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Homework offers students many benefits that assist in understanding the subject matter better and becoming proficient in their area of study. However, sometimes students get bombarded with so many assignments that their time and skills are majorly challenged. Let us now take a look at some of the pros and cons of homework and how you can get the most out of your homework assignments without burning yourself out in the process. We will explore these options from a ‘con’ view point and analyze how to turn the con into a pro.

Time constraints

Probably the most common complaint coming from students is that they struggle to manage their time effectively. With the influx of long assignments such as research papers and the daunting background afterthought of your thesis, it is no wonder you will at some point feel overwhelmed by it all. Deadlines eventually creep up and catch you sooner than you thought they would.

How to counter this con: Finding the time to tend to all your responsibilities is a skill that can be learned very quickly. It is all about getting into good habits. Before you go to bed each night, write down the following day’s tasks in chronological order. Make sure you then do these tasks within the time you’ve given yourself. Avoid any and all distractions and be disciplined until you are finished.

When writing trumps the subject

Another problem with homework is that writing often becomes more of a focus to the student than what the subject is. If you are not very proficient in writing, then it is easy to concentrate too much on your format instead of being diligent in your substance. This is sometimes referred to as ‘style over substance’. Professors do expect a certain level of language proficiency in written homework, so this is a legitimate concern.

How to counter this con: Make sure writing comes more naturally to you by practising this skill over and over again. Read more books on the subject so that you become familiar with the common terms used in your subject. This will also help your writing ability because you are exposed to English reading more often. Once your writing improves, you will be able to focus more on your actual subject.

When analyzing the pros and cons of homework, pressure is an obvious addition to the list. When you feel stressed about completing tasks, the work you deliver is never as good as what it could be. Students who feel the constant weight of deadlines over their heads are more likely to get less done, because they feel unmotivated and overwhelmed by the prospect of failing.

How to counter this con: It is easier said than done, but relax. Go back to some time management strategies and look at your work from a bird’s eye view. Once you have all your projects in one place and can see what needs to be done, you can effectively organize your time around doing them calmly.

Homework may seem like it has its disadvantages, but as we have seen, utilized correctly, homework can benefit the learner immensely. Shape your homework so that you can fit in all your college obligations effectively. You will soon see the benefits of homework once you learn the skill of producing quick and original work. Remember to be assertive in your work so that pressure does not get the best of you. Deliver the best work you know how and learn the benefits of being efficient in everything you do.