Homework - Three Secrets for Success

Many students dread the teacher's words, "And now for today's homework assignment..."

Likewise, teachers dread the students many excuses for not completing their homework or forgetting to turn in by the assigned due date.

There are 3 secret tips for success in completing homework in an enjoyable and timely fashion that I have picked up over the years. Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way. I now offer this advice to you as I know it can enhance any learning experience you may encounter.

1- Begin working on it and complete it the day it is assigned.

The longer you put off getting started, the harder it will be to get motivated. You may also forget specific procedures on how to complete your homework by waiting to get started. Get it done the day it is assigned while it is fresh on your mind.

2- Get a tutor or any qualified individual that is willing to help.

So many times I would get started on a homework assignment only to have forgotten how to complete a small part of the problem, report, assignment, etc. I would end up getting frustrated and wait until the next class day to ask my teacher for clarification (or I would just not do it and use that as an excuse for not getting it done when my teacher asked for it on the due date).

Many elementary and junior high schools have volunteer aides that can assist students with their homework before school, during lunch break, or immediately after school. Many high schools have homework help centers. If yours does not, suggest that one be started and possibly spearhead the campaign to find qualified volunteers.

Peer tutoring is very effective, and many top students have an incentive to help with this since the service hours may count towards special clubs and organizations, scholarship applications, and the service hours just look good on resume's.

Most colleges and universities offer tutoring center services free of charge to registered students. I suggest you take full advantage of this extra help.

3- Never do homework at home.

I know it is called homework, but never do it at home. You will frustrate yourself and end up taking much longer to complete the task. You may also find yourself procrastinating getting started if you go home before you open up your books. There are at least 101 distractions at home (if not more) that will keep you from getting started or interupt you while working on it.

I don't remember having much homework in elementary school, but when I did, it seemed that my friends would come over and want to play. That seemed more fun so I would put my books away and go play. Then later, when I was tired from a long active day, I would no longer be in the mood to complete my homework. I would either not do it, or my mom would make me stay up late and get it done. In junior high and high school, I got distracted by sports, television programs, snacks, etc. when trying to do my homework in my room, the kitchen, or in front of the t.v.

College seemed to be the most difficult especially after I was married and had children and had to juggle all of this around my job schedule. I knew that I had to get my homework assignments done. But try explaining that to a 3 year old boy that thinks his daddy is "home" and ready to play with him. I felt guilty for neglecting my wife and kids in the other room while I worked on my homework. Then I would feel guilty for neglecting my school responsibilities when I would take a break from my homework to spend a few minutes with my family or go to work.

I found that if I would go to the library, computer lab, or tutoring center of my university immediately after class, I could get started on my homework while it was fresh on my mind. I also found that I could work together with other classmates so we could assist each other for enhanced learning. I was able to focus 100% on the task at hand and complete my homework in a quick and proficient manner.

Life became so much easier and enjoyable once I discovered these 3 secret tips to homework success. It was easier to stay on top of my studies and keep my grades up. I could focus better at work. But more important to em than anything was that I could truly be "home" and 100% focused with my family knowing that my other duties and responsibilities were completed.

I was able to eliminate a great deal of unwanted stress in my life by following these 3 secret tips to homework success. My life did in fact become more enjoyable and I actually looked forward to attending classes and being a part of a learning experience. It's never too late to start doing things right.