Homework is not exactly everyone’s favorite word when you are kid. It's even less appealing when you are a college student, especially one that has other responsibilities such as a family or work. Homework assignments can seem daunting at times; sometimes just getting started on a homework assignment is very difficult.
According to this blog post from Thomas Edison University, “In truth, we’ve all experienced how difficult it feels just to start. So we tend to ignore it and focus on something more fun instead. But then, before we realize, a project that at first seemed manageable now appears next to impossible to complete.” With the use of carefully implemented strategies you can get a better handle on tackling even the most dreaded homework assignment.
Below are some recommended practical tips to help you get your homework done:
- Create a study environment conducive to focus: If you get easily distracted you may want to make sure that your designated homework area and time are quiet and free from distractions. Conversely, if you focus better with some noise you may want to create a playlist of music to listen to while you study.
- Plan: If you tend to procrastinate on your assignments, keeping a master calendar of all your due dates can provide you a visual representation of all you have to get done. Use this master calendar to create a weekly to do list prioritizing what you need to get done in order of due date or importance.
- Start with your least favorite: To reduce your anxiety and increase your confidence, tackle your least favorite subject first. Once you have that assignment or task completed move on to the easier or more enjoyable assignments.
- Chunk: Sometimes homework assignments tend to overwhelm us to the point of not knowing how to best approach it. One great strategy is chunking. Chunking is a strategy of breaking down a process or assignment in to smaller more manageable units. For example if your assignment is to read 50 pages you can chunk the assignment into reading 10 pages at a time.
- Reward yourself: One great way to help us through a homework or study session is to reward ourselves one we have completed it. For example, if you have a paper due reward yourself with a dinner out or watching your favorite show only once you have completed the assignment.
Completing homework assignments as a college student doesn’t have to be a painful experience. Take time to evaluate how you best learn and use the above tips to develop a strategy to help you become a better student.