Homework is a crucial component of a student’s academic journey, yet it can become a source of stress and frustration for many secondary school students. Whether it’s balancing time after school, dealing with distractions, or managing a heavy workload, parents and students often find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges of homework. However, research consistently shows that homework, when approached in the right way, can enhance learning, and boost academic performance. Moreover, independent learning can cultivate essential life skills like responsibility, discipline, and time management.
This guide outlines effective, research-backed strategies to keep up with homework, and provides actionable tips for both parents and students. These strategies aim to not only improve homework completion but also foster a positive attitude towards learning.
The Importance of Homework
Before diving into the strategies, it’s important to understand why homework matters!
Students who regularly complete their homework tend to perform better in school. Homework reinforces what is learned in class, allowing students to practice skills, develop a deeper understanding of the material, and build crucial habits for future success. A study conducted found a strong association between homework and academic achievement, particularly in secondary school students. This is why it’s essential for students to develop healthy homework habits and for parents to provide the right kind of support.
5 Effective Homework Strategies for Students
For students, keeping up with homework is more important than completing assignments on time. It’s about creating a routine that makes homework manageable, reduces stress, and enhances independent learning. Here are some beneficial strategies to help students tackle homework.
1. Create a Homework Schedule
Between school, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, it’s easy for homework to fall by the wayside. Students who set aside a specific time each day for homework are more likely to complete their assignments and experience less stress. Practising time-management is an essential skill for secondary school students!
Why not… create a daily or weekly homework schedule? Block out time each day specifically for homework, ensuring you have ample time to complete assignments. Avoid last-minute cramming by breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and distributing them over several days.
2. Find Your Ideal Study Environment
The environment in which a student studies can impact focus and productivity. Students who study in a quiet, distraction-free space complete homework faster and retain more information compared to those working in noisy or cluttered environments.
Why not… identify a study space in your home that is free from distractions like television, video games, and social media? Make sure your study space is well-lit, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary materials (pens, notebooks, calculators, etc.) so you don’t have to interrupt your homework to find supplies.
3. Break Work into Chunks
Long periods of studying without breaks can lead to mental exhaustion, making it harder to concentrate. The Pomodoro Technique is an effective time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo, which suggests breaking work into 25-minute intervals followed by a short break. This approach has been shown to improve focus and productivity.
Why not… use a timer to break your homework time into manageable chunks. Work for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break. After completing four “Pomodoros,” take a longer break of 20-30 minutes. This will help you maintain concentration and avoid burnout.
4. Stay Organized
Disorganization is a common reason why students fall behind on their homework. Students who keep their schoolwork and materials organized are less likely to miss deadlines and more likely to maintain high grades.
Why not… Use a planner to track your homework assignments, due dates, and upcoming tests. Make a habit of reviewing your planner each day to stay on top of tasks. Organise your notes and school materials by subject so that everything is easily accessible when needed.
5. Seek Help When Needed
Students who actively seek help from teachers, peers, or tutors when needed are more likely to succeed academically.
Remember: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re confused about an assignment or struggling to understand a concept. Talk to your teacher, or tutor at Educate Excellence. Many schools also offer homework help programs after school.
5 Tips For Parents
Parents play a vital role in helping their children stay on top of homework. Research shows that parental involvement can have a positive impact on a child’s academic success. However, parents need to strike the right balance between being supportive and over-involved.
1. Establish a Routine
Structured routines at home lead to perform better academically. This includes having a consistent time for homework, meals, and sleep. Work with your child to create a homework routine that fits their schedule. Make sure they have a designated time and space for studying each day. Encourage them to stick to this routine, even on days when they feel less motivated.
2. Create a Positive Learning Environment
Students who feel supported by their parents are more likely to have a positive attitude toward homework and are less likely to procrastinate.
Encourage your child by showing interest in their homework. Praise their efforts and progress, rather than just focusing on the outcome. Avoid criticism or punishment if they struggle with an assignment; instead, offer help or guide them to resources that can assist them.
3. Teach Time Management Skills
As students move through secondary school, the homework load increases, making time management an essential skill. Students who learn to manage their time effectively are less likely to feel overwhelmed by their workload. Help your child prioritise tasks and break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable parts. Encourage them to set goals for each homework session and reward themselves once those goals are achieved.
4. Monitor, But Don’t Micromanage
While it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s homework habits, being overly involved can backfire. Students whose parents micromanage their homework tend to have lower academic motivation and increased anxiety.
Actionable Tip: Provide support and guidance, but let your child take ownership of their homework. Offer assistance if they ask, but allow them to make mistakes and learn from them. This helps build their problem-solving skills and resilience.
5. Communicate with Teachers
If your child is consistently struggling with homework, it’s important to communicate with their teachers or tutors. Parents who maintain open lines of communication with teachers are better equipped to support their child’s academic success. We highly encourage open communication between parents and tutors at Educate Excellence!
Actionable Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers if you notice a recurring issue with homework. Teachers can provide insights into your child’s progress, suggest additional resources, or adjust assignments to meet their needs.
How Can Educate Excellence Help?
Homework is an essential part of the learning process, but it can be challenging to keep up with. Educate Excellence provides students with a structured homework schedule, outlined in our online portal, as well as the recommended amount of time to spend on each task! We recommend you split the workload throughout the week, and that you ask for tutor support if you need help, at the start of the next lesson.
By adopting effective strategies, both students and parents, with tutor support can create a homework routine that not only improves academic performance but also fosters a love of learning.
Key takeaways:
- For students, the key is time management, organisation, and seeking help when needed.
- For parents, the goal is to provide support and structure while encouraging independence.
Together, these efforts can turn homework from a source of stress into an opportunity for growth and development. By embracing these strategies, students can thrive both in the classroom and at home.
