do not have adequate time to prepare lesson plans because they are grading homework.
• Almost all classrooms have students who score an “A” on exams and are given a lower grade because they did not use the preferred method (homework) to learn the content.

Now the possibility:

• Assign homework.
• Do not collect it.
• Give a 2–5 item homework quiz, selecting some of the problems verbatim from the homework. Roll dice to see which questions to use.
• Grade the homework quiz.

Pressure removed. This simple possibility, which John MacDonald of Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota, shared with me, has greatly reduced the pressure for grading homework and the pressure for doing it in many classrooms across the United States. The homework quiz measures what is in the students’ heads and not what they copied or was completed by their parents. The quiz can be graded quickly, relieving the pressure on teachers for so much paperwork.

Almost all kindergarten students love school. After kindergarten, fewer and fewer students love school until we reach the low point of 39% in grade 9.

Our job as educators is not to motivate students; they come already motivated. Our job is to find out why two-thirds of the students don’t want to be there anymore and stop trying. Traditional homework practice is one of the major contributors of dislike or even disdain for school. How do we expect to have high standards and high success rates when two-thirds of the students have lost their kindergarten level of motivation?

Lee Jenkins,  education consultant, is author of Permission to Forget: And Nine Other Root Causes of America’s Frustration with Education  [email protected]   www.lbellj.com

Making Meaning

Larry Sandomir

There are many reasonable arguments against homework: Students are in school long enough. They need time to explore different parts of their lives after school. They need to rest, relax, and socialize. They need time to just be ridiculous and do things kids do when they can control their own time, just for a little while. Homework is often an exercise in repetition and boredom.

All true. So why give it?

For me, the question is not whether to give homework, but rather what kind, why, and when. Homework matters if it deepens and expands a student’s understanding of and appreciation for a particular subject. It matters if it helps a student better balance his or her life in terms of time management and sense of proportion. It matters if it gives a student an understanding of how to set priorities. It matters if, despite the challenge of time, it means something to the person doing it.

In my progressive environment, homework helps give students ownership of the material and allows them to personalize it. It asks them to apply the concepts to other parts of their lives. They make the meaning rather than answer teacher-directed questions. The homework sometimes is generated spontaneously from what’s happening in a given class. The class sparks an idea that’s worth considering, and the students give it shape while the teacher provides the foundation.

If I want my students to love words and their power, what I ask them to do must engage and invest them. There must be a purpose they can see. They should want to discuss what they are doing with their parents because it makes them think, wonder, get excited, or even struggle.

There must be flexible due dates. The fastest work is not the best work and students are more motivated to do well if they believe the teacher is sensitive to their outside lives or that to do their best, they might need an extra few days. Then students don’t mind evaluation.

I try to create a learning process rather than unnecessary learning tension.

Larry Sandomir  is a middle school teacher at The Calhoun School in New York City.  [email protected]

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How to... set successful homework

Homework is so often feared and loathed that we are constantly rebranding it. “Home learning”, “extended learning”, “independent study”…take your pick.

But our issue with homework stems from an unspoken truth: a lot of the time we just aren’t very good at setting it.

With teachers straining under the weight of a five-period day, homework is too often an afterthought; an irritating byproduct of an awkward school policy that we struggle to wrangle into something useful.

Still, let’s not write off the untapped potential of homework just yet. Instead, let’s draw from the well of best evidence and start setting homework with something like success.

• Consolidate and review, don’t tackle anything new We often expect our students to learn with varying degrees of independence, but perhaps ironically, homework isn’t the time to start learning something new. We should save new learning for our classroom and instead use homework to provide the time for consolidation and practice of material we have already taught.  
• The best-planned homework often goes awry Children (come to think of it, all of us) have lazy brains. As a consequence, they hate to plan, and when they do, they do it badly. They think they’ll do homework quicker and with more ease than they ever will in reality - and homework quality falls as a result. With these flaws in mind, walk through each step of students’ likely planning when you are setting homework. Give them timings and explicit steps to get it done successfully.  
• Don’t ‘give homework over to Google’ You’ve heard the claim “why do you need a teacher when you have Google?” Our students might be the spawn of Snapchat, but if you leave them researching unattended, they will get lost down the bottom of the Google garden. Procrastination and poor search skills will reign, with dubious sources and illiterate online essays besmirching their homework like coffee stains. If the homework requires tech research, this needs to be tightly structured. Give students specific sources; otherwise learning gains will be slashed by criminal cut-and-paste attempts.  
• Help students to strategise when stuck There is a Goldilocks principle for homework: not too easy, but not too hard. It needs to be tough enough to sometimes trip them up, but we need to plan with that in mind. With every piece of homework you set, supply your students with three potential strategies to use if they get stuck.  
• Avoid the homework afterthought Setting homework at the end of the lesson often means we’re squeezed for time, so that all the aforementioned principles go up in smoke. Instead, set homework at the start of the lesson so that students understand its importance, or at a planned-for moment that gives you the time to handle it with care.

Alex Quigley is an English teacher and director of the research school at Huntington School in York. He is the author of The Confident Teacher .

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How does homework help students with time management?

Introduction to Time Management Skills

Homework has long been a staple of the education system, serving as a bridge between classroom learning and independent study. One crucial, albeit sometimes overlooked, benefit of homework is its potential to help students develop effective time management skills. In today's fast-paced world, the ability to manage one's time efficiently is invaluable, and homework can play a pivotal role in fostering this essential life skill.

Setting Priorities

One of the first steps in effective time management is learning how to set priorities. Homework assignments vary in complexity and urgency, requiring students to assess which tasks need immediate attention and which can be deferred. This prioritization teaches students to differentiate between high-priority and low-priority tasks, an ability that extends beyond academics into everyday life and future careers.

Creating Schedules

Homework encourages students to create schedules and timelines. By allocating specific time slots for different subjects and assignments, students learn to break down their workload into manageable chunks. This practice not only makes large tasks seem less daunting but also helps students avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. Tools like planners, calendars, and digital apps can assist in this process, allowing students to visualize and organize their time effectively.

Developing Discipline

The regularity of homework assignments fosters a sense of discipline. Consistently dedicating time to homework helps students develop a routine, which is a cornerstone of effective time management. Over time, this routine becomes second nature, ingraining disciplined work habits that are beneficial in both academic and professional settings.

