How to do homework faster? The most effective tips & techniques

It's no secret that homework can sometimes be tiresome, especially when juggling multiple assignments or complex subjects simultaneously. The struggle to focus and complete assignments efficiently is a common challenge many students face. 

In the following discussion, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help students regain their focus, streamline their homework process, and show how to get homework done fast. These insights aim to transform homework from an exhausting ordeal into a productive and manageable part of your academic routine.

Image credit: studyo.co

Tip 1: Prioritize tasks.

Prioritization means identifying the most important and urgent assignments. Prioritizing tasks lets you tackle high-priority things first and avoid rushing through them later. Use tools like to-do lists or apps to help you manage your tasks effectively and get homework done. Here are some extra tips on prioritizing your tasks effectively:

• List all assignments and tasks;

Start by making a comprehensive list of all the homework assignments, projects, and tasks you must complete. Include deadlines for each item.

• Assess urgency and importance;

To prioritize effectively, consider two main factors: urgency and importance. Urgency relates to the deadlines, while importance pertains to the significance of the task in achieving your academic goals. Assign a high, medium, or low level of urgency and importance to each task.

• Use a priority or Eisenhower matrix;

One way to visually prioritize tasks is by using a priority matrix. Divide a sheet of paper or a digital document into four quadrants:

• Quadrant 1 (Urgent and Important): Tasks in this quadrant are both urgent and crucial. These should be your top priority and tackled first.
• Quadrant 2 (Not Urgent but Important): Tasks in this quadrant are essential for long-term academic success but may not have immediate deadlines. Allocate time to work on them regularly to avoid last-minute stress.
• Quadrant 3 (Urgent but Not Important): These tasks may have pressing deadlines but don't significantly contribute to your academic success. Try to delegate or minimize the time spent on these tasks if possible.

• Quadrant 4 (Not Urgent and Not Important): Tasks in this quadrant are neither urgent nor important. Avoid these tasks or save them for when you have free time.

After categorizing tasks into the quadrants, further prioritize within each quadrant. For example, if you have several tasks in Quadrant 1, decide which is the most urgent and tackle that first. Continue this process for each quadrant.

Consider your energy levels, resources, and the time of day. If you're most alert and focused in the morning, tackle your high-priority tasks. Save less demanding tasks or tasks that require less concentration when your energy is lower.

Tip 2: Break tasks into smaller steps.

Is homework necessary? This question is still up for discussion. Yet, most students agree that large assignments can be overwhelming. That’s when breaking tasks into smaller, manageable ones can help. It’s a highly effective strategy to do my homework faster and more efficiently. Here's how you can implement it: 

• Divide the task into major components;

Start by clearly identifying the task or assignment you need to complete, keeping requirements specific. Break down the task into major components or sections. These should represent the primary parts of the assignment that need attention. For example, if your task is to write a research paper, the major components might include research, outline, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and references.

• Break down each component further;

Take each major component and break it down further into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if one of the major components is "research," the smaller steps could be:

• Select relevant sources.
• Read and take notes on the sources.
• Organize notes into categories.
• Create an annotated bibliography.

• Set deadlines for each step;

Assign deadlines to each of the smaller steps. Be realistic about how much time each step will take, and ensure that the deadlines align with the overall deadline for the assignment and your homework to do list. 

Tip 3: Use the Pomodoro technique.

The Pomodoro Technique is one of the homework hacks that involves working in short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four intervals, take a longer break. 

This method can improve concentration and help you maintain energy throughout the task. Adjust the duration of your Pomodoro sessions and breaks based on your personal preferences and concentration span.

Here’s how it may look like if you’re using this technique for, let’s say, math homework:

• Pomodoro 1 (25 minutes): Work on solving algebraic equations.
• 5-minute break: Stretch and grab a snack.
• Pomodoro 2 (25 minutes): Continue solving equations.
• 5-minute break: Brief relaxation.
• Pomodoro 3 (25 minutes): Work on remaining equations.
• 5-minute break: Short break.
• Pomodoro 4 (25 minutes): Complete the assignment.
• 15-30 minute break: Longer break.

So, next time, before you start going around asking, ‘Can I pay someone to do my math homework?’, make sure to test this technique.

Tip 4: Use templates and outlines.

