Tuesday 13 December 2011

10 ways to make homework productive

        Home work can be viewed in two different ways: a useful tool, or a waste of time. No matter how wonderful homework is, the benefits will only be realized if information is properly digested. To prevent wasted time, there are several things you can do to make homework useful. Here are 10 ways in which homework time can be made productive.


Homework overview


Immediately before beginning homework, it is wise to confirm what is expected and begin work once expectations are perfectly clear.


Work in Pairs






Many people learn better in small groups. By completing homework with someone who has the same aptitude for a particular subject, joint learning takes place. The saying, "Two heads work better than one" comes to mind.


Make homework at the specified time each day


Homework should be done at the specified time each and every day. This gets the mind and body into a routine. Once a routine is established, the brain will automatically be ready to soak up information. If there are no assignments for the day, take the time to review material.


Provide a Snack


The brain needs food to thrive. Feeding your body before you do homework ensures an alert brain that is not preoccupied by a hungry stomach. Of course healthy snacks are better than sugar filled treats.


Positive Homework Feedback


The best way to help a child improve is to give stimulating feedback. For example, if he or she answers a worksheet question incorrectly, dont just tell him/ her is wrong. Let him/ her know what he/ she did was right, and why and how he/ she came to the wrong conclusion.


Recreational Time Before Homework


School is 6 or 7 strsight hours of learning. Children need to give their brains a break after school hours. Homework should not being immediately after the last class of the day. Instead, let your child play or relax before really digging into study meterial.


Take Periodic Homework Breaks


As students older, homework tends to take up more and more time. The brain functions best when it is given 10 or 15 minutes break every hour. This ensures retention of information which is not forgotten once the head hits the pillow at night.


Homework Help Availability


When a child has a homework question, give an answer immediately. More information is stored if problems are answered and corrected as soos as they arise. Make sure your child or student has some available questions during homework hours. Be it a parent, teacher, sibling, or a tutor.


Review Homework


After completion of homework, it is important to review the finished product. Check the answers, review essays, make sure all questions have a response. Success lies in the details.


In many households, homework is a dreaded word. Instead of being looked upon as a helpful tool, it is viewed as an immense waste of time. These 10 tips will transform homework form haphazard busywork, into necessary learning tool.


-Deepa

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