Homework’s a waste of time! It’s too hard! The teacher always gives us too much! Why can’t I do it later?

Mark drags his feet through the house with his iPod dangling around his neck, skateboard clutched in his left hand, and his backpack slung over his shoulder. There is a quick stop at the refrigerator, only to stand with the door open and stare. “Awe Mom, do I have to do my homework NOW? All the guys are at the park.” “You know if you don’t keep your grades up you can’t try-out for basketball. It won’t take you that long if you just put your mind to it,” his Mom yells from the laundry room. Mark grumbles under his breath as he shuffles off to his bedroom and shuts the door. The battle for the school year has begun!

Limited Motivation Meets Vital Techniques

Does your son or daughter resemble Mark’s behavior? Do you fear the dreaded homework battle? Can you remember feeling the same way? Whether someone likes or does not like to study, the use of the following techniques can help assure that the time utilized to study is met with the best results. These techniques work for any age, whether the homework is algebra or practicing how to print the alphabet. The next time your student complains about his or her homework, try asking the following questions and implementing these steps.

1. Rank It
a. List the subjects you need to study on a piece of paper
b. Next to each subject on the list, write the following:
- Which do you like the best / least (scale of 1–5, 5 is the one you like the least)
- Which are the most difficult / a cinch (complexity of 1-5, 5 being the hardest)
Let’s say you have math, science and history homework this particular night. You love math (1), hate science (5) and history’s OK (3).
c. Now, add a number for the degree of difficulty, as it relates to you:
- Love math and only have a page of equations (no big deal, complexity 2)
- History’s OK and I have a chapter to read (simple stuff, complexity 1)
- Science, I can’t stand it. I’ve got to read a chapter and answer the questions at the end of the chapter. (Hate it, confusing & frustrating, complexity level 5)
So, from toughest to easiest it looks like: Science, Math and then History
d. Total the subjects
a. Math (1+2 = 3) History (3+1 = 4) Science (5+5 = 10) Science is the most difficult and the least liked. It should be studied when you’re at your peak and under the most favorable conditions. The normal pattern is to put off what we don’t like or aren’t very good at. To do this will only magnify the frustration and produces the worst results.

2. Energize It
a. What is your level of vitality?
- Do you work better bright and early in the morning?
- Do you study better after dinner?
- Maybe you think more clearly late in the evening?

3. Feel It
a. Where is the quietest place, with the least disturbances? Where is the atmosphere and furniture most conducive to studying? Is there a desk or cleared table available?

Now, when you combine all of these factors you will achieve positive results. Your student will derive the most benefit by studying the subject that is the toughest during a time when he/she has the most energy and can take advantage of an environment that is most conducive. Maybe this is the first thing he/she tackles after coming home from school and having a snack. The easiest subject can then be done under circumstances that are less ideal, if necessary, for instance after dinner when the TV is on in the background and siblings are around.

Students will always complain about homework. It’s part of their nature. You can now offer a real solution that will minimize the time it takes to complete their homework assignment and achieve the best possible results. All your student has to do is better understand his/her own talents, energy levels and study environment. Then practice the techniques for a more favorable outcome.

Are you planning your next conference or seminar and need a dynamic speaker like Deborah? Please visit her web site at: www.Dynamic-Wisdom.com or contact her at: 480.346.1155 to hear more tips on how you and your members or employees can learn many more techniques on how to study like a master.