While paying close attention during your lessons is important, it’s not enough. If you want to secure top grades in your upcoming examinations, you must focus on homework and revision as well. In this blog, we’ll focus on the former.
As an online student, how can you create a balanced homework routine that helps you maintain excellent academic performance? What are some tips you should keep in mind? And most importantly, how can you stick to your homework routine in the long run?
Our education specialists are breaking it all down today. Keep reading!
1. Start with Prioritisation
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all homework routine. Every student should follow a personalised routine that takes their academic strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance into account.
Start with prioritisation. Set a list of priorities based on your curriculum. Which subjects need more work than the others? Which topics/subtopics have you mastered? Are there certain concepts you’re having trouble with?
Based on the answers, prioritise certain areas accordingly. You should ideally start working on these areas first. Since they’re more difficult and dense, they’ll require more time. If you leave them for the end, there’s a chance that you may not be able to complete them.
Prioritisation will go a long way in helping you diligently complete your homework instead of rushing through it.
2. Set the Right Timings
Many students make the mistake of setting aside 30 minutes to an hour for homework each day. There’s no way you’ll be able to complete your homework in such a short duration. As you rush through it, you’ll fail to do your work conscientiously. Your homework will be replete with errors.
Avoid this by attributing between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to homework each day. This will help you complete your work with patience and focus, not hastiness.
3. Take Breaks
As humans, we need breaks. Instead of breezing through your homework at lightning speed, opt for a steady pace. Take 1–2 breaks in between to refresh your mind and regain optimal focus and concentration. The breaks shouldn’t be longer than 10 minutes.
Recommended Read: How to Create a Sporting Timetable for Children Who Attend Homeschool
4. Feel Free to Ask for Help
Every student aims to complete their homework independently. However, that isn’t always possible, especially for younger students. Feel free to ask for help if you need it.
At CHS Online, we provide students with access to a wide online repository. You can explore hundreds of quality resources, including previous catch-up lessons, past papers, activities, exercises, PowerPoint presentations, videos, pep talks, study guides, and so much more. Use these resources to clear your concepts, get help when/if you’re stuck, and gain more knowledge.
If you still need additional help with homework, don’t hesitate to ask your parents/siblings. We request our students to make a list of any questions they may have. Present them to your teacher in class the next day.
Since our student-teacher ratio is low, our teachers have ample time to address questions in a one-on-one setting. The learning process is highly individualised at our institution. If you’re confused about anything, your teachers will clear things up the next day.
5. Set Goals
As a student, you shouldn’t complete your homework simply because it’s required the next day. Instead, complete your homework to learn something new each time. Set realistic goals and check them off every week. This is a great way to track your progress and understand how your homework is helping you become a better student.
6. Get Rid of Distractions
Distractions can easily disrupt your homework routine in an instant. If you complete your homework in your bedroom, get rid of any distractions within sight, e.g., games, gadgets, etc.
Ideally, students should complete their homework in a separate study room. This should be a distraction-free space that includes your study station (laptop/computer, study table, chair, stationery, books, etc.), any tools you need in school, and other academic essentials.
7. Enjoy a Snack!
As you complete your homework, set aside a healthy snack you can enjoy in the middle or towards the end. This can be anything you enjoy: fruit, a PB&J sandwich, cookies, granola bars, marshmallow snack bars, popcorn, cheddar crackers, and so on.
In fact, you can also set up your own reward system. If you’re tackling a difficult set of homework on a particular day, set aside your favourite snack for it. Allow yourself to enjoy it once you’ve completed the task. This is a great way to motivate yourself to complete your homework diligently. You’ll also enjoy the homework process a lot more when you have a snack to look forward to!
You can also reward yourself with other treats like an adventure with a friend, additional game time for the day, and so on. If you have something exciting planned later, you’ll start enjoying your homework more!
Recommended Read: “I Want to Send My Children to Online School. Is This the Right Decision as a Parent?” Let’s Discuss
At Cambridge Home School Online, we provide a quality Cambridge online education to students across the globe. With over 20 years of experience, our institution is considered one of the most prestigious online British schools in the UK, Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Explore our four homeschooling programs: Primary Prep/Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 10), Lower School/Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 13), Upper School/IGCSEs (ages 14 to 16), and Sixth Form/AS & A-Levels (ages 17 to 19).
For more information, take a closer look at the following resources:
Whether you’re interested in high school online learning, school options for working parents, primary school programs, or secondary schools in the UK, you’ll find a program that’s right for you at CHS Online.
We also provide academic booster classes during the summer vacation. This program is excellent for non-CHS students who wish to switch to online schooling but haven’t quite proceeded yet. If you’re hesitant about the transition, our summer classes will help you understand whether online learning is right for you.
If you have any questions, feel free to call/email our team. We’re always happy to help!
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FAQ
How Do I Prioritise My Homework?
Prioritisation is key when tackling homework assignments. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and the curriculum to figure out which subjects or topics require more of your attention. Prioritise these areas and tackle them first, as they may require more time to complete.
What Is the Recommended Time Duration for Homework?
Many students wrongly allocate just 30 minutes to an hour for homework. However, to do a thorough job, allocate between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per day. This allows you to focus better and complete your homework without rushing.
Should I Take Breaks While Doing Homework?
Yes, taking short breaks is essential. Aim for 1-2 breaks, each not exceeding 10 minutes, to rejuvenate your mind. This helps maintain optimal focus and concentration throughout your homework session.
How Can I Get Additional Help with Homework?
At CHS Online, a multitude of resources such as past papers, study guides, and videos are readily available. Additionally, due to the low student-teacher ratio, you can also ask for one-on-one help during class. If you’re still struggling, consult with parents or siblings.
How Can I Make Homework More Rewarding?
Setting goals and rewards can make your homework routine more engaging. Treat yourself to a healthy snack or another form of reward once you complete challenging tasks. This creates an incentive and makes the homework process more enjoyable.