Quick Tip: Ask EH - Why do I find homework difficult?

Answer: You’re not remembering how to do the first example taught!

Ask EH is a new feature of Quick Tips. I’ll answer questions you and students ask me.

… I go to class … take notes ... start homework … I don’t get it … it’s difficult … why?

A common issue that many students ask is, why do I find homework difficult?

EH here, what a question! Many reasons for this homework issue, and I’ve written longer articles on Math by Edison for parents here (How to not struggle with homework) and here (The purpose of homework is to remember!).

But here’s two Quick Tips you can do now to start finding homework a little less difficult:

1st, Make a summary sheet!* That’s the start of you making sense of that first example your teacher taught.
*Check out the summary sheet to understand what goes on a Summary Sheet (it will include that crucial first example explained in class).

2nd Next, redo that first question correctly w/o any assistance (no notes, no help, just you and your brain). Think of it as a quiz to check your remembering skills.

That’s it. Do that before you start homework, and homework will be a little less complicated.

Why, you ask?

Well, if you cannot do that first question your teacher has explained:
1) Of course, you will struggle with your homework as that first question is the easiest question of the day; everything else is tougher ☹ and
2) That first question is the one you will use and think about when you’re doing homework questions 😊.

Think of it this way: Your teacher has just finished teaching the new lesson and assigned the homework. You are about to start the homework, and they say, we have a guest today, and I walk into your class, and I say, 

“Hey, I’m EH. Can you stop doing your homework, and please put away your notes.” I keep talking, “I’m going to give you a quiz, and it’s the first question your teacher taught you today. On the top left of the quiz, you’ll write your name, the top right, you’ll answer the question ‘What percent do you expect on this quiz?, and finally you’ll do the question.

I then hand out the quiz.

Would you get 100% on that quiz?

If no, you shouldn't start your homework until you can get 100%. If the first time you can’t get it then read notes, then try it again. Even if it means many redos, you have to get 100%. Think of it as having to memorize three sentences for a speech for a presentation, except this is much less.

If yes to 100% - then you're ready to start homework.

You'll find homework difficult if you don't remember how to do that first example.

You're up! Put these two steps into action: 1) Summary sheet and 2) Self-quiz on question one. Homework will be a little less difficult (aka a little easier).

Homework is only difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing!

Bye for now,
EH

You’re up again: Email me a question on what’s frustrating you and be sure to include “Ask EH” in subject line.

Why I started writing Quick Tips is here, What is Quick Tips about?

EH are my initials, for my name, Edison Hopkinson.
‘EH’ is a part of Canadian culture - it’s how many Canadians finish off sentences.
I find homework difficult, EH.
So not so much a question, but more a statement. Well, I guess it could be a question, Can you tell me how to find homework less difficult, EH? 
Until next time, EH!