Has homework been around forever… right? Despite what most think, historically, homework is a pretty new thing. It was brought to the US by Horace Mann in the 19th century, but it took some time to be widespread. In the 1930s, homework was even considered child labor.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that homework was made mandatory by the Department of Education. Since then, it’s been a source of nightmares for students everywhere. If you’re a student or a parent, you know how hard it is to get through the homework struggle.
But there are certain, let’s call them hacks, which can make the homework game easier.
Why Do We Need Help With Homework?
Well, for starters, the homework given nowadays is a bit crazy. Hours are spent on subjects that may not even be relevant to the student’s future. That leads to burnout. And experiencing burnout at such a young age can’t be good.
According to CNN, the extreme pressure put on students is associated with the following:
- Increased stress levels in high schoolers
- Lack of school-life balance in children’s lives
- Actual physical and mental health problems
What’s worse, these symptoms are worse in children growing up in low-class environments. So while it’s clear that decreasing homework is the solution to the situation, we must be realistic.
Bureaucracy is slow and will take some time until the necessary changes are made. That’s why we need to try to make students’ lives easier while keeping them on track.
What Do We Mean By Homework Hacks?
Quickly, before we move on to actual advice, let’s establish one thing – what do we think when we say “hacks.” Are we talking about shortcuts you can take and still expect good results? Will this be a list of “life hacks” you can use to make homework easier?
No, not quite. We’re talking about real, scientifically backed advice that can help you be more productive and successful at your tasks. The truth is, if you want to see success, you have to work for it. There are no shortcuts.
But science has proven that certain methods of studying and organizing can help lead to better results.
5 Homework Hacks Science Says Work
Enough with the talk, and let’s get to the good stuff. Studying is a broad topic. There’s a lot of research and writing covering the topic. We’ll try to cover the basics and focus on the most powerful advice.
Hack #1: Use an Online Tutor
First, we should get the most straightforward advice out of the way – if you need help studying Maths and Physics, seek out a professional Maths and Physics tutor. While finding a real-life tutor may seem like a more obvious solution, nowadays, you find help online more easily.
24HourAnswers is a place where you can find hundreds of qualified tutors to help you with homework. So whether you need help with math homework or want to learn how to program in Python, 24HourAnswers got your back.
You can find a tutor to fit the situation no matter where you’re located, the time on the clock, or your budget. 24HourAnswers also offers a homework library with step-by-step solutions in various topics.
Hack #2: Tidy Up Your Desk
The adage “tidy desk, tidy mind” isn’t just something your grandma used to say. It’s now a scientifically-examined fact. Clutter overall isn’t good for us. It hinders your ability to focus, causes anxiety, and leaves you stressed out.
Research shows that the body reacts to clutter by increasing cortisol levels. For those who don’t know what cortisol is, it’s a hormone released when experiencing stress and anxiety.
To keep yourself focused and sharp, you must ensure that your dedicated study area is clean and organized.
Hack #3: Space Out Study Sessions
We’ve all been there. Less than a week before the exam, we try and absorb all the material by studying for 12 hours straight. But no matter how much you try to bury the facts in your brain, some won’t stay – lots of them.
To memorize things properly, you need time. Long-term memory is formed by repeatedly revisiting facts and information. That’s why it’s usually recommended to space out study sessions in the long- and short-term.
In the best-case scenario, every 20 minutes, you should take 5 to 10-minute breaks to allow your brain to process learned information.
Hack #4: Do One Thing at a Time
No matter how many people brag about it, most aren’t good at multitasking. By most, we many nearly all of them. As Forbs writes, around 98% of people aren’t great at handling multiple tasks at the same time.
Chances that you’ll do a good job simultaneously researching a paper, studying for an exam, and answering emails are practically nonexistent. If you want to learn anything, you should start investing in time management.
You can start by creating a list of tasks. Prioritize them by importance, and dedicate your time to handling one task at a time.
Hack #5: Keep Yourself Healthy
We all want to get the most out of our time, but sometimes we forget about the basics. Pushing yourself too hard for too long will exhaust your body and mind.
The most important advice is to keep yourself healthy – both mentally and physically. For instance, before you sit down to study, you can do a quick 30 minutes of cardio. That will increase your blood flow to the brain, and you’ll think more clearly.
Moreover, you can ensure that your diet is omega-3-rich, as those fatty acids are crucial for cognitive performance. Nourishment, exercise, and rest should be a part of your daily routine, not just when you want to study.
Make Homework an Everyday Occurrence
Like it or not, homework is and will remain a huge part of our lives. To make sure you’ll get the most out of it, you must develop a system that works best for you. That means setting up a healthy routine, finding help, and understanding what works best for your brain.
Our hacks may not be revolutionary, but they can help you get the most out of your homework. So, make sure to put them into practice and remember – no one ever said that learning is easy, but it’s worth it in the end.
