Let's face it, as kids, we all at some point dreaded the idea of going to do more school work. As if 8 hours a day of knowledge being embedded in us was not enough, we had to continue it at home in the form of homework. While it may not be pleasant, the purpose of homework is to help reinforce what was taught at school that day. While how much homework to give is a totally separate topic, we can not deny that it helps stimulate the mind and add more information to our ever growing brain. According to the Center for Public Education:
"During the past decade, according to Gill and Schlossman (1996), 'leading educational spokespersons have celebrated homework as essential to raise educational standards, foster high academic achievement, upgrade the quality of the labor force, and link family and school in a common teaching mission' (27)."
But in order to ensure that we do our homework and studying properly, we need to practice good homework and study habits. Here are 5 great homework and study habits to consider. This applies to everyone of all ages and grade levels, even college students too.
1) Make sure there is clarification on the assignment being handed out to you
Ever hear of the saying "there is no such thing as a stupid question", well it applies in this scenario. When your teacher or professor hands the assignment for the day, be sure to seek clarification on whatever sticking points that may arise. From personal experience, there were days where in the rush of getting home and watching TV, I just wrote the assignment down without understanding the assignment. Big NO-NO!! Before school is out for the day, make sure to ask the necessary questions, as an incomplete homework will result in a bad grade.
2) Never Procrastinate!!
One thing most students tend to do is put things off. Unless you are the type of person who will finish everything up before bed time without any difficulties or are a prodigy, that is the last thing you want to do. There are some assignments (term papers, essays, and one page papers) that can take longer than anticipated or are challenging in nature and require time and patience to complete. That is when procrastination can bite you in the back. Make it a priority to complete all of your assignments the moment you get home. You can then allocate time properly to more challenging assignments or even free yourself up for the evening to indulge in your interests. After all, you certainly do not want this scenario to happen!
"During the past decade, according to Gill and Schlossman (1996), 'leading educational spokespersons have celebrated homework as essential to raise educational standards, foster high academic achievement, upgrade the quality of the labor force, and link family and school in a common teaching mission' (27)."
But in order to ensure that we do our homework and studying properly, we need to practice good homework and study habits. Here are 5 great homework and study habits to consider. This applies to everyone of all ages and grade levels, even college students too.
1) Make sure there is clarification on the assignment being handed out to you
Ever hear of the saying "there is no such thing as a stupid question", well it applies in this scenario. When your teacher or professor hands the assignment for the day, be sure to seek clarification on whatever sticking points that may arise. From personal experience, there were days where in the rush of getting home and watching TV, I just wrote the assignment down without understanding the assignment. Big NO-NO!! Before school is out for the day, make sure to ask the necessary questions, as an incomplete homework will result in a bad grade.
2) Never Procrastinate!!
One thing most students tend to do is put things off. Unless you are the type of person who will finish everything up before bed time without any difficulties or are a prodigy, that is the last thing you want to do. There are some assignments (term papers, essays, and one page papers) that can take longer than anticipated or are challenging in nature and require time and patience to complete. That is when procrastination can bite you in the back. Make it a priority to complete all of your assignments the moment you get home. You can then allocate time properly to more challenging assignments or even free yourself up for the evening to indulge in your interests. After all, you certainly do not want this scenario to happen!
3) Figure out the best way to study
Everyone has different ways of studying. Some require peace and quiet, other's like to put on music. You have to figure what best fits your personality and learning style when it comes to completing assignments and studying for exams.
4) Take awesome notes
The key to being able to do your homework and study for exams is note taking. This is where you need to stay attentive in class. Not everything is going to be relevant when it comes time to completing the assignment or reviewing for an exam. The key to take the notes that matter. Teachers will often provide clues such as keywords or phrases that may come in handy.
5) BRING YOUR COMPLETED ASSIGNMENT TO SCHOOL WITH YOU!!!!
Almost everyone messes up on this part. You work hard and put in effort to complete your assignments to the best of your ability the night before, only to forget to bring with you to class the next day. It's a pretty infuriating experience that does negatively impact your grade. Due dates are put into place in schools to get the students used to adhering to deadlines, especially as they embark on their professional careers which greatly emphasize the meeting of deadlines. Leave a note for yourself or your completed assignments in a place where you can see them in the morning as you're heading out the door.
The key to performing well in school is to study well for exams and complete all homework assignments handed to you. The tips provided above are key points to focus on. We hope you use this blog as a reference point when trying to do well in school. Stay tuned as we continue to address topics that are pivotal to children, teens, and even adults.
Everyone has different ways of studying. Some require peace and quiet, other's like to put on music. You have to figure what best fits your personality and learning style when it comes to completing assignments and studying for exams.
4) Take awesome notes
The key to being able to do your homework and study for exams is note taking. This is where you need to stay attentive in class. Not everything is going to be relevant when it comes time to completing the assignment or reviewing for an exam. The key to take the notes that matter. Teachers will often provide clues such as keywords or phrases that may come in handy.
5) BRING YOUR COMPLETED ASSIGNMENT TO SCHOOL WITH YOU!!!!
Almost everyone messes up on this part. You work hard and put in effort to complete your assignments to the best of your ability the night before, only to forget to bring with you to class the next day. It's a pretty infuriating experience that does negatively impact your grade. Due dates are put into place in schools to get the students used to adhering to deadlines, especially as they embark on their professional careers which greatly emphasize the meeting of deadlines. Leave a note for yourself or your completed assignments in a place where you can see them in the morning as you're heading out the door.
The key to performing well in school is to study well for exams and complete all homework assignments handed to you. The tips provided above are key points to focus on. We hope you use this blog as a reference point when trying to do well in school. Stay tuned as we continue to address topics that are pivotal to children, teens, and even adults.
