Tips for Students

Getting homework done can be a challenge for even the most successful student. However there are a few things that can be done to help improve the process;

1. A Place to work
Find the right place. Different students prefer different environments to study in. You may want to conduct ‘experiments’ to see what is best for you.

Gather all the materials you will need at one time. Avoid wasting time by stockpiling all the relevant materials in one spot where you have easy access.

If you tend to study in different areas at home, it may be helpful to have a small box to carry all your materials in.

2. Organising Homework and Setting Priorities

a.      List your assignments.

b.      Ensure you have all the relevant study books.

c.      Breakdown tasks into sub tasks.

d.      Assess what other homework has to be completed.

e.      Organise your homework based on the deadlines set for handing in all homework.

f.        It may help to start with an easier homework project and then follow it with a harder task. (The homework equivalent of a warm up).

g.      Estimate how long it will take to complete a specific task.

h.      Give yourself a small break if you feel tired.

i.        Prioritise your homework over other after school activities you may have.

3. Starting Your Homework
Starting your homework may seem like an impossible task. However here are some handy pointers;

a.      Set yourself a time when you will sit down and start your homework properly.

b.      Set yourself a break time to relax for 5-10 minutes.

c.      Set yourself a rough finishing time.

4. Help Yourself
Help yourself by taking into account all the points listed below. If you follow them your concentration will improve and so too will your quality of homework.

a.      Space
You will need an uncluttered space in which to produce your homework. A kitchen table may be better than a cluttered messy desk.

b.      Position
Many students are unaware of simple adjustments they can make to improve their study techniques. A relaxed grip on your pen/ pencil and an alert, upright position in a chair will be of great benefit.

c.      Lighting
Adequate lighting, which does not produce any glare, is the best form of lighting for homework. Bad lighting will only lead to tiredness and eyestrain.

d.      Insulation
When working on your homework you should ideally be ‘insulated’ from all distractions. This can include your mobile phone, your normal phone, the TV, the Internet and any other distractions.

e.      Necessities
Ensure that you have everything you need in the place where you are studying.

f.        Time
Allocate a time to start your homework and a rough schedule of how long your homework should take.

Other Points to Remember

1. School is your Job

• If you are a student, then studying is your full time job.
• Appreciate that how well you do in school will determine how well you will do in the rest of your life.
• If you are happy to settle for a low paid job, no career prospects and no personal rewards then just sit back and relax at school. However if you want more than this be prepared to study, study, study and study!!!!

2. Read Ahead

• Even if you do not understand everything, you will have a basic understanding of the subject.
• Prepare a list of points that you do not understand.

3. Listen and Take Notes

• If you know and understand what has been discussed in class, then you will know and understand what to study for exams.
• Read over your notes when you get home on the same day you made the notes.
• Always be happy to add to your notes as your knowledge becomes more extensive.

4. Be Homework Happy

• Always try and do your homework during the week. Weekends are for fun….
• Read through your homework on the same day it was set. Then if you have any problems you can deal with them before the deadline.

5. Too many difficult subjects

• Consult your parents and teachers about what subjects to study. Bear in mind any future career plans you may have and the difficulty of each subject involved.

6. Choose carefully when and where you study

• Select a place that is your place.
• No distractions.
• Prepare a study schedule.