Whether you are a middle school student or a college senior, you can probably think of more entertaining ways to spend your time than doing homework. The hard truth is that education requires a bit of discipline. There is no substitute for knowledge, so sometimes you just have to knuckle down and concentrate. However, there are several tips you can use to spend your homework time more efficiently to help you finish it faster.
1. Make a list.
This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And I mean, everything—from making a study guide in your StudyBlue app to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary.
2. Estimate the time for each item on your list.
Be a little ruthless here. Building in buffer time can actually work against you, because you’ll find you will continue working on that subject for the time allotted. However long you think it will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, but realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader.
3. Put your phone in airplane mode.
Don’t put your phone in silent mode. You want to be completely undisturbed during this time. If someone waits an hour to hear back from you, it’s not the end of the world. Now is the time for work.
4.Have supplies at the ready.
Gather everything you will need for the assignments you are working on. Getting up for supplies gets you off course and makes it that much harder to resume your homework.
5.Take Notes
Notes are a great study tool for a few different reasons. By taking notes in class or during a reading, you are organizing the ideas not only on the page, but in your mind, allowing you to make stronger associations later when recalling the material. Also, because you are thinking critically about the information, you can form thoughts and questions to bring up in class. Also, notes will provide a study guide when preparing for tests and may clarify issues that come up when you study alone.
