Key Takeaways
- Doing homework develops good habits, such as autonomy, problem-solving, discipline, and responsibility.
- The 10-minute rule is the most practical way to determine the ideal homework load for students. You need to add 10 minutes of study per grade.
- Proper time management, a productive homework environment, and the use of online resources such as Notion, Evernote, and Google Calendar are game changers for staying focused during your homework sessions.
- Teachers, educators, and parents are crucial to providing students with the best conditions for academic success and the development of good study habits.
Homework is a great way to continue learning and to see what you understand. Usually, in class, you do questions with the teacher or classmates, but you're on your own for homework. Not completing it results in unsatisfactory grades, and you might fall behind in class. That's why it's crucial to manage your tasks efficiently, as this can also positively impact your academic success in high school!
But, how much homework should high school students have? Homework can seem like an impossible task for most students; however, there is actually a recommended amount for each grade. And for this, you need the 10-minute rule: Add 10 minutes of homework per grade level. For instance, a 9th grader would have 90 minutes of homework. However, this can vary based on individual courses and your needs.
Understanding the Purpose of Homework
Homework refers to assignments that teachers give students to complete outside of class time. Homework activities vary significantly by grade level but may include reading assignments, projects or essays, and test review. But what are the objectives of working at home after studying all day? Below are the answers to this question. 1
Homework helps you develop good life habits. For example:
✅ Reinforce what you have learn in class.
🧠 Build study habits and problem-solving aptitudes.
⏰ Improve your time management.
📚 Foster discipline to achieve your goals.
🕵️♀️ Spot your difficulties to avoid falling behind.
How Much Homework is Appropriate?
As we mentioned above, the 10-minute rule for students is the most practical way to determine whether your workload is too heavy or if you need to concentrate better. 2 An hour of homework may seem like nothing, but it's actually pretty manageable considering all the benefits.
| Grade | Recommended Homework Time |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 10 minutes |
| Grade 5 | 50 minutes |
| Grade 10 | 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes) |
Especially grades 11 and 12, you should be thinking about your next steps. Completing your homework and understanding everything will set you up for success when you graduate and move on to higher levels of education.
In college or university, homework becomes even more prevalent in your life. Working on homework for an hour may seem like a hard thing to do, but it's not a lot when you put it into perspective. Trust us. Most students finish around 2 pm every day. Then, completing homework takes up most of the time, around 4-5 pm, depending on your grade. This still leaves you with plenty of time to unwind and relax for the day!
Effectively completing your homework means being diligent about putting in the time. The homework you complete now not only impacts your grades. But it also builds a foundation for your next level of education.
Effective Homework Strategies for High School Students
Homework can usually be filled with dread and boredom, but it doesn't have to be! Homework is a pretty excellent way to ensure you fully understand everything. By completing your homework, you'll notice an advance in your knowledge of the topics. Plus, it can also make studying way easier! Instead of reviewing everything the night before, setting strategies to make homework smoother is the key to success.
Time Management Techniques
Effective time management is crucial to staying organized. But where can you start?
Well, the first thing is to create a task schedule that breaks down your to-do list into manageable weekly chunks. You can also use a planner or app to keep track of deadlines.
Remember to prioritize tasks by priority and due date. We recommend tackling the most difficult subjects when your energy is at its peak.
And last but not least, set realistic goals to stay motivated and avoid feeling frustrated. Small steps are huge advancements!
Also, using a checklist to ensure you finish everything helps you stay on track and get a sense of achievement when completing pending tasks.
It feels great to check off everything you complete!
In summary, you should:
- 📆 Create a homework schedule.
- ✂️ Break homework into manageable tasks.
- ⚡Prioritize the most critical tasks.
- 🧠 Focus on the complex subjects first.
- 🎯 Set achievable goals.
- ☑️Use a checklist when completing tasks.
Find out more studying tips for high school students!
Creating a Productive Study Environment
Various environmental factors can also influence your ability to concentrate and finish your tasks on time. For this reason, you must establish a suitable study space, preferably with good lighting and a stable internet connection.