Enhancing Focus and Concentration

Effective time management is closely linked to the ability to focus and concentrate. Homework provides a structured environment for students to practice these skills. By setting aside dedicated time for homework, students learn to minimize distractions and concentrate on the task at hand. This focused approach not only makes homework more efficient but also enhances overall productivity.

Understanding Deadlines and Accountability

Homework assignments come with deadlines, teaching students the importance of time constraints. Meeting these deadlines requires students to plan their time wisely and stay on track. This understanding of accountability and responsibility is crucial for success in both academic and professional contexts. The ability to meet deadlines consistently is a skill highly valued by employers and can significantly impact a student's future career prospects.

Balancing Multiple Responsibilities

Students often juggle multiple responsibilities, including extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and family commitments. Homework teaches students how to balance these various demands effectively. By managing their time to accommodate different responsibilities, students learn to navigate complex schedules and develop a holistic approach to time management. This multifaceted skill is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in adulthood.

Improving Long-Term Planning

Homework assignments often require long-term planning, especially for projects or research papers. These tasks teach students to think ahead and plan for the future. By breaking down long-term assignments into smaller, manageable steps, students develop the ability to create and follow through with long-term plans. This skill is invaluable in both academic and professional settings, where long-term projects are common.

Using Time Management Tools

Homework provides an opportunity for students to explore and utilize various time management tools. Planners, calendars, and digital apps can help students organize their schedules and stay on top of their assignments. Familiarity with these tools enhances a student's ability to manage their time effectively and efficiently.

Building Resilience Through Time Management

Learning to manage time effectively can also build resilience. Students who develop strong time management skills are better equipped to handle stress and pressure. They learn to adapt to changing circumstances and to persevere through challenges. This resilience is a valuable asset in both academic and professional settings, where the ability to manage stress and adapt to change is essential for success.

Case Study: High School Students

Consider a high school student with multiple classes, each assigning homework regularly. This student must decide which assignments to tackle first, often prioritizing based on due dates and difficulty levels. By creating a schedule, the student allocates time for each task, ensuring that all assignments are completed on time. Over time, this practice becomes routine, ingraining disciplined work habits and enhancing the student’s ability to manage their time effectively.

Parental and Educator Support

Parents and educators play a crucial role in helping students develop time management skills through homework. By providing guidance and support, they can help students create effective schedules, set priorities, and develop disciplined work habits. Encouraging students to reflect on their time management practices and make adjustments as needed can further enhance their ability to manage their time effectively.

Challenges and Solutions

While homework can help students develop time management skills, it is not without its challenges. Students may struggle with procrastination, distractions, or unrealistic workloads. To overcome these challenges, students can employ strategies such as setting specific goals, creating a conducive study environment, and seeking support from teachers and parents. By addressing these challenges, students can maximize the benefits of homework and develop strong time management skills.

Reflection and Self-Assessment

An often overlooked aspect of time management is the importance of reflection and self-assessment. Homework provides students with regular opportunities to reflect on their time management practices. By evaluating what worked well and what didn't, students can make adjustments and continuously improve their time management skills. This reflective practice is essential for personal growth and development.

The journey of mastering time management through homework is like a winding path through a dense forest. Each assignment is a step forward, sometimes challenging, sometimes straightforward, but always moving towards a clearer understanding of how to navigate time. With each step, students gain insights and skills that shape their ability to manage time effectively, preparing them for the many trails they will encounter in life.

Related Questions

Homework has long been a cornerstone of educational systems worldwide. Primarily, it serves as a tool to reinforce what students learn in the classroom. However, its benefits extend far beyond simple reinforcement. One of the most significant advantages of homework is its ability to help students develop independent work habits. This article delves into the multifaceted ways through which homework fosters independent learning, providing an in-depth look at both common and rarely discussed aspects.

Ask Hotbot: How does homework help students work independently?

In the digital age, students have access to a plethora of applications designed to simplify their academic lives. These apps offer everything from detailed explanations of complex topics to organizational tools that help manage time effectively. The range of functionalities varies widely, catering to different subjects, learning styles, and academic levels.

Ask Hotbot: What app can help me with my homework?

Homework, a staple in educational systems worldwide, serves multiple purposes beyond just filling students' evenings. Its role is multifaceted, aiming to reinforce classroom learning, foster independent study habits, and promote a deeper understanding of subjects. While opinions on homework's efficacy vary, its potential benefits are numerous and substantial when well-implemented.

Ask Hotbot: What does homework help with?

Homework has been a cornerstone of the educational system for centuries, serving as a bridge between classroom learning and independent study. It offers numerous benefits that can significantly contribute to a student's academic success and personal growth. Understanding the multifaceted advantages of homework can help educators, parents, and students appreciate its value and implement it effectively.

Ask Hotbot: How can homework help students?

