How to Concentrate on Your Homework
Find a quiet place to work., Get everything you'll need to complete your homework., Eliminate all distractions., Write a to-do checklist for your homework., Make a schedule., Take a minute to switch on your brain., Do the hardest tasks first., Try...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find a quiet place to work.
If you need to focus, it can be pretty hard to do that in the living room while your brother plays Xbox at full volume.
Try to find a quiet place where you'll be able to study in peace and focus on what you need to do.
If needed make some changes in the room.
Your room is often the best bet, but anywhere can work.
Try to set aside a specific spot to do your homework every night, like the kitchen table or a desk in the living room.
If you can't find a quiet place in your house, or you don't have your own room, try staying after school to finish your homework.
Or head to the public library to study. -
Step 2: Get everything you'll need to complete your homework.
Before you get started, make sure you gather all the right materials and utensils, gathering them neatly on your desk.
If you have everything you'll need, you'll be able to concentrate on what you're doing, not where your protractor is, and where you need to find your notes.
Tidiness is essential, so clean the clutter before you study.
Bring a glass of water, or a healthy snack, so you won't find a reason to leave your work when you get a little craving.
Keep your butt in the chair. , Turn off the computer, Facebook, Twitter, or anything that will distract you.
If you're trying to focus, get rid of everything except the assignment in front of you and anything directly related to that assignment.
If you need your computer for finding information, then try concentrating on the information, not on anything else.
If you struggle with wanting to check your phone or your computer, put them in another room, or give them to your mom or roommate to watch over them.
Only get them back when you're on break time.
Some recent studies suggest that listening to soft, instrumental music can actually improve concentration when you're doing homework.
It doesn't work for everyone, but experiment with music and see if it works for you.Also make sure the place where you are studying is at a comfortable temperature.
If the place you are at cannot have the temperature changed, make sure you brought something warm to keep you nice and focused instead of being focused on being cold. , Before you start, write out everything that you need to do to finish your homework in a detailed list.
Even if you have a school planner or something similar, it's good to have a clear list in front of you at home before you start, so you can check things off as you work.
Write down the subject name and a brief overview of what you have to do for the assignment.
Write down the due date and a rough guess about how long it might take to finish each assignment.
Take in consideration other assignments, if you have any.
Order your to-dos from hardest to easiest, so you can tackle the toughest stuff first.
Or you can order them in order of how long you think they'll take, so you can focus on the most time-consuming tasks first.
Both ways are effective. , Without a plan, it can sometimes be pretty hard to stay on task.
Try setting a certain block of time for each thing you need to get done.
For example, science homework will be done from 4:00-5:00, then math work will be completed from 5:00-6:00.
This will help you stay on track so you’re not straying from your work.
The deadline for the work will help you complete tasks with some intensity, so that you’re not leaving it all to the last second.
It’s pretty important to know when your assignment is due so you can budget your time properly.
It can be pretty rough if you’re working on 4 different assignments the night before they are all due.
Try to keep your work area organized as well.
Having math work in the middle of all your English notes isn’t the best way to stay focused on your work. , It can be hard to go from regular life to studying with the flip of a switch.
Give your brain a chance to change from TV-watching mode to reading and studying mode.
Try flipping through your textbook before you start, so you can get into the mind set.
Re-copying your notes quickly can also be extremely effective.
The notes you copied down Friday afternoon probably aren't imprinted on your mind yet.
It's an easy way to study and get your thinking cap fitted properly. , Lots of people find the most effective way to approach homework is to start with the toughest tasks and get them out of the way.
If you absolutely hate math, but get a kick out of reading for English, do your math homework first and treat yourself afterward with the easier English reading.
As you get more worn down over the homework hours, the work will get easier.
Alternatively, you might find it more effective to do the most time-consuming tasks first.
These might be the same as the hardest, but not necessarily. , If you struggle to focus while you're doing something repetitive, speaking your math problems out loud can help to keep your mind centered on what you're doing.
This will help you keep from getting distracted.
If you feel silly, you don't have to speak them very loudly.
Just whisper.
When you're trying to puzzle out what to do with the problem, speak out loud as well.
Hearing what you're thinking can help with creativity., Don't switch between assignments.
Instead, finish one before you move on to the next.
According recent studies, multitasking temporarily drops your IQ and your cognitive abilities on each task, making the work even tougher.Check things off as you go.
As soon as you have completed a task, put a check next to it-you can even have several check boxes for different parts of the task.
Being able to put a tick next to something and think:
I've done this, is a great feeling, and can encourage you to keep going.
If you really can't figure something out, put it aside for a while.
Staring at something useless only gets you frustrated and it takes lots of time.
Starting another task makes you feel a little better (a fresh start-feeling) and you'll probably feel a lot better when you begin some other time. , Looking at a late night of homework? Try to never work longer than an hour or maybe two past your normal sleep time.
