So what's a parent to do? The following strategies will go a long way toward improving your student's homework habits (and, with any luck, not instigate major battles):
- Distinguish between "homework time" and "media time." For many students, there's no distinction between the two, but clarifying what the differences are can help. An example: Writing a report may involve research on the Internet, but after the research is complete, there's no need to be on line to do the writing.
- Keep the computer in a public area of the house. Although this tactic won't be necessary for some students, most will benefit from it. They'll be less inclined to spend unnecessary time on line if a parent is around or siblings can see what they're doing.
- Restrict "background" music and iPods. Though some students claim they can't study without music, explain how their attention is divided between the two when they do so. Have your student try studying without music for a trial period—perhaps a month—to see if he or she notices a difference.
- Turn off cell and other phones. Nothing interferes more with studying than constantly being interrupted, and phones are a major source of unnecessary interruptions. If your student balks, ask how many text messages or conversations are so urgent that they can't wait for an hour or two.
- Track homework time. Have students keep a log of how long completing their homework takes and how well they do on it, with and without media interference. If students can see for themselves how much better their studying goes, they'll be much more likely to go along with any changes to their routines.
By managing the homework environment and making your student more aware of multitasking's counterproductive effects, you'll go a long way toward ensuring not only that studying is actually taking place but that your student is learning and progressing as efficiently as possible.