Consider using templates and outlines when working on essays, reports, or projects. They can significantly speed up the process of doing your homework, as they provide a structured framework for your work. Here's how to effectively use templates and outlines: 

• Obtain or create a template or outline;

You can either find existing templates or create your own. First, search for pre-made templates or outlines online or in textbooks relevant to the homework you're working on. Many subjects have standardized formats like lab reports, essays, or presentations.

If you can't find a suitable template, create your outline or template specific to your assignment. It can be a document or worksheet you design yourself, digitally or on paper.

• Understand the homework requirements;

If you want to know how to do HW fast, ensure you understand your homework's specific requirements. It will help you save time further and contribute to effectively using your templates. 

• Fill in the template or outline;

Use the template or outline to structure your homework. Templates often include headings, subheadings, and placeholders for different sections of your work. Follow this structure closely. 

Then, fill in the template or outline with the relevant content, information, and data required for your homework. Be concise and to the point. Use bullet points or short phrases if that's what the template suggests. Even though it might take some time, making templates is one of the tips for homework that will make your life easier long after and will ultimately reflect on your grades. 

Tip 5: Practice active reading.

If your goal is to find how to get homework done faster, then active reading will come in handy for highlighting important information, taking concise notes, and summarizing key points as you go along. It helps you retain information better and saves time when reviewing later. Get familiar with the most convenient active reading strategies: 

• SQ3R Method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review): The SQ3R method is a structured approach to active reading. Start by surveying the material to get an overview. Then, formulate questions based on headings and your prior knowledge. Actively read while trying to answer these questions. After each section, recite or summarize what you've learned. Finally, review your notes and the text to reinforce your understanding.

• Mind Mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique for organizing information. When doing homework, begin with a central idea and branch out to subtopics and details using keywords or phrases. Add visuals and use colors for clarity. Mind maps help visually represent complex concepts, aiding comprehension and recall.

• Visualization: Visualization involves mentally creating images related to the text. As you read, engage your senses to form mental pictures, sounds, or sensations. Associate these images with the concepts you're learning. Visualization makes abstract or complex information more tangible and memorable, enhancing understanding and retention.

Tip 6: Join a study group.

One of the benefits of homework is that you have time to join or form study groups with friends who share your subjects or assignments. Collaborative learning can help you understand complex concepts faster, share insights, and complete homework more efficiently.

You can also ask classmates if they already have study groups and if you can join. Most schools have students organizing study groups for various subjects. If not, check online forums, social media groups, or school websites where students often post about forming study groups or looking for members.

If no group exists, take the initiative to create one. Approach classmates interested in collaborating, set up a schedule, and designate a study location in person or virtually. Indeed, the right environment can play a key role in your motivation.

Lastly, you can seek professional help, e.g., writers at our services can assist you with various assignments, including accounting homework help.

Tip 7: Use productivity apps.

Students who want to find out how to finish homework faster should seek help from productivity apps. These apps can help you manage time, set reminders, and even provide study aids like flashcards or quizzes.

• Task lists and reminders;

Many productivity apps allow you to create to-do lists and set reminders for important assignments, tests, and study sessions. These reminders keep you on top of your tasks, preventing procrastination and last-minute rushes. The next time you think about how to start homework, try writing down everything that needs to be done in your to-do list app. 

• Study aids;

Some productivity apps have built-in study aids like flashcards or quiz generators. You can use these tools to create study materials for subjects that require memorization. Flashcards, for example, help you review key concepts and facts quickly and effectively, making studying on the go comfortable.

• Time management features;

Productivity apps often include features for time management. You can create schedules, set assignment deadlines, and track your progress. These tools help you allocate your time effectively, dedicating enough hours to complete your homework efficiently.

Wrapping up

Breaking tasks into smaller steps, using templates and outlines, practicing active reading, joining or forming study groups, and leveraging productivity apps are all powerful tools. These techniques will help you complete homework faster and improve your comprehension and retention of the material.

As a final piece of advice, stay consistent in applying these strategies and adapt them to your learning style. Everyone is unique, so finding what works best for you is essential. Maintain a positive mindset, stay organized, and seek help when needed. Be bold, ask questions, collaborate with peers, and reach out to teachers or professors for clarification.

You've got this! Keep up the great work, stay motivated, and strive for excellence.