Do as much as possible, and finish up in the morning if you've got some leftover.
If you can't finish, plan better next time.
Your work will start to suffer as you get more tired, and you'll hurt your focus for the next day as well.
Once you start mixing your work time and sleep time, you'll have trouble planning, budgeting time, and estimating your workload. , Instead of one super long break, take a few short breaks in between different assignments.
Maybe have a five minute break for a snack after 30-60 minutes of work.
Take five minutes to stretch, pop outside for a walk, or do something active, instead of just sitting and checking Facebook.
It's important to make sure that you aren't sitting at a desk for hours and hours at a time.
When you don't take breaks, the work can seem kind of endless.
Productivity and concentration suffer, because you end up wasting some time doing other things like going on social media, doodling, or just doing poor work. , Caffeine gives some students a much-needed jolt of concentration juice.
For others, it's a fast-track to jittering around like a squirrel on speed.
Don't drink more than the normal amount of coffee or caffeinated drink you usually consume.
It will make concentrating harder.
Better than caffeine is just staying hydrated.
Drink water or juice instead to make sure your brain is functioning on all levels. , It can be kind of hard to focus if you’re alone in a tiny room with just your books and papers.
Sometimes it can be helpful to work out in the open where there are other people, or to study in a big group.
They can be helpful in keeping you accountable.
If you say that you’re working on an essay and they see you browsing Tumblr, they can point it out and keep you in check.
As long as you're not sharing answers, working on homework together isn't cheating.
Really, it's just smart time management and study skills. , It's important to give yourself a reward for the hard work you're doing, each time you finish a task.
Working toward a fun activity, treat, or some leisure time helps to motivate you to finish your work quickly, which means you'll have to concentrate.
Try this:
Cut some colored paper into strips or squares and write all of your assignments you have for that day.
Put these in one pile.
Create another pile with an equal number of rewards.
Put checking your phone or Facebook page on one, playing a game for 10 minutes, watching the new episode on TV, or anything that you want to do or would do in your free time.
When you finish one task, pick a treat from the pile of rewards.
This is a great way to get work done and enjoy the things you like to do.
Don't get too carried away with the rewards.
Only one episode TV, not the rest of the season. -
Step 3: Eliminate all distractions.
-
Step 4: Write a to-do checklist for your homework.
-
Step 5: Make a schedule.
-
Step 6: Take a minute to switch on your brain.
-
Step 7: Do the hardest tasks first.
-
Step 8: Try speaking aloud as you do your homework.
-
Step 9: Finish one task before you move on to something else.
-
Step 10: Know when to call it quits.
-
Step 11: Take regular short breaks.
-
Step 12: Be careful with caffeine.
-
Step 13: Try working on homework with other people.
-
Step 14: Give yourself a treat when you're done.
Detailed Guide
If you need to focus, it can be pretty hard to do that in the living room while your brother plays Xbox at full volume.
Try to find a quiet place where you'll be able to study in peace and focus on what you need to do.
If needed make some changes in the room.
Your room is often the best bet, but anywhere can work.
Try to set aside a specific spot to do your homework every night, like the kitchen table or a desk in the living room.
If you can't find a quiet place in your house, or you don't have your own room, try staying after school to finish your homework.
Or head to the public library to study.
Before you get started, make sure you gather all the right materials and utensils, gathering them neatly on your desk.
If you have everything you'll need, you'll be able to concentrate on what you're doing, not where your protractor is, and where you need to find your notes.
Tidiness is essential, so clean the clutter before you study.
Bring a glass of water, or a healthy snack, so you won't find a reason to leave your work when you get a little craving.
Keep your butt in the chair. , Turn off the computer, Facebook, Twitter, or anything that will distract you.
If you're trying to focus, get rid of everything except the assignment in front of you and anything directly related to that assignment.
If you need your computer for finding information, then try concentrating on the information, not on anything else.
If you struggle with wanting to check your phone or your computer, put them in another room, or give them to your mom or roommate to watch over them.
Only get them back when you're on break time.
Some recent studies suggest that listening to soft, instrumental music can actually improve concentration when you're doing homework.
It doesn't work for everyone, but experiment with music and see if it works for you.Also make sure the place where you are studying is at a comfortable temperature.
If the place you are at cannot have the temperature changed, make sure you brought something warm to keep you nice and focused instead of being focused on being cold. , Before you start, write out everything that you need to do to finish your homework in a detailed list.
Even if you have a school planner or something similar, it's good to have a clear list in front of you at home before you start, so you can check things off as you work.
Write down the subject name and a brief overview of what you have to do for the assignment.
Write down the due date and a rough guess about how long it might take to finish each assignment.
Take in consideration other assignments, if you have any.
Order your to-dos from hardest to easiest, so you can tackle the toughest stuff first.
