How much homework is the right amount?
1. Assess Student’s Schedule
Time Availability: Consider the student’s other commitments, such as school, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities, to ensure they have enough time to complete homework without feeling overwhelmed.
Daily Study Time: Aim for a daily study routine that fits into their schedule comfortably, allowing time for rest and relaxation.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Purposeful Assignments: Assign homework that targets specific areas for improvement and reinforces concepts learned during tutoring sessions.
Prioritize Practice Tests: Regular practice tests or sections should be a key component, as they help students get used to the test format and timing.
3. Tailor Homework to Individual Needs
Skill Level: Students who are struggling in certain areas may need more focused practice, while those who are closer to their target scores might benefit from more strategic review and test-taking practice.
Learning Style: Adjust the type and amount of homework based on what works best for the student, whether it’s practice problems, reading passages, or reviewing vocabulary.
4. Set Reasonable Time Limits
Weekly Homework Load: Assign 2-3 hours of homework per week as a starting point, and adjust based on the student’s feedback and progress. This could be divided into shorter daily sessions or a few longer sessions per week.
Balance Practice and Review: Ensure homework includes a mix of new material and review of previously covered content to reinforce learning without overwhelming the student.
5. Incorporate Variety and Engagement
Different Formats: Use a mix of question types, such as multiple-choice, essays, and problem-solving tasks, to keep the student engaged and cover all aspects of the test.
Interactive Tools: Encourage the use of apps and online resources that can make practice more engaging and provide instant feedback.
6. Regular Feedback and Adjustments
Check Progress: Use homework as a diagnostic tool to identify areas where the student needs more help and adjust future assignments accordingly.
Solicit Feedback: Ask students for feedback on the homework workload to ensure it’s challenging but manageable.
7. Encourage Consistency and Routine
Steady Progress: Encourage students to establish a regular study routine that incorporates their homework, helping them build momentum and reduce last-minute cramming.
By focusing on personalized and purposeful homework assignments, we help students effectively prepare for the SAT/ACT without causing burnout or stress. Regular communication with the student about their workload and progress is essential to ensure the homework remains beneficial and manageable instead of being at odds and detrimental towards academic success.