We also recommend keeping your space tidy and having everything you need ready to start.
And last but not least, put your cell phone away. If you can't do that, we recommend turning off your notifications and putting it on vibrate mode to avoid distractions.
And, of course, remember to rest! Just like in school, you'll want to take breaks during homework. Even getting up to stretch and get food or a drink can restore your mental energy.
You'll feel mental strain if you never take breaks while doing homework.
In summary, you should:
- 🤫 Find a quiet place to work.
- 📶 Double-check your Wi-Fi connection.
- 🧹 Keep your space tidy
- 📱 No cellphones allowed
- 🔕 Deactivate notifications if needed
- ⏰ Take breaks during your work
Utilizing Available Resources
Take advantage of all the benefits the internet offers and explore the resources available online, including free ones.
You can use everything from note-taking tools like Notion and Evernote to organization apps like Google Calendar or Todoist to plan your sessions.
Using all these excellent tools helps you review lessons without pressure, better organize the topics you need to review, and maintain your discipline. 3
These are just some of the many tips out there for helping you with your homework. Try these tips out to see which ones work best for you.
Figure out your homework success methods as you continue through your educational journey.
In short, boost your homework sessions with:
- 📝 Notion and Evernote to organize tasks
- 📅 Google Calendar or Todoist to schedule them
Find economics homework help here on Superprof.
Balancing Homework with Extracurricular Activities
Below are some ways to manage time effectively to balance school work and extracurricular commitments:
Are you struggling at school? Maybe you need some homework tips for students in college.
The Role of Parents in Homework Success
To find the best balance for academic success, teachers, educators, and especially parents should encourage the development of good habits. By creating a supportive environment for doing homework and having conversations about how to address complex topics, students can ask for assistance and concentrate better at home and in extracurricular settings.
In addition, establishing a regular routine is key to fostering discipline and responsibility. Parents should always guide, supervise, and recognize the effort, enabling students develop confidence and independence. 4
Do you prefer to study from home? Explore how to study at home in college.
Recognizing and Addressing Homework Overload
When homework seems endless and overwhelming, it's essential to have clear strategies you can turn to in order to reduce your stress, manage your workload effectively, and complete your tasks smoothly. But to achieve this, it's first you must recognize all the warning signs that could indicate a more serious mental health issue. 5
Students with too much homework often experience:
- High levels of stress.
- Lack of sleep.
- Weight loss.
- Stomach problems.
- Headaches.
For these reasons, learning to manage your workload is a key skill for achieving long-term academic success and preserving your mental health. If you are experiencing a period of high stress or isolation, do not hesitate to contact a specialist.
Wrap up!
Using the tips we mentioned above for finishing your homework efficiently are all great places to start. However, there are other ways to complete your homework that can work better for some compared to others. For instance, homework with friends definitely has its pros. Completing homework with friends is beneficial because you can bounce ideas off and get the extra homework help you may need.
Another effective way to get extra homework support is to work with a tutor. Your tutor can assist you throughout each tutoring session to ensure you understand everything. Tutors are there to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Superprof has 100s of tutors in Canada that are ready to work with you. They have the experience and knowledge to teach you everything you need to know.
Completing homework plays a vital role in every student's life. Check out the best studying tips for students at home.
References
- The Editors of ProCon. (2024, November 8). Homework | Pros, Cons, Arguments, Debate, School, Education, & Students. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/procon/homework-debate
- Terada, Y. (2018, February 23). What’s the right amount of homework? Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/whats-right-amount-homework
- Best Apps for Student Productivity - 27 useful apps [2025]. (2025, April 22). Immerse Education. https://www.immerse.education/personal-development/productivity-and-adaptability/best-apps-for-students/
- Chiaro, C. (2020, September 2). The Value of Parents Helping with Homework. TeachHUB. https://www.teachhub.com/professional-development/2020/09/the-value-of-parents-helping-with-homework/
- Stanford research shows pitfalls of homework. (n.d.). Stanford University. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2014/03/too-much-homework-031014
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