Students: Do you rush through your homework just to check it off your to-do list? If you answered “yes,” you’re not alone. After all, you’ve been in school all day, and the work you still have to do is getting in the way of all of the things you’ve been thinking about that you actually want to do. The problem: when you rush through homework, you probably have to spend two to four times longer studying for tests and quizzes, and you may not be getting the results you want.
Parents and Teachers: If you notice that your student’s test and quiz scores don’t yet reflect the work they’re putting into homework and studying, you can use this data to help them make a valuable change. Lower test scores signal that it might be time to shift from a “get it done” perspective to embrace a more effective approach to learning. Let’s explore the difference between doing homework to “get it done” versus doing homework to truly “get it.”
The Pitfall of “Getting It Done”
When students focus solely on completing homework, they often miss out on the real benefits of practice and reinforcement.
This approach can lead to:
- Rushed work with minimal retention: this wastes time because you will have to learn it all over again
- Superficial understanding of concepts: it makes sense, but the connections in your brain aren’t strong enough to can’t recreate it on your own
- Missed opportunities for skill development: using time wisely to learn what you need to, so later studies are just review
The Power of “Getting It”
On the other hand, approaching homework with the intention to truly understand and internalize the material can transform your learning experience.
This method:
- Reinforces classroom learning: the best time to make new brain pathways is just before you’re about to forget it. Use the power of recall!
- Builds critical thinking skills: knowing more than the basics about your topic helps you think in smaller detail about how to apply it.
- Develops long-term retention of information: this is truly working smarter rather than harder: future studying becomes review as concepts build upon one another.
Research shows that meaningful, out-of-class learning opportunities aligned with the in-class curriculum can significantly increase student engagement and performance. By slowing down and focusing on comprehension rather than completion, you’re setting yourself up for academic success now and life success in the future.
Why Meaningful Practice Matters
Doing homework “to get it” takes into account learning and habit research, allowing you to work smarter, not harder. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Builds stamina: Consistent, purposeful practice helps develop the mental endurance needed for more challenging academic tasks. You’re flexing the muscles in your brain in the same way that you flex the muscles in your body.
- Enhances retention: When you engage deeply with the material, you’re more likely to remember it long-term. This means less studying later!
- Develops critical skills: Meaningful homework can help you build college-ready study skills, personal responsibility, and executive functioning abilities. Whether you’re thinking about college or a career after high school, these are the skills that your employers will value above all others when you enter the job market!
Simple Ways to Set Yourself Up for Meaningful Practice
Ready to transform your homework routine? Here are three strategies to help you work toward “getting it” instead of just “getting it done”:
- Create a consistent structure: Establish a regular homework routine. Whether it’s specific days of the week or a set pattern, consistency is key to developing habit-forming behaviors. This structure will help you approach your homework with intention and purpose.
- Connect to real-life applications: Look for ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom. Try to make relevant connections between your homework and your own life experiences. This approach can help you see the value in your assignments and increase your engagement with the material.
- Use active learning techniques: Instead of passively reading or memorizing, engage with the material actively. Try summarizing key points in your own words, creating visual representations of concepts, or teaching the material to someone else. These strategies can deepen your understanding and make your homework time more productive.
Remember, the goal of homework isn’t just to complete assignments—it’s to reinforce your learning and help you truly grasp the material. By adopting these strategies and focusing on “getting it,” you’ll not only improve your academic performance but also develop valuable skills that will serve you well beyond the classroom.
So, the next time you sit down to do your homework, take a deep breath and remind yourself: you’re not just here to get it done, you’re here to get it. Your future self will thank you for the extra effort and understanding you gain in the process!
Need help? A Coach can help you create benchmarks toward your goals and hold yourself accountable!
Yours in the Journey,
Cara