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We need to understand setting priorities for students and their , including verbal and non-verbal communications. As you know, as a teacher, is the vital key to successfully managing your students and your teaching strategies. We want our students to finish everything. However, when we establish priorities, we need to be aware of what happens when we do. It's a fact that most priorities are set by teachers. Whether it's academic achievement, homework assignments or classroom management, setting students' priorities is a teacher priority. With regard to , when you as a teacher set priorities, you automatically establish values and standards which can increase the value of some student tasks and responsibilities and decrease others. Therefore motivation and productivity may be altered. If you set a big project as a main priority, your students may stop working on other assignments or if your classroom management is more important than daily assignments, they may think that if they behave appropriately, they will receive a better mark. Remember, when you set a priority you diminish other assignments. Hence, some students may have completed other tasks and not finished the one that you had made a priority or vice versa. So, some will feel pleased, while others will feel demoralized. We must think and look closely before setting priorities for students. They will find that you are unfair and feel disappointed and misled when they discover that they were expected to have had everything completed. Of course, a teacher must establish priorities and are forced to do so. "So much to do and so little time". Hence, here lie the pros and cons. The communicated by setting priorities for students is clear - some tasks will not get done, so don't be surprised when students fail to complete everything. They are simply fulfilling your expectations. You know that our objective is to keep students working until the final bell (give or take a few minutes). This means that all work is important and give credit for all work. If you have given students too much work, . Your students will see you as being fair and that you have taken the right course in setting your priorities! Speaking of priorities, I read this somewhere ... "Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on their deathbed - Gee, if only I'd spend more time at my school!". Facebook Twitter Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Click on the HTML link code below. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. Search Priceless Teaching Strategies Choose Your Test Search Blogs By Category College Admissions AP and IB Exams GPA and Coursework How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks Coursework/GPA Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)! We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find: A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you . So let’s get started! How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles  Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time.  The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling.  Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers!  1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do? A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now.  2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores:  A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time!  3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You:  A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were! 4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You:  A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time. 5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say:  A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in.  Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down:  If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination.  If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management.  If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation.  If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted.  Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it.  And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating.  How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator   Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination.  If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+.  Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too!  The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework!  3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination  Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time.  #1: Create a Reward System Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done.  Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust.  If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful.  #2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner  If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals.  Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track.  #3: Create Your Own Due Dates  If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due.  Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead!  If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you.  How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix.  If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them.  For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible.  3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students.  #1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List  You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away.  Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean: A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A.  B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away. C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C. Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important.  #2: Use a Planner With Time Labels Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day. A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day.  Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ).  #3: Set Reminders on Your Phone  If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work.  If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started.  This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework. How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated  At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute.  But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later.  Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place.  Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework :  Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless  Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment  Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy  To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it. 3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework.  #1: Use Incremental Incentives When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you!  So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !   #2: Form a Homework Group  If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments.  Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too.  #3: Change Up Your Environment  If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done.  If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done.  Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus. How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do. The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done!  3 Tips to Improve Your Focus If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done.  #1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work.  You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand!  #2: Limit Your Access to Technology  We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework.  If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done.  #3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique) Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus! Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!) Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.) The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment!  Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch.  #1: Do the Easy Parts First  This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer .  Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade.  (Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !)  #2: Pay Attention in Class  Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later. When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too. What’s Next? If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today. You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!) These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission. Trending Now How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA How to Write an Amazing College Essay What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For? ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take? When should you take the SAT or ACT? Get Your Free Find Your Target SAT Score Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer Score 800 on SAT Math Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing How to Improve Your Low SAT Score Score 600 on SAT Math Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing Find Your Target ACT Score Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer Get a 36 on ACT English Get a 36 on ACT Math Get a 36 on ACT Reading Get a 36 on ACT Science How to Improve Your Low ACT Score Get a 24 on ACT English Get a 24 on ACT Math Get a 24 on ACT Reading Get a 24 on ACT Science Stay Informed Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams. Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! 