Or you can order them in order of how long you think they'll take, so you can focus on the most time-consuming tasks first.
Both ways are effective. , Without a plan, it can sometimes be pretty hard to stay on task.
Try setting a certain block of time for each thing you need to get done.
For example, science homework will be done from 4:00-5:00, then math work will be completed from 5:00-6:00.
This will help you stay on track so you’re not straying from your work.
The deadline for the work will help you complete tasks with some intensity, so that you’re not leaving it all to the last second.
It’s pretty important to know when your assignment is due so you can budget your time properly.
It can be pretty rough if you’re working on 4 different assignments the night before they are all due.
Try to keep your work area organized as well.
Having math work in the middle of all your English notes isn’t the best way to stay focused on your work. , It can be hard to go from regular life to studying with the flip of a switch.
Give your brain a chance to change from TV-watching mode to reading and studying mode.
Try flipping through your textbook before you start, so you can get into the mind set.
Re-copying your notes quickly can also be extremely effective.
The notes you copied down Friday afternoon probably aren't imprinted on your mind yet.
It's an easy way to study and get your thinking cap fitted properly. , Lots of people find the most effective way to approach homework is to start with the toughest tasks and get them out of the way.
If you absolutely hate math, but get a kick out of reading for English, do your math homework first and treat yourself afterward with the easier English reading.
As you get more worn down over the homework hours, the work will get easier.
Alternatively, you might find it more effective to do the most time-consuming tasks first.
These might be the same as the hardest, but not necessarily. , If you struggle to focus while you're doing something repetitive, speaking your math problems out loud can help to keep your mind centered on what you're doing.
This will help you keep from getting distracted.
If you feel silly, you don't have to speak them very loudly.
Just whisper.
When you're trying to puzzle out what to do with the problem, speak out loud as well.
Hearing what you're thinking can help with creativity., Don't switch between assignments.
Instead, finish one before you move on to the next.
According recent studies, multitasking temporarily drops your IQ and your cognitive abilities on each task, making the work even tougher.Check things off as you go.
As soon as you have completed a task, put a check next to it-you can even have several check boxes for different parts of the task.
Being able to put a tick next to something and think:
I've done this, is a great feeling, and can encourage you to keep going.
If you really can't figure something out, put it aside for a while.
Staring at something useless only gets you frustrated and it takes lots of time.
Starting another task makes you feel a little better (a fresh start-feeling) and you'll probably feel a lot better when you begin some other time. , Looking at a late night of homework? Try to never work longer than an hour or maybe two past your normal sleep time.
Do as much as possible, and finish up in the morning if you've got some leftover.
If you can't finish, plan better next time.
Your work will start to suffer as you get more tired, and you'll hurt your focus for the next day as well.
Once you start mixing your work time and sleep time, you'll have trouble planning, budgeting time, and estimating your workload. , Instead of one super long break, take a few short breaks in between different assignments.
Maybe have a five minute break for a snack after 30-60 minutes of work.
Take five minutes to stretch, pop outside for a walk, or do something active, instead of just sitting and checking Facebook.
It's important to make sure that you aren't sitting at a desk for hours and hours at a time.
When you don't take breaks, the work can seem kind of endless.
Productivity and concentration suffer, because you end up wasting some time doing other things like going on social media, doodling, or just doing poor work. , Caffeine gives some students a much-needed jolt of concentration juice.
For others, it's a fast-track to jittering around like a squirrel on speed.
Don't drink more than the normal amount of coffee or caffeinated drink you usually consume.
It will make concentrating harder.
Better than caffeine is just staying hydrated.
Drink water or juice instead to make sure your brain is functioning on all levels. , It can be kind of hard to focus if you’re alone in a tiny room with just your books and papers.
Sometimes it can be helpful to work out in the open where there are other people, or to study in a big group.
They can be helpful in keeping you accountable.
If you say that you’re working on an essay and they see you browsing Tumblr, they can point it out and keep you in check.
As long as you're not sharing answers, working on homework together isn't cheating.
Really, it's just smart time management and study skills. , It's important to give yourself a reward for the hard work you're doing, each time you finish a task.
Working toward a fun activity, treat, or some leisure time helps to motivate you to finish your work quickly, which means you'll have to concentrate.
Try this:
Cut some colored paper into strips or squares and write all of your assignments you have for that day.
Put these in one pile.
Create another pile with an equal number of rewards.
Put checking your phone or Facebook page on one, playing a game for 10 minutes, watching the new episode on TV, or anything that you want to do or would do in your free time.
When you finish one task, pick a treat from the pile of rewards.
This is a great way to get work done and enjoy the things you like to do.
Don't get too carried away with the rewards.
Only one episode TV, not the rest of the season.
About the Author
Jean Chapman
Brings years of experience writing about cooking and related subjects.
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