Q&A for How to Deal With Tons of Homework

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  • Question
    How do I stop being lazy with homework?
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Expert Answer
    A pile of homework can seem daunting, but it's doable with a plan. Make a list of everything you need to do and start working your way through it, starting with the most difficult assignments. Giving yourself breaks and other rewards will help you stay motivated along the way.
  • Question
    How should I study for a hard test?
    Community Answer
    When studying for a test, it's best to start off a week or more before the test. Don't try to cram everything in at the last minute. Use repetition. On the first day of studying, simply take the time to reread your notes. Maybe even correct them. Day Two, highlight your notes. Highlight important information. Day Three, write down questions and answer them yourself. For the last few days before your test, answer your questions that you wrote down, memorize what you highlighted, and study your corrections.
  • Question
    How can I avoid being distracted from my homework?
    Community Answer
    It's recommended that you study in a secluded area, such as your room. Go to areas that have less traffic, and be sure to remove any potential distractions if possible (ex: electronic devices). Make sure to ask for privacy so that people won't disturb you. If you find yourself becoming distracted, remind yourself of the consequences of not finishing your work (ex: low grades, having to stay up, etc.). If it helps, you could ask someone to occasionally check on you and make sure that you're being productive.
  • Question
    Can l do my homework while listening to music?
    Community Answer
    Of course, as long as the music does not distract you. Some people find that listening to music actually helps them focus better.
  • Question
    What time should I go to sleep at night?
    Community Answer
    You should try to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep, so you should go to sleep early enough to get that amount. If you need to stay up late every once in a while, that is fine, but try not to stay up past 12am.
  • Question
    Should I work in a quiet space with no distractions?
    Community Answer
    If possible, yes. Always try to find or create a "quiet" space. You can create your own quiet space in your bedroom by putting on soft background music (preferably without any lyrics), using a time-out app on your phone (or simply turning your phone off) putting a study sign on the door and keeping pets outside. Also if you have loud neighbors, close your window(s).
  • Question
    Can I do my homework in the morning before school?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it would be better if you finish it after school. You will have more time to complete your homework in after school. If you attempt to do it before school, then you might not finish it on time.
  • Question
    Where can I find a good place to study?
    Community Answer
    Find a quiet place with good lighting and few distractions. This can be a room in your house or even a library.
  • Question
    How do I deal with homework when I am stressed out?
    Community Answer
    Try to give yourself a schedule, and tackle one assignment at a time. Also, remember to take short breaks, about 5 to 10 minutes every so often. This will allow your mind to refresh itself, and help it focus better.
  • Question
    Would listening to music distract me from doing my homework?
    Community Answer
    If you listen to music with lyrics, you might get distracted. Try listening to classical or jazz music while you study. Both of these genres have been known to help people focus.
  • Question
    What if I have many projects, as well as daily tests? How can I manage these and homework at the same time?
    Okapi
    Community Answer
    If the workload is really that intense, you may want to bring this up with your teachers - letting them know that this kind of pressure is hard to cope with. As for managing the work, use any extra time in your day to study - bus rides, lunch lines, even if it's just for a few minutes. Also, it may help to use a notebook, planner, or app to keep track of assignments, due dates, homework, etc.
  • Question
    What do I do when I don't get the homework done?
    Community Answer
    Try waking up early the next day and finishing it before school. If you have class before your homework is due that's not too stringent, finish the homework during that class.
  • Question
    How do I not get distracted when I am doing homework on the computer?
    Community Answer
    Makes sure you don't have extra tabs open. Also, consider having someone check on you from time to time to make sure that you are staying focused.
  • Question
    How can I stay awake while doing homework?
    Community Answer
    Take five to ten minute breaks to exercise to get your blood flowing and help your mind stay alert. Also, make sure that you energize with replenishing foods and drink lots of water. Music, if it does not distract you, may also help you stay awake.
  • Question
    My parents are limiting my internet time, but my homework is being assigned online. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Explain the situation to them. Tell them you have to do your homework online, and that that shouldn't count toward your internet time since you have no choice but to do it. Let them know how long your online homework takes you, so that period can be excluded from your 'internet time'.
