Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
How can I help manage distractions
Technology in its many forms is probably the biggest problem students have to deal with in order to ensure they work effectively at home.
Some parents try to make rules like no social media until all the work is done or no TV until homework is completed. But what works best is to have a clear distinction between personal time and time allocated for schoolwork.
It is better if students don't try to combine these. While they might think they can get work done while they watch TV, it will take longer and drag out the whole homework process. The work they produce will be of lesser quality. And they won’t feel like they have had a proper break either. They need to have quality relaxation and free time each night to give their brain a chance to recharge. This can’t happen if they are trying to concentrate on homework at the same time as they are watching TV.
The other problem is that for most students when technology and schoolwork compete, technology usually wins. They end up listening to their iPhone, surfing the web, calling their friends, listening to the radio or whatever else appeals, and not doing their homework.
So what can they do?
They need to set aside times each afternoon or evening that are specifically allocated for schoolwork. Get them to agree to a personal rule that when they are doing schoolwork, all distractions are removed. It is best to work in half hour blocks, any longer and they’ll find themselves attracted back to the distractions again.
Consider these steps with your child:
- Decide how many half hour blocks of schoolwork you will do each afternoon/evening.
- Decide on specific times for these half hour blocks.
- Write these times on a separate piece of paper and put it somewhere highly visible.
- Make a list of the things you are NOT TO DO when you are working on schoolwork (eg social media/computer games etc) and place it wherever you do your schoolwork.
- Each time before you start work, turn off all distractions and remove them from sight so you aren’t tempted.
- Get everything together that you will need for the work to be done in that half hour.
- Set an alarm so you know when it is time to stop working.
- Sit down and don’t allow yourself to get up at all during this half hour block. At first you may find it hard to focus for a full half hour. If you really struggle, then start off with 15 or 20 minute blocks and over a few weeks gradually increase the time you work for.
- At the end of the time, set an alarm, so you are reminded when it is time to start the next half hour block.
Some other points to consider:
- If your child gets distracted when they stop work and find it hard to come back to the work, their best strategy is to complete a solid hour of schoolwork (with a short break in the middle) as soon as they get home.
- Depending on their level of willpower, they may need you to remove the distractions during the half hour blocks of work – ie take the mobile or wifi so they aren’t tempted to weaken.
Study Skills
Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our College access details are:
Our school’s access details are:
School’s Username – stjohnpaul
School’s password – 89success
In addition, our subscription to Elevate Education may assist in this area.
This online platform contains resources and useful study tips that all SJPC students will find effective. We encourage them to access this Student Portal and try some of the strategies. Students have the password to this site. The password can also be found on the Curriculum Noticeboard.
AMDG
James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching