MATH by EDISON
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Quick Tip: Ask EH - Why do I find homework difficult?
Answer: you’re not remembering how to do the first example taught.
Ask EH is a new feature of Quick Tips. I’ll answer questions you and students ask me.
… I go to class … take notes ... start homework … I don’t get it … it’s difficult … why?
A common issue that many students ask is, why do I find homework difficult?
EH here, what a question! Many reasons for this homework issue, and I’ve written longer articles on Math by Edison for parents here ( How to not struggle with homework ) and here ( The purpose of homework is to remember! ).
But here’s two Quick Tips you can do now to start finding homework a little less difficult:
1st, Make a summary sheet !* That’s the start of you making sense of that first example your teacher taught. *Check out the summary sheet to understand what goes on a Summary Sheet (it will include that crucial first example explained in class). 2nd Next, redo that first question correctly w/o any assistance (no notes, no help, just you and your brain). Think of it as a quiz to check your remembering skills.
That’s it. Do that before you start homework, and homework will be a little less complicated.
Why, you ask?
Well, if you cannot do that first question your teacher has explained: 1) Of course, you will struggle with your homework as that first question is the easiest question of the day; everything else is tougher ☹ and 2) That first question is the one you will use and think about when you’re doing homework questions 😊.
Think of it this way: Your teacher has just finished teaching the new lesson and assigned the homework. You are about to start the homework, and they say, we have a guest today, and I walk into your class, and I say,
“ Hey, I’m EH. Can you stop doing your homework, and please put away your notes.” I keep talking, “ I’m going to give you a quiz, and it’s the first question your teacher taught you today. On the top left of the quiz, you’ll write your name, the top right, you’ll answer the question ‘What percent do you expect on this quiz ?, and finally you’ll do the question.
I then hand out the quiz.
Would you get 100% on that quiz?
If no, you shouldn't start your homework until you can get 100%. If the first time you can’t get it then read notes, then try it again. Even if it means many redos, you have to get 100%. Think of it as having to memorize three sentences for a speech for a presentation, except this is much less.
If yes to 100% - then you're ready to start homework.
You'll find homework difficult if you don't remember how to do that first example.
You're up! Put these two steps into action: 1) Summary sheet and 2) Self-quiz on question one. Homework will be a little less difficult (aka a little easier).
Homework is only difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing!
Bye for now, EH
You’re up again: Email me a question on what’s frustrating you and be sure to include “Ask EH” in subject line.
Why I started writing Quick Tips is here, What is Quick Tips about?
EH are my initials, for my name, Edison Hopkinson. ‘EH’ is a part of Canadian culture - it’s how many Canadians finish off sentences. I find homework difficult, EH. So not so much a question, but more a statement. Well, I guess it could be a question, Can you tell me how to find homework less difficult, EH? Until next time, EH!
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Why Do Students Find It Difficult To Finish Their Homework?
Understanding the importance of homework can help motivate and boost the productivity of students. Homework is crucial because it helps students build core abilities that will benefit them throughout their school and working lives.
Improved grades, discipline, time management, resource management, and communication are all essential life skills that will open doors to unique opportunities and assist children in achieving career success. Despite these benefits, students still find it difficult to finish their homework due to the following reasons:
1. Distractions When Studying.
Distracted study can lead to a lack of grasp of the information being taught. This might lead to lower grades and feelings of dissatisfaction over time. Students therefore must be in an environment that allows them to focus on their studies to eliminate their homework battle.
Internal or external study distractions are the main forms of distractions. Physiological requirements and emotional concerns are examples of internal study distractions. Technology and people are external study distractions examples. To complete and understand what he or she is learning, students must be able to focus on their homework without getting distracted.
2. Time Constraints.
Some students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. While these activities are beneficial and can help children stay interested in school, they can also make it difficult for pupils to complete homework because of the tight schedule they may have.
Furthermore, some other students may have additional obligations or employment opportunities. We recommend giving your kids tasks ahead of time to make it easier for them to create enough time to do their homework.
3. Lack Of Skills And Inadequate Knowledge.
To accomplish and complete homework on their own, students must have the necessary abilities and understand the directions. Instead of attempting to learn anything new on their own, students should ideally have been introduced to a topic.
Furthermore, the items students use should be appropriate for their level of independence. Ascertain that the instructions are clear and detailed and that the job level is appropriate for them. You can also urge them to look for answers to homework issues on the internet if they are having trouble with the assignment at home.
4. Excess Homework For Students.
Too much homework can negatively affect students, especially if they live away from school, where family, friends, and activities matter. It may discourage them hence they might attempt to do the homework up to a certain point before they give up on it completely.
This is a common issue especially when students have a variety of teachers. Teachers at this level frequently have no idea what other teachers are assigning. Teachers may believe that students will only need a few minutes to do their assignments. However, if they have several topics and each teacher assigns them different homework, the student will be working on homework for many hours. Good teaching teams need to talk about homework assignments and aim to manage the workload so that students don’t have a lot of assignments due all at once.
5. Working Memory Deficit.
Working memory is the ability to remember the knowledge needed to execute a task. When students have problems following directions, it’s usually a sign of a problem with working memory.
Breaking down work into smaller steps might be beneficial. Working memory impairments make it difficult for students to follow instructions with a lot of stages. Instead, try concentrating on just one thing at a time.
When students try to do too much at once, they produce shoddy work and experience anxiety. Attempting to complete everything at once might be stressful.
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