20 Reasons Why Homework is Good: Unlocking the Benefits Post author By admin October 26, 2023 Explore the compelling 20 reasons why homework is good, fostering skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom Ah, homework – a topic that has fueled countless debates in the world of education. Is it a valuable learning tool or a relentless academic burden? In this article, we’re going to shift the spotlight onto the often-overlooked positive side of homework. We’ll unveil not one or two, but a whopping 20 compelling reasons why homework is genuinely good for students. From solidifying classroom knowledge to honing critical thinking skills, homework is far more than just an academic chore. It’s an essential building block of learning.  So, whether you’ve questioned the purpose of homework or are simply curious about its merits, join us on this journey as we explore the myriad ways homework benefits students of all ages. Get ready to discover why homework is a treasure trove of learning opportunities! Table of Contents 20 Reasons Why Homework is Good Check out 20 reasons why homework is good:- 1. Reinforcement of Classroom Learning Homework isn’t just a mundane task; it’s your secret weapon for becoming a true subject matter aficionado. It’s the place where classroom theories transform into real-world skills.  Homework, in all its wisdom, lets you roll up your sleeves and practice what you’ve learned in class, turning those lightbulb moments into permanent knowledge fixtures. Just like a musician perfecting a melody or an artist refining their masterpiece, homework is your training ground for excellence. So, embrace it, for every assignment is a stepping stone on your path to mastery. 2. Development of Responsibility  Homework isn’t just about books and assignments; it’s a grooming ground for something equally important – responsibility. It’s like a trusty mentor, teaching students to take charge, manage their time, and complete tasks independently. It’s that early taste of adulthood, where you learn that success often depends on your own commitment and effort. So, think of homework as your guide on the journey to becoming a responsible, self-reliant individual, armed with skills that will serve you well in all walks of life. 3. Improved Time Management Skills  Homework is more than just assignments; it’s a boot camp for one of life’s essential skills – time management. Think of it as a mini dress rehearsal for adulthood. Homework teaches students to allocate their time wisely, ensuring they meet deadlines and complete tasks efficiently. It’s like learning to juggle multiple balls, a skill that will serve them well in their adult lives. So, embrace homework as your friendly time-management coach, preparing you for the real world’s challenges. 4. Enhanced Critical Thinking Homework is not just about finding answers; it’s your secret laboratory for unleashing the power of critical thinking. It’s the arena where you get to be the detective, dissect problems, and engineer ingenious solutions. Think of it as mental gymnastics, where your cognitive muscles get a thorough workout. The more you dive into those homework challenges, the sharper your critical thinking skills become. So, consider homework your daily brain boot camp, molding you into a savvy problem-solver with talents that extend way beyond the classroom. 5. Preparation for the Future Homework isn’t just about cracking textbooks; it’s your sneak peek into the future. Think of it as your personal time machine, where you’re not just solving equations but honing skills that will propel you to success in higher education and the professional arena. It’s like laying the stepping stones to your dream career. From mastering time management to sharpening critical thinking, homework is your trusted mentor, preparing you for the exciting journey ahead. So, when you’re poring over those assignments, remember – you’re not just studying, you’re shaping a future filled with possibilities. 6. Encouragement of Self-Discipline  Homework isn’t just about filling out worksheets; it’s the canvas on which students paint their self-discipline and self-motivation masterpieces. It’s like training for life’s grand adventure. With homework, you’re the captain, setting sail on a sea of assignments. Completing homework isn’t merely about meeting deadlines; it’s about cultivating skills that become your secret weapons in the real world. So, think of homework as your personal training ground for self-discipline, sculpting you into a resilient and motivated individual who’s ready to conquer life’s challenges. 7. Review of Material Homework isn’t just an additional task; it’s your golden opportunity to revisit and cement what you’ve learned in class. Think of it as your personal review session, where you go through the key points and solidify your understanding. Just as an artist refines their masterpiece or a musician practices their chords, homework is your tool for perfection. The more you review and consolidate, the stronger your grasp on the subject matter becomes. So, embrace homework as your trusted ally in mastering the art of revision, making you a confident and knowledgeable learner. 8. Practice Makes Perfect Homework isn’t a chore; it’s your backstage pass to perfection. It’s like the endless rehearsals of a musician or the tireless drills of an athlete. Homework is your playground for practice, where you can fine-tune your skills, ensuring you become a true master in various subjects. Just as a chef perfects a recipe through repetition, your homework is the recipe for excellence. So, when you’re diving into those assignments, think of them as your chance to practice, practice, and practice some more, turning you into a subject maestro. 9. Teacher-Student Interaction Homework isn’t just about cracking the books; it’s your backstage pass to building strong connections with your teachers. It’s like sending an open invitation to ask questions and seek guidance. Homework transforms the student-teacher relationship from a formal handshake into a hearty conversation. When you embrace homework, you’re not just solving problems; you’re forging connections that can last a lifetime. So, think of homework as your golden opportunity for dialogue, where you can foster positive relationships with your teachers and make your educational journey all the more engaging and rewarding. 10. Parental Involvement Homework isn’t just a student’s duty; it’s a chance for families to bond over learning. It’s like the thread that weaves the classroom and home together, allowing parents to actively participate in their child’s education. Homework transforms the learning experience into a shared adventure where everyone can join in the fun. When parents dive into homework with their kids, it’s not just about helping with math problems. It’s about creating moments of connection, offering support, and sharing in the educational journey. So, think of homework as the gateway to family engagement in education, making learning a joyful family affair. 11. Real-Life Application Homework isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s your backstage pass to making knowledge practical. It’s like a secret bridge that connects the world of theory with the realm of real-life application. Homework transforms you from a passive learner into an active doer. It’s where you take those classroom ideas and put them into action, just like a scientist testing a hypothesis or an engineer building a bridge. So, consider homework your personal laboratory for bringing theories to life, where you turn bookish knowledge into real-world magic, making your education a thrilling adventure. 12. Different Learning Styles  Homework isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal; it’s more like a treasure map that caters to diverse learning styles. Imagine it as a chameleon, changing its colors to suit both visual and kinesthetic learners. Homework knows that we’re all unique, with our own special ways of learning. For those who thrive on visuals, it serves up graphs and illustrations, while the hands-on learners get to dive into practical tasks. It’s a bit like having a tailor-made suit for education. So, consider homework your personal guide, offering a learning experience that’s as unique as you are, making education a captivating and natural journey. : 13. Time for Creativity  Homework isn’t a creativity crusher; it’s your chance to let your imagination soar. Think of it as a blank canvas waiting for your ideas to paint it with vibrant colors. Homework isn’t about rules and conformity; it’s about independent thinking and the freedom to express yourself. Whether you’re crafting an essay, brainstorming a unique solution, or designing a project, homework is your invitation to let your creativity shine. So, consider homework your personal creative playground, where you can set your ideas free, turning learning into an exciting and imaginative adventure. 14. Enhancement of Research Skills Homework isn’t just about checking off tasks; it’s your secret lair for honing research skills, those superpowers that will supercharge your success in both academics and the real world. Think of it as your personal training ground where you become a detective of knowledge, learning to explore, dig deep, and unearth answers. Whether you’re delving into the depths of the library, surfing the web, or conducting surveys, research-based homework transforms you into a skilled investigator. So, consider homework your gateway to the world of research, where you unlock skills that will not only power your academic journey but also your lifelong adventures. 15. Test Preparation Homework isn’t just a mundane task; it’s your secret weapon for conquering exams. Think of it as your personal exam prep coach, crafting a roadmap for success. Homework lets you revisit, revise, and sharpen your skills, so when test day arrives, you’re ready to shine. It’s not just about finishing assignments; it’s about building your confidence for those crucial exams. So, consider homework your trusty sidekick on the path to acing tests, making your educational journey an exciting adventure. 16. Increased Engagement Homework isn’t a homework. It’s more like an after-class adventure that keeps the excitement of learning alive. Think of it as your personal quest, where you get to explore the subjects that genuinely pique your interest. Homework isn’t about killing time; it’s your ticket to stay engaged with your learning journey, even when the school day ends. So, when you’re tackling your assignments, remember you’re not just checking off tasks; you’re stoking the flames of curiosity, making education an exhilarating and never-ending journey. 17. Achievement of Learning Objectives  Homework isn’t just a jumble of tasks; it’s your trusted guide leading you to specific educational victories. Picture it as your personal GPS, keeping you on track to reach those learning milestones. Homework is where you make the connections, reinforce classroom knowledge, and make your education rock-solid. It’s not just about answering questions; it’s about ensuring you hit those educational bullseyes. So, when you’re diving into your assignments, remember you’re not just ticking off tasks; you’re on a journey to academic success, turning each homework into a stepping stone toward your goals. 18. Inclusivity  Homework isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal; it’s your versatile tool to celebrate the uniqueness of every student. Imagine it as a buffet, serving up options for both fast learners and those who want some extra practice. Homework understands that every student is as unique as a fingerprint, each with their own pace and learning style. For the quick learners, it offers challenges and exciting extensions, while those who prefer more practice can dive into additional exercises. It’s like a school that dances to your rhythm, ensuring every student has a path to success. So, think of homework as your personal learning adventure, offering choices that fit your taste, making education an exciting and inclusive journey. 19. Fosters Independence Homework isn’t about spoon-feeding answers; it’s your nurturing ground for independent thinking and decision-making. Think of it as a playground where you get to flex your decision muscles and spread your intellectual wings. Homework is your training camp for self-reliance, where you take charge of your learning adventure. 20. Overall Academic Improvement Homework isn’t just a stack of assignments; it’s the secret ingredient for overall academic improvement. Think of it as the magic wand that, when waved effectively, leads to better grades and educational triumphs. Homework isn’t a mere task list; it’s your strategic ally in the journey of learning. When used wisely, it’s your key to success, a bridge to better understanding and superior educational outcomes. So, when you’re tackling your homework, remember you’re not just ticking off tasks; you’re paving the way for academic excellence, turning each assignment into a step towards achieving your educational goals. What are 5 benefits of homework? Homework is more than just a list of tasks; it’s a powerhouse of benefits that can transform a student’s learning journey. Here are the top five advantages: 1. Supercharging Learning Homework isn’t about mindless repetition; it’s your secret weapon to reinforce what you’ve learned in class. It’s like a memory boost that makes sure you remember the important stuff for the long haul. 2. Mastering Time and Study Skills Homework teaches you real-world skills that go way beyond the textbook. It’s your personal coach for time management and setting priorities. Plus, it’s your go-to guide for developing top-notch study habits like staying organized, taking killer notes, and acing those tests. 3. Fueling Grit and Responsibility Homework is your training ground for building self-discipline and a sense of responsibility. It’s where you learn to motivate yourself and tackle challenges head-on, no matter how tough they seem. 4. Sparking Creativity and Critical Thinking Homework isn’t a one-way street. It’s your canvas for thinking outside the box and analyzing what you’re learning from all angles. It’s your chance to bring your unique ideas to the table. 5. Strengthening Home-School Bonds Homework isn’t just about you; it’s a connection point for your parents and teachers. It’s where they get a front-row seat to your education and can lend a hand when you need it. But, remember, like any tool, homework works best when used wisely. Too much of a good thing can lead to stress, so strike that balance, and make homework your learning ally. Who invented homework 😡? The roots of homework can be traced back to a frustrated Italian educator, Roberto Nevilis, who lived in the 17th century. He was perplexed by his students’ struggles to retain their classroom lessons, and so, he devised a novel solution – homework. By assigning tasks that required students to practice and reinforce what they’d learned in class, Nevilis hoped to bridge the knowledge gap. His ingenious idea didn’t stop at the classroom door; it spread like wildfire, first across Europe and eventually finding its way to the United States. While Nevilis is often credited with inventing homework, history leaves some room for debate. Some scholars argue that homework may have had earlier incarnations in ancient Greece and Rome, although concrete evidence is scarce. What’s more likely is that Nevilis was among the first to formalize the concept of homework as we understand it today. No matter its true origin, homework has become an integral part of education worldwide. It spans across the spectrum, from the youngest elementary students to those pursuing higher education. The purpose of homework has also evolved over time. While Nevilis initially introduced homework to help students retain information, today, its role is multifaceted. It serves as a training ground for critical thinking, problem-solving, and nurturing creativity. Whether you view homework as a boon or a bane, one thing is certain – it has a rich and varied history, and it’s likely to continue shaping the educational landscape for the foreseeable future. Why is homework good for your brain? Homework isn’t just about completing assignments; it’s a brain-boosting wizard. Let’s delve into the captivating reasons why homework is a mind-enhancing elixir: Fortifying Neural Pathways Imagine your brain as a labyrinth of pathways. When you learn something new, it’s like carving a fresh trail. Homework? It’s your trusty path-paver, helping you practice and reinforce what you’ve learned. This makes recalling information a breeze down the road. Mastering Executive Function Skills Executive function skills are like your brain’s personal assistants. They help you plan, organize, and manage your time effectively. Homework transforms you into the CEO of your tasks, requiring you to set goals, juggle priorities, and work independently. Cultivating Cognitive Flexibility Ever wished you could tackle problems from various angles? That’s cognitive flexibility, a superpower for your brain. Homework serves as the playground where you can flex your mental muscles, applying your knowledge to novel challenges. Boosting Self-Efficacy Self-efficacy is your belief in your own success. Homework is your arena for personal victories. Achieving your homework goals and witnessing your growth over time? That’s a confidence booster like no other. Stress Alleviation While homework might occasionally seem like a stress-inducing monster, it’s also your coach for the stress-relief Olympics. How? It equips you with the skills to tackle challenges and manage your time wisely, ultimately reducing stress in the long run. But, here’s the catch: balance is key. Too much homework can tip the scales. To maximize the magical benefits, you need to find harmony between homework and other essential activities like sleep, exercise, and hanging out with friends. In a nutshell, homework isn’t just about completing assignments; it’s your secret weapon for unlocking your brain’s potential. It boosts learning and memory, nurtures executive function skills, hones cognitive flexibility, elevates self-efficacy, and even helps you conquer stress. As we draw the curtain on our exploration of the twenty compelling reasons that make homework a valuable asset, it’s evident that homework is more than just a to-do list. It’s a treasure trove of advantages that students can unearth on their academic journey. From fortifying those neural pathways to nurturing independence, and from honing research skills to prepping for the challenges that await in the future, homework is a versatile tool. It’s the canvas where creativity flourishes, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and inviting parents into their child’s scholastic odyssey. Homework doesn’t just aid in academic mastery; it’s a comprehensive roadmap for personal growth and development. It nudges you towards self-discipline, sprinkles in a dash of responsibility, and offers a slice of the sweet taste of accomplishment. However, as in any art, balance is key. The right amount of homework, harmonized with other life activities, is the secret recipe for success. So, as you tackle your next homework assignment, remember this: you’re not just completing tasks; you’re shaping a brighter future, one thought at a time. Frequently Asked Questions Is homework always beneficial for students. Homework can be beneficial when thoughtfully assigned, but excessive or irrelevant homework may have negative effects. How can parents support their child’s homework routine? Parents can provide a quiet, organized workspace, offer assistance when needed, and encourage good study habits. How much homework is too much? The right amount of homework varies by grade level and individual needs. It should challenge without overwhelming students. What can teachers do to make homework more effective? Teachers should assign purposeful, relevant homework, provide clear instructions, and offer support when necessary. How does homework help prepare students for the future? Homework instills responsibility, time management, and critical thinking skills, all of which are valuable in higher education and the workforce. australia (2) duolingo (13) Education (284) General (78) How To (18) IELTS (127) Latest Updates (162) Malta Visa (6) Permanent residency (1) Programming (31) Scholarship (1) Sponsored (4) Study Abroad (187) Technology (12) work permit (8) Recent Posts You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site. Everything you need to know about goal setting for students Fusion sessions are often packed as educators from large and small, urban and rural districts learn about goal setting. Below you’ll find some important goal setting questions that come up every year, along with the answers. What is goal setting for students? Goal setting is a set of practices for helping individual students understand their academic performance, identify concrete goals for future performance, and collaborate with their teacher on the behaviors and practices that will get them there. Why is goal setting for students so important? There are many benefits to both the process and the outcomes of goal setting. Here are a few of the most important ones: Students get motivated . Research shows that goal setting is implicit. As soon as a task is introduced, students are already planning on how much effort they are going to put in. Setting goals helps students stay motivated and engaged by giving them clear targets to aim for.  Students take ownership . When students set their own goals, they own their goals and their learning. This sense of control and autonomy has many benefits, including increased self-confidence. Students continuously improve through formative assessment . Goal setting works hand-in-hand with formative assessment. Teachers can use goals to guide their instructional strategies and provide targeted feedback, helping students continuously improve. Students see their own growth . Goals provide a framework for measuring progress. By setting and achieving goals, students can see their growth over time, which reinforces their learning and development. What are effective student goal setting strategies? In what is surely going to be welcome news to busy teachers, the goal-setting process doesn’t require following strict rules. Effective strategies generally share five key ideas : Center student choice. Students should feel like they are in charge of what and how they learn. Centering their choices provides the opportunities for self-reflection and agency that are critical for empowering learners. This is an important idea to incorporate as you’re working with your students on goals.  Start early. Students can begin setting individual behavioral or academic goals as early as kindergarten! Getting this early start helps students get used to the process. It’s equally important to set goals as early as you can every school year. Do it often . Individual goals should be short-term, spanning around four to six weeks. Regular weekly check-ins with students are great for evaluating progress, making adjustments, encouraging students, and helping kids stay focused if they are feeling discouraged. Make it visual . Effective goal-setting techniques involve tools like anchor charts,  data walls ,  personalized learning plans ,  data notebooks , and other student-accessible resources. These ask students to directly identify their goal, describe the steps they should take to get there, and ultimately provide evidence their goal has been reached. Create personal relevance. The best goal-setting processes begin during conversations with students about what matters to them. Teachers can use students’ personal aspirations, areas of interest, or experiences as departure points for talking about why setting a goal matters. What’s the role of assessment data in goal setting for students? Assessment data plays a crucial role in goal setting. Accurate assessment data provides the insights that establish where a student is in their learning. It also helps you tailor educational strategies to the student’s individual needs. How can I set effective goals using MAP Growth data? Goal setting is an area where MAP® Growth™ really shines, primarily because the growth norms are created from the world’s largest pool of student data. Here’s a quick example of what goal setting with MAP Growth can look like. Step 1: Analyze your assessment data Start here! Always get underway by assessing what a student already knows. This is the departure point for helping students make their own next steps and connect with their own growth. Step 2: Have a conversation The most important part of goal setting is ensuring students set goals that are meaningful and realistic for them. If goals are created and simply given to a student, the student won’t be invested in the goal. It’s also crucial that the goal centers on the relevant learning that needs to occur, not just on the increase of a number, like a RIT score . The MAP Growth Student Profile report is a great starting point for this conversation. Here are some recommendations on how to talk things over with a student: Talk with your student about how they felt when they took the assessment. What did they feel comfortable with? What was challenging? For example, they might say that they felt pretty good about questions related to whole numbers and basic operations but weren’t as sure about the fraction questions. Look at the goal section of the report with your student. What would be average growth for similar students? Depending on your student’s current achievement percentile, meeting the average growth might be adequate. If they are at the 85 th percentile, meeting the growth projection would keep them at roughly that achievement level. If they are below the 50 th percentile, above average growth might be needed. A reasonable growth percentile would be at the 60 th percentile of growth. This gives a goal for the next MAP Growth assessment, and you’ll need a plan to reach this goal. Focus on the Instructional Areas section of the Student Profile report to determine specifically what learning would help you reach the goal. Look at the learning statements. These will provide an idea of the types of questions your student will be able to answer correctly about half the time, or those in their zone of proximal development . Talk with your student about how this data relates to how they feel about their learning and determine a concept and skills that they would like to focus as you’re going through your next unit. Have your student write the goal. Having students write their own goals gives them a sense of ownership. After that, they can determine the steps they can take to meet them, and you can identify how you can support them. It’s also helpful to think about what might get in the way of reaching a goal as well as what can be done to overcome barriers. What should I do between MAP Growth testing events? Your students will take MAP Growth three times a year: in the fall, winter, and spring. Between those testing events, it’s helpful to track progress with formative assessment. One of the greatest benefits of formative assessment is that it can help you identify progress toward a goal and course correct if necessary. Just remember: formative assessment should never be used for grading . You can also strengthen the school-to-home connection by sharing student goals with the student’s family and caregivers with the Family report . Feel free to also share the Family Toolkit , which is loaded with helpful resources. Finally, be sure to celebrate accomplishments along the way. Encouraging students to be proud of what they’ve achieved can help them stay the course and feel excited and confident about their learning. Thinking ahead Goal setting for students, like everything else, is about preparing the young people in your class for the future. It’s such an amazing, effective best practice for them today and a practical skill they can use once they have finished school and are out changing the world. By starting with students early, you’re giving them an essential tool to use right now and a great head start in life. For more ideas on how to tackle goal setting in your classroom, read more here in Teach. Learn. Grow. and watch the video below. 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Read the article Content disclaimer: Teach. Learn. Grow. includes diverse perspectives that are meant to be a resource to educators and leaders across the country and around the world. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of NWEA. HOMEWORK HELP: Teaching students, parents the skills to succeed GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — With a new school year underway, chances are your student is already coming home with homework. How can parents help their children ace those assignments? Read on to learn tips from April Ruiz, a longtime educator and founder of Mosaic Masterminds, a West Michigan-based tutoring organization. Why is homework important? Ruiz told FOX 17 students must practice what they are learning outside the classroom. "There are several benefits to doing homework... for one, it allows our scholars to be able to extend their learning from the school day by applying what they've learned. It also gives them an opportunity to cement the lessons that the teachers have facilitated," Ruiz explained. "I'd say homework is exceedingly important for overall success and for confidence building, which, in our experience as teachers, is half the battle." How can parents set their student(s) up for success? Ruiz has several tips for parents to consider as students bring home assignments. *Be proactive in your child's learning Ruiz said, "It is exceedingly important to know ahead of time what's coming down the pike, so we're not caught off guard." That leads to her next tip... *Stay engaged Ruiz advises staying in contact with your student's teachers. "If our parents are clued into what's going on in the classroom, that makes such a tighter partnership in the learning process for the scholar, so, therefore, the teachers know what the students know what the parents know," she explained. *Don't be afraid to check your student's backpack Ruiz said this is important, no matter the age. "Our tweens and teens are going through a lot of physiological changes as well. Their brains are a little scattered sometimes, and it's not always high priority for them to keep at the forefront of their mind an assignment or permission slip for a field trip, for example." *Develop a routine Ruiz said that may mean scheduling homework time "I think it's really important to have a routine established, whether it's chores, homework, family, bonding, time, whatever the case may be, we need to schedule homework just like we schedule our extracurricular activities or other fun things we do outside of school," she explained. "They really appreciate structure. They respond well to it in most cases, and also just having that accountability." *Take advantage of online resources Ruiz said there's a wealth of information and learning tools online if your student needs some extra help. "You could literally Google free math resources or free math literacy resources, free science quizzes online. And there's just a world of things out there that our parents and scholars can take advantage of for added practice. There's flash cards, there's physical flashcards, there's digital flashcards, there's games that are out there that can be played," she said. *Know when to reach out for extra support Groups like Mosaic Masterminds are available to help with challenges along the way. Alicia Czarnik-Hagan has enlisted Mosaic Masterminds to help both of her students. This summer, her 11-year-old son Harrison worked with a "Mastermind" tutor to prepare for the transition from elementary to middle school. "My biggest thing right now is just helping to keep them organized and on track," Czarnik-Hagan. "I want [homework] to be done. Like, my expectation is that...I feel like it's important to teach kids about responsibility, organizing, planning, prioritizing, and that's really those skills that you get from homework." Czarnik-Hagan said her biggest test is navigating the parent-child relationship while helping with assignments. "It is the most challenging when I'm trying to teach something or explain something to my child, because I wasn't in that classroom that day, and so there's a different relationship," she explained. "Just balancing that relationship after school, of still being a parent, but not pushing too hard and like, breaking that the parent relationship and child relationship." If there's one more tip to pass along, Ruiz said it's to "do something." "If you don't have a school that is assigning homework regularly, be that gap filler where you can find opportunities for your scholar to extend his or her learning. Make sure that you are on guard and on duty, checking the parent view app, talking with the teacher, email, pop in and find out what's going on... just make sure that you're doing something. Something is better than nothing, and we want our scholars to win." You can learn more about Mosaic Masterminds here . Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information. Now signed up to receive the breaking newsnewsletter.. Every $12 you donate buys two books for a child in need. Most students think homework is time wasting and that they could do better if they weren’t assigned any homework. Others seek services of custom essay writer just to avoid an annoying homework. However, from experience, many who have passed through high school and college can share with you that working on assignments helped them with many skills that one needs when they are adults. Read more about ways to get homework at domyhomeworkfor.me . Working on an Assignment Develops Your Memory and Ability to Think Critically A good memory is when knowledge in the short term faculty is taken to the long term faculty. A sharp memory is not something that people are born with. Practice is what helps the brain to be good at retaining material. Music has been discovered to help one’s memory, and since we cannot listen to music at class, homework is a good chance to pack material in our brains since we can work on tasks while listening to slow rhythm songs in our rooms. Tasks that are done at home, therefore, can help someone boost their memory for future education levels or jobs. Assignments done willingly can also help with critical thinking. Thinking critically isn’t a high school skill; it is lifelong and can be applied in school and at work. The Completion of Assignments Builds Suitable Study Habits In college, one is required to develop a study habit that suits them. Study habits include a method of study, hours of study and location of study. While one may like to study when there’s soft music in the background, others prefer studying in pin-drop silence. While some students like to do their studies in the dorm, others prefer the library and day scholars may like to study in their rooms. The time of study also matters when developing a study habit. Moreover, the number of hours that you do a study session is also important. Most college students struggle before they can discover their study habit. You don’t want to get to college when you do not have a study habit that works best for you. You can let your homework help you come up with a study habit as soon as now when in high school. Homework Teaches Time Management Managing your time is a skill that you can develop now when in high school and get to use it later in life. Learn to divide tasks and prioritize activities based on the time you have in hand. They say that using custom essay writers from academic writing websites helps a lot when it comes to time management. It is true but what about those who cannot afford the services of essay helpers? You can manage the time you have and still get time to study for your finals. List down your tasks and activities, allocate time and start with the essential tasks. Make a habit of finishing a task within the time allotted. You will find that you get to accomplish a lot in less time than before. You will find a way of being left with time for personal studies. Assignments Teach Personal Responsibility When you take assignments seriously, you become accountable for the time you spend working on questions, and you become responsible for the results and marks you earn from a takeaway test. Learn to have an objective when doing an assignment; do not do it just for the sake of it. If you are working on ten questions, for instance, you can aim to get everything or nine questions correct. If the task accounts for your final grade, you can aim to get ninety percent or nine out of ten questions correct. You will become even more responsible for your actions. This sense of responsibility is something that will be of help when you have been assigned a project by your superiors at work in future. Homework Assignments Help One to Learn How to Work Independently You may think everything is simple when the teacher is explaining concepts in class. However, the best way to know if you understand what you have read is studying individually. When working on a task alone, you can assess your understanding of concepts. You get to find out ways of teaching yourself new or challenging concepts. This skill is quite important since your teacher may not be around all the time. According to research, students who work independently can find ways of solving problems that the teacher has not taught in class. The same skill can be applied later in college since assignments are more than in high school. You will also use the skill at work when assigned an individual task. The Problems You Face When Completing Assignments Make You Know How to Do Research Research is necessary when a difficult homework needs to be completed. You learn how to use the library, websites and other reference material necessary for assignment completion. In college, all take-away assignments contribute the final mark or grade in the course. Moreover, college assignments require students to have a reference page where they list all sources used to complete a research paper, term paper or dissertation. For this reason, homework can be beneficial when it comes to research skills. If you work on our assignments accordingly, you are likely to learn useful research skills that can be employed later in college or when running projects in your future place of work. You don’t want to end up like many college students who lack research skills and are forced to depend on the services of custom paper writers. Though such services are helpful when it comes to saving time for private studies, you can avoid them by learning to do your research now by taking your high school homework seriously. You can learn about primary sources, secondary sources, peer-reviewed, and non-peer reviewed journals when still in high school and have it easy when you get to college. While homework seems stressful and annoying, use the opportunity to learn useful skills that will help you in future. business tips RELATED ARTICLES The importance of erp for managing construction projects in uae, white label affiliation: how to sell with an edge, what to look for when hiring an ios development team, the daily newsletter - signup. Email address: Privacy Policy Advertise with Us Terms & Conditions 118 IMAGES Complete Guidance on how to do your homework faster How to Help Homeschool High School Students Set Priorities Homework 101: The Ultimate Guide for Students & Parents 4 Tips to Build an Efficient Everyday Homework Strategy How to Set Priorities When Working From Home Strategies and tips for homework skills! Teach responsibility and VIDEO How do I set a task for homework or Independent Study WHY DOES HOMEWORK EXISTTTT How to manage priorities Johnny Does Homework With Anthony/Grounded Why so many students HATE SCHOOL Learn at Home help for Teachers: Motivation for secondary students when learning asynchronously COMMENTS Homework Help: Everything You Need to Know The Toronto District School Board offers a simple guideline to help determine how much homework is appropriate at each grade level. Following the guideline of 10 minutes per grade level, each grade should have this amount of homework: 30 minutes in Grade 3. 