This article was co-authored by Josh Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Josh Jones is the CEO and Founder of Test Prep Unlimited, a GMAT prep tutoring service. Josh built the world's first and only score guarantee program for private GMAT tutoring. He has presented at the QS World MBA Tour and designed math curricula for Chicago Public Schools. He has over 15 years of private tutoring and classroom teaching experience and a BA in Math from the University of Chicago.
There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Focusing on homework can be tough, especially when you’d rather be doing anything else. Maybe your attention keeps wandering back to your phone, your stomach is growling, or you just want to put your head down and take a nap. The good news is that you can beat these distractions and get back on track with a few easy changes to your study routine.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I study smart?Josh JonesJosh Jones is the CEO and Founder of Test Prep Unlimited, a GMAT prep tutoring service. Josh built the world's first and only score guarantee program for private GMAT tutoring. He has presented at the QS World MBA Tour and designed math curricula for Chicago Public Schools. He has over 15 years of private tutoring and classroom teaching experience and a BA in Math from the University of Chicago.
Academic TutorTry studying in a noisy environment. That way, you'll be better prepared to deal with any distracting noises on the day of your test. -
QuestionHi, I just can't concentrate. I have to do my homework and all of it is on my computer. My computer also has YouTube and I love YouTube. I can't seem to stop using YouTube. Please help!wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIt sounds like a browser extension or app that blocks YouTube during your working time could really help you! Try using a website blocker like Freedom, StayFocusd, or Limit to totally block your access or set time limits on distracting sites like YouTube. -
QuestionHow do you get boring homework done quickly when it's hard to focus?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTry breaking it down into smaller pieces. For example, if you're doing math, do a problem, then take a 1-2 minute break before moving on to the next one.
References
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/movement-and-learning/
- ↑ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/5-ways-to-help-students-manage-digital-distractions-and-stay-on-track
- ↑ https://today.uconn.edu/2015/07/multitasking-increases-study-time-lowers-grades/#
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-helping-your-child-focus-and-concentrate
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_focus_a_wandering_mind
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/distractibility-inattention/child-trouble-focusing
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/10-ways-fun-study/
- ↑ https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-student-success/student-success-collaborative/navigate-study-buddies.html
- ↑ https://time.com/3518053/perfect-break/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
- ↑ https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-helping-your-child-focus-and-concentrate
- ↑ https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210114-why-youre-more-creative-in-coffee-shops
- ↑ https://social.usq.edu.au/study-tips/blogs/smash-assignment-jodie
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_practice_mindfulness_throughout_your_work_day
About This Article
To concentrate on your homework, start by settling into a quiet place and putting your phone away so it's not a distraction. Then, tackle your hardest or most time-consuming homework assignments first to get them out of the way. Try to finish each task before moving onto something else since jumping between assignments can disrupt your focus. Also, take 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes so your homework doesn't feel endless and you have something to look forward to. To learn how to stay motivated while doing your homework, scroll down!