During the initial stages, once students reach high school, they find it slightly complicated to write sufficiently detailed and informative assignments. This is especially true for subject they do not enjoy, like mathematics or science. It is not always the students fault that they are unable to understand or produce good quality assignments.
A lot of the time, teachers and parents do not understand the mistakes they make or the little ways in which they could make the assignment experience easier or better for their students. A little extra effort from parents, teachers and the students themselves, goes a long way. It is as simple as instilling an interest of the subject in the child that makes all the difference.
Below, is a list of reasons students have difficulty writing their assignments and ways in which, both teachers and parents, can help them overcome it.
Problems Faced By Students
Among the list of reasons students are unable to do their writing assignments well, it is not always their fault. While it is true, many students procrastinate and give excuses for not completing their work, this can sometimes be the teachers’ inability to explain things in a manner that is easily. It can also be the fault of the parent for not encouraging the student to push himself/herself.
- Inability to understand the questions.
- Insufficient information available on the topic.
- Unable to write the assignment in a proper format.
- Lack of interest in the subject or topic.
- No proper schedule or routine to follow.
- Lack of research acumen.
- Uninteresting topics.
- No resources for help and guidance.
How to Deal with the Problems
For Teachers
- Proper Guidelines
While assigning a project, it is the teacher’s job to ensure that he/she has done everything in their power to provide all the necessary guidelines along which students are supposed to work. Details like formatting, word count, font, a briefing on the topic should be given to the students. This provides a structure for them to follow and base their assignment on. Guidelines may also include providing tips on how and where to look for information.
All writing assignments should be based on a topic that has already been taught in class or somehow related to their syllabus. This way, students will have a prior understanding of the topic that will help.
- Group Projects
While learning to work and think for themselves is crucial for each individual student, group projects are also extremely beneficial. They imbibe a sense of team work in each student regardless of their lack of interaction with each other. Some students make not like each other but they want the same end results and working together encourages team effort.
The knowledge and skill of each student is showcased as they work together towards a goal. Group projects are also fun and interesting. The more enjoyable a project is, the likelier students are to work together in harmony.
- Sufficient Resources
It is biased to assume that all students have access to the internet at home, or that libraries are nearby. Make a list of students who are unable to access any means of information and provide them with books or papers or online professional sites that can assist them in doing their work. Ensure that the topic you’ve chosen is one in which information can easily be accessed. Vague, disinteresting topics that are exceptionally difficult to work on will not encourage students to work hard or gain an interest in the subject.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
It is not ideal to simply set a homework topic or assignment for students. They should be taught how to do efficient research, think critically and analyze a text before writing a paper on it. If they simply copy information from a site to their notebook, it will not help them learn anything.
However, logical reasoning and analysis of a text helps their minds evolve. They should learn how to ask important questions and answer them as well. This skill will help them throughout college, work and other significant areas of their lives. It will also help them write assignments that are informative and detailed without being pointless.
- System of Rewards
Everyone deserves a reward for their hard work. Give them enough marks when it is clear that they have worked hard or to the best of their abilities. For students who go the extra mile, and submit outstanding work, showcase their paper in class, give them extra break time or simply encourage them with appreciation to work harder and continue working hard. Acknowledging good work inspires students to do push themselves further and to continue submitting excellent work before the deadline.
- Flexible Deadlines
Understand, as a teacher, it is okay to be flexible with deadlines occasionally. For topics that are difficult or require more time and effort – set a reasonable deadline. Some students have more trouble with writing than others, give them extra guidance or extra time to complete their work. However, do not always encourage procrastination or laziness. Know where to draw the line but do not be too strict about submitting assignments on time.
For Parents
- Be Involved
It is extremely important for parents to be involved in their child’s education. A parent who is involved helps students avoid procrastination. It also gives them an adult source to go to if they have any difficulties understanding certain facts or writing their assignments. It is important to know when your child has homework and when they need to submit it.
This way you can keep a track of the work they are doing, help them whenever necessary, and ensure that they complete their work efficient and submit it on time. If you are unsure of how you can be helpful, feel free to read “Should parents be involved in their child’s homework?†for a more comprehensive understanding.
- Cut Out Distractions
Younger students find it difficult to complete most of their homework because they are constantly distracted by mobiles, television and games. It is a parent’s job to ensure that study time strictly forbids any unnecessary devices or games. Do not disturb your child unnecessarily while they are studying. Make homework time their most productive few hours and ensure that their full concentration is on the task at hand.
- Provide Adequate Supplies
When your child informs you that they will need certain supplies for their work, it is your job to get them. Do not procrastinate or forget. This will cause a delay for the student and they will be forced to submit assignments late. Also, ensure that they eat well while completing work and stay hydrated at all times. This will help ensure efficient productivity.
- Provide Encouragement
If you son/daughter is having difficulty understanding certain topics, sit with them and help them find the answers they need. Continuously encourage and inspire them to push their own boundaries and work harder. Give them extra gaming hours or breaks whenever they do well in class or complete their work on time. This will encourage them to continue working hard and getting good grades.
Among these, there are many other innovative ways that both parents and teachers can continuously assist in a student’s education. It is a team effort. Some students require more time and effort than others and it is important to give them more assistance. Push them in the right direction!