40 minutes in Grade 4. 50 minutes in Grade 5. How to Use Homework to Support Student Success Use homework as a tool for communication. Use homework as a vehicle to foster family-school communication. Families can use homework as an opportunity to open conversations about specific assignments or classes, peer relationships, or even sleep quality that may be impacting student success. For younger students, using a daily or weekly home ... How to Prioritize School Assignments and Homework: 8 Tips Rely on a Planning System and To-Do Lists. Next, you need to create a homework schedule and a to-do list. Some people create three different lists — a daily to-do list with priority items marked, a calendar with a list of tasks and assignments with hour-by-hour listings, and an overall list of big projects and tasks. Good study habits rely on ... How to prioritize homework assignments: 5 steps Organize your list by putting assignments in order of the earliest due date (at the top) to the furthest due date (at the bottom of the list). b. Put all overdue assignments in another list on the same sheet of paper. c. Highlight or star all the assignments due the earliest (most likely tomorrow) 3. What Are the Benefits of Homework? The education of young children is a priority for some households, while others place little to no value on their children's education. ome parents refuse to help their kids with schoolwork, claiming that the school is to fault. ... Homework teaches students how to set priorities. Second, homework helps teachers determine how well their ... Helping K-12 Students Manage their Time Then provide students with a range of times. If you believe an assignment should take 15-25 minutes, let them know. The benefit of this is that it allows students to plan better. They can situate homework in the context of their entire day. A student may get home from school at 3:30 and has soccer practice at 5pm. 7 Top Tips for Setting and Managing Homework Here are seven top tips that will help you get started. 1. Establish a firm routine. Homework shouldn't be sporadic or random. Instead, your pupils should quickly learn that it's part of their routine. This means that you should set it with some sort of consistency and work to establish a pattern. Prioritization Skills for Students For instance, let's say a student has to prioritize the following six tasks: Study for an exam at the end of the week. Complete algebra homework for tomorrow. Research a major science project due in two months. Complete household chores. Go swimming with friends. Attend a family gathering over the weekend. How Does Homework Help with Time Management There are many types of home assignments that a student cannot complete in one day, like creating a research paper, for example. If you learn to manage your time properly and deal with such assignments in time, it'll greatly help you in the adult life. It's full of long-term planning. Time Management Tips: How to Do Your Home Tasks Faster Time Management Importance for Students: That's How Homework Helps Homework is typically given with due dates, encouraging students to plan and schedule their time accordingly. Homework helps students develop a sense of responsibility for their learning and progress. It encourages students to take ownership of their time and use it effectively. Homework allows students to practice time management skills such ... Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons These elements show 'why is homework good for students'. Homework aids students in improving their focus, leading to better academic outcomes. Regular practice through homework improves mental engagement. Reinforces Perseverance. Perseverance is key to success. Homework significantly contributes to teaching this skill. 6 ways to establish a productive homework routine Revisit goals and set new ones. At the start of each homework session, establish goals for completion of your child's tasks or assignments. Revisit the goals at the end of the session and acknowledge a sense of completion. This goal-setting process builds confidence over time and helps your child realize their potential even when faced with ... Prioritization Activities: 10 Tips & Games for School and Home Prioritization Activities for Students Use a Planner. Some teachers might call this an agenda notebook, homework organizer, or other term, but they're all describing the same thing. ... Teach them to write down all homework or other to-dos, word for word, on the day they're assigned. Then, another note on the day things are due to help them ... Successful Teens Know How to Prioritize When kids are successful at prioritizing, they can evaluate goals and allot more or less time to tasks based on difficulty, time demands, and importance of the outcome. Heighten their motivation ... Concrete Ways To Help Students Self-Regulate And Prioritize Work Paul guides her students through the process of creating a priority list together so they have a tool to do it on their own later. "Then you can know what to do first and categorize it and get it done efficiently," said Arius, an eighth grader. When teachers model self-regulation and executive function skills throughout the school day to helps ... Homework Lee Jenkins. First, the premises: Homework is a method; it is not a subject. No method works on 100% of the students. Homework is good for some students, but not all. The issue is not whether you complete your homework, but whether you learn the content. Homework refers to daily assignments, not to long-term projects. How to... set successful homework Avoid the homework afterthought. Setting homework at the end of the lesson often means we're squeezed for time, so that all the aforementioned principles go up in smoke. Instead, set homework at the start of the lesson so that students understand its importance, or at a planned-for moment that gives you the time to handle it with care. How does homework help students with time management? Homework teaches students how to balance these various demands effectively. By managing their time to accommodate different responsibilities, students learn to navigate complex schedules and develop a holistic approach to time management. This multifaceted skill is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in adulthood. Lesson 2: Setting Priorities 2. Students learn how to prioritize their tasks. Explain to students that they are now going to prioritize their tasks. Say, "Let's imagine you have three things you have to do: go to a party, do your homework, and do some chores around the house.". Ask students to suggest ways that they would prioritize the tasks. Setting Priorities For Students, Beware The Consequences It's a fact that most priorities are set by teachers. Whether it's academic achievement, homework assignments or classroom management, setting students' priorities is a teacher priority. With regard to student motivation, when you as a teacher set priorities, you automatically establish values and standards which can increase the value of some ... How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you're reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time. 5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you've missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what's wrong, you say: A. 20 Reasons Why Homework is Good: Unlocking the Benefits 8. Practice Makes Perfect. Homework isn't a chore; it's your backstage pass to perfection. It's like the endless rehearsals of a musician or the tireless drills of an athlete. Homework is your playground for practice, where you can fine-tune your skills, ensuring you become a true master in various subjects. Everything you need to know about goal setting for students Students take ownership. When students set their own goals, they own their goals and their learning. This sense of control and autonomy has many benefits, including increased self-confidence. Students continuously improve through formative assessment. Goal setting works hand-in-hand with formative assessment. HOMEWORK HELP: Teaching students, parents the skills to succeed "I think it's really important to have a routine established, whether it's chores, homework, family, bonding, time, whatever the case may be, we need to schedule homework just like we schedule our ... 6 Ways in Which Homework Helps Students in The Future List down your tasks and activities, allocate time and start with the essential tasks. Make a habit of finishing a task within the time allotted. You will find that you get to accomplish a lot in ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review thesis