  • Question
    Is studying important?
    Okapi
    Community Answer
    Yes, because studying allows you to learn and retain information better than you would have otherwise.
  • Question
    Why is homework sometimes hard?
    Community Answer
    Homework may be hard because a lesson might be difficult to understand. It will challenge your mind and cause you to think harder, which helps increase your intelligence and understanding of the subject. If you find that you're struggling, more research on the topic or asking your teacher and parents for help are good ideas.
  • Question
    What do I have to do if my private teacher hates me?
    Community Answer
    Talk to him/her. Ask what you can do to be a better student. Make it clear that you want to learn.
  • Question
    What do I do if I'm a slow worker?
    Community Answer
    Manage your time and make a timetable. If you still have trouble, talk to your teacher(s). They may be able to give you extra time on your assignments.
  • Question
    How do I keep myself focused on my homework if I can't stop checking my phone? Even when I try to hide it I keep going back to it.
    Community Answer
    If you're that addicted to your phone, you might want to think about giving up technology for a while just to break the habit. If you don't want to do that, give your phone to someone else (a parent, friend, roommate, etc.), and tell them not to give it back to you until you can show them proof that your homework is finished.
  • Question
    Why do kids get so much homework?
    Community Answer
    Homework is to make sure you know the lessons, because there may not have time for quizzes in class. It can also help your work ethic for later in life when you go to college or get a job! If you are getting what you think is an unfair amount of homework, two or three hours for example, you may want to talk to your teacher or get tutoring. If other students are also complaining, it may just be a hard class. Still, talk to your teacher! They get paid to help you learn, and always want what's best!
  • Question
    What if I have a sport that takes up most of my time?
    Community Answer
    You need to maximize your free time during the day and evening in order to get your homework done. Don't mess around during your study halls. Work hard instead. Do homework during lunch if you need to. Whatever remains, get it done when you get home at night.
  • Question
    How can I stay focused while doing homework?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you work in a distraction-free environment. If your house is too noisy, go to the library or put in earbuds/earplugs. Put computers, phones, etc. in another room unless you absolutely need them for homework. Let everyone in your house know that you're studying and ask them not to bother you unless absolutely necessary.
  • Question
    I have a lot of homework today and it's due tomorrow. I tried to find time to finish it, but I have other homework too. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Finish the homework first that is due the soonest. If you know you won't get everything done, try to finish the homework for your weakest subjects first.
  • Question
    I always get distracted by my family members. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Tell them that you really need to study, and that if you don't take the time you have now you will fail, but this is if a grown-up is bothering you. If say a sibling or a little child is bothering you, tell your guardians to make sure they leave you alone at this time, because you really need to get your homework and studying done. It might be hard, so you can also just put on good headphones that block out outside noise and tell your parents that you are going to be working on your school work.
  • Question
    I have a lot of family problems going on at home and it's practically impossible to concentrate when they are yelling. What do I do?
    Nicole Young
    Community Answer
    You can ask them if they can take you to a nearby library for a couple of hours so that you can finish your homework. Or if the library or another quiet place is nearby you could go for a walk there or ride a bike.
  • Question
    How can I finish homework in time?
    Community Answer
    Start it as soon as you get home. This way you have all evening to do it (though it probably won't take that long). Work for 45 minutes or so at a time, then take a 5-10 minute break. Repeat as needed.
  • Question
    I keep running back to my computer to watch YouTube, it's like a drug to me and I can't stop. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Unplug your computer, or go work at a friend's house or outside. You could also ask a parent to turn on parental controls and block YouTube so you can still use your computer for homework but you'll be unable to access the site.
  • Question
    How am I supposed to study if the teacher gives me a study guide that I am supposed to fill out, but I need help figuring it out?
    Community Answer
    Tell the teacher you don't understand the guide and you need help or further instructions. If you can't get in touch with the teacher, ask a parent, or contact another student from your class and see if they can help you.
  • Question
    I have a 10 day vacation and I'm going out of state. How do I get my homework done?
    Community Answer
    Bring it with you and work on it anytime you have some free time, like when you're just hanging out in your hotel room between activities.
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