Holiday homework – you’re kidding aren’t you
By Heath McGregor on Mar 31, 2012 in Beyond the VCE, Goal Achievement, Motivation and Inspiration, VCE Resources, VCE Study Skills
We finally made it – holidays are upon us and we are free (at least for a little while anyway).
The notion of doing (or even receiving) holiday homework is particularly new for most Year 11 students and probably for some Year 12 students. I’ve heard the VCE holidays being called “study vacations”, “school holiday”, “study break” etc…but how do you go about actually tackling it and completing it with the minimum of fuss and stress.
I have written extensively about this topic because so many students struggle to deal effectively with the holiday period. See – VCE school holidays – don’t drop the ball and the september school holiday conundrum
Let’s face it, you need some R & R (rest and relaxation) particularly if you’re like most students trying to do their best you will be quite tired after cramming in half a dozen sac’s in the last week or so. What you also need to understand is that the entire VCE subject course simply doesn’t fit into the school term alone, once you take into consideration all of the interruptions such as long weekends, incursions, excursions etc.
When I quizzed my Yr 12 students about the holiday homework most of them didn’t have much of an idea what they were going to do and when. Can I tell you, if you wait for the mood to strike you to do your holiday homework, it simply will not happen! When presented with the option of study and spending time with friends (depending on how high you value your study) most students will typically choose friends over study.
Here are a handful of strategies that you can employ now to get on track for a productive holiday break whilst ensuring that you have more than enough time for R & R. Some strategies may appear to be conflicting – just find what works for you and get started.
1. Re-evaluate the goals and ATAR score you’re aiming for and why?
I don’t know you, your background and experience, your I.Q., your work ethic etc but what I do know is this (these categories below are based on discussions with VCE students from all walks of life about what they did and how it reflected in their results).
I think it’s important to re-evaluate why you want to achieve that particular score; what will it get you into?, are you passionate about that area? etc. Knowing these reasons are important justifications as to why you should study. If you can’t think of any – perhaps you should re-evaluate your goals!
2. Use the following guidelines for study…
If you are aiming for an ATAR score of 85+ : you should be completing around a normal school day (9-3) for homework and have nights and weekends off completely.
If you are aiming for an ATAR score of 65-85: you should be completing around 9-1pm each school day and have nights and weekends off.
If you are aiming for an ATAR score of less than 65: you should be completing around 9-11am each school day and have nights and weekends off.
(of course some students are highly effective in their study routines and can get more done in 1 hour than someone else, who regularly procrastinates, can in 3 hours). Use these guidelines as an idea of what others are doing and what you should perhaps be doing.
3. Routines, Routines, Routines.
You have them when you get out of bed, eat breakfast, brush teeth etc so why not formulate and use them to your advantage to study. Some students prefer using the routine of their school timetable: ie Day 1, Period 1 is English, and find it easier to stick to those guidelines and having a balance between all subjects.
This also means getting up a consistent time on weekdays – don’t fall into the cycle of getting up late and going to bed late.
4. Work on your favourite subject first.
Some people disagree with me on this one and say that you should study your hardest subject first but I never could. I always had to start with my easiest subject to get my study hat on and get some study love happening.
5. Guestimate (your best guess as an estimate) the time required.
I had each of my students guestimate how long each subjects homework would take to complete and then multiply it by 1.5. (Most people, myself included at times, are poor predictors of time use so by multiplying out gives you a buffer to get the work done.)
One of their examples was as follows:
English:5 hours becomes 7.5 hours
Methods: 4 hours becomes 6 hours
PE: 5 hours becomes 7.5 hours
Biology:3 hours becomes 4.5 hours
Bus Man:4 hours becomes 6 hours
Total hours: 31.5 hours which could be broken down into…
1. 10 days (M-F) of no more than 3.5 hours (9-1 pm including breaks) – short and simple with lots of R & R
2. 5 days of about 6.5 hours of study (9-3 including lunch and recess break) – challenging but do-able
3. 3 days of 10.5 hours of study (nightmare)
** Chances are as well that the student in scenario 1 will also be able to more quickly complete homework due to smaller chunks which means more holiday time!!! **
Of course study planners and calendars can be found directly under the VCE resources page for more assistance with this.
6. Break up each subject task list into smaller task lists.
Just writing “english hw” on a study planner won’t give you an crystal clear idea of what is required for that study session. No idea = fluffing about = procrastination in 30 seconds flat.
Be detailed with what is required such as:
- Compile Unit 3 Outcome 1 summary notes
- Complete end of chapter review questions
- Pre-read next chapter topic
- Summarise list of key quotations for XYZ
- Make a list of questions for topics not understood and email teacher for assistance
- Etc
7. Break up the subjects and alternate
Short sessions of 45-60 minutes are good but it is even better to alternate and mix up different subjects. Different subjects typically use different parts of the brain so get some variety into your study if you can.
8. Find your zone
One of the leading causes of stress for VCE students is family issues so if you can try and find a safe haven where you can study. That may be in the garage, the local library, at Nanna’s place etc. Pick a place that is quiet and free from distractions to help you find your zone.
What do you think? What other ideas do you have for studying over the holidays?
(10 votes, average: 4.60 out of 5)
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Pat Rebakis | Apr 6, 2009 | Reply
Good article, very useful.|
might have to get off the comp and do some h. homework.
kate | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
Nice article =)
The guidelines in “2″ were a little of an eye-opener, and made me feel much more settled in knowing how much to do.
thanks!
Jessica | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
Great tips, motivating and reviving whilst simultaneously being effectual and convincing. Excellent eye-opener to precisely what should be done on the holidays.
Naved | Aug 26, 2009 | Reply
Thanks!
Great stuff.
It will guide me in 2010
Jim | Sep 26, 2009 | Reply
Important
Its the nature of humans to take the path of least resistance. when people read the time suggested, they may conclude that if i have done that then i have done what is required now i can go and play with my friends.
The reality is – we are all different ! some of us cannot afford to study to these timelines we must do more and find other ways to reinforce too.
Your study time and the load you put on yourself must be driven by your objectives and your progress to these – not the suggested amount of time the average student requires.
I have seen many students study in various ways and for periods of time that they justify is enough study – only to see them fail because they would not take accountability and responsibility for doing what is required to get the result.
Its not an option folks – its a necessity: Know your goal and focus on it dont let anything stand in your way. If you get tired, sleep, if you get cranky exercise while listening to subject podcasts, if you want to go out with friends limit it to a couple of hours, and being 18 years old does not mean you have to ride yourself off at the pub because you cam – keep off the booze as the effect on your brain lasts for days (you just dont know it.
You get the picture…..nothing else matters…its only for a short perid of time.
Arthur | Oct 1, 2009 | Reply
I’ve been suggested that I do a minimum of 6 hours a day, however my subjects mainly comprise of re-reading texts and writing essays (Classics, English, Literature)
Do I really need a regular school day of study??? Freaking out because I’m getting told that I need 6 hours by some but told to only do a bit so I don’t burn out! Contradicting much!
Heath McGregor | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Hi Arthur,
The amount you “should” study is dependent upon so many factors; from the goals you have set for yourself, the amount of effective study time you have, to the amount of paid work you have to complete to survive etc, etc. There is no “one size fits all” approach that works for everyone. Each student needs to tap into what works for them. Your study time should reflect the results you are hoping to achieve whilst still ensuring that you have enough time to chillax, exercise, sleep and spend time doing normal teenager things!
Having said that, there is only a small amount of time to go until your VCE is over forever so do what you need to do to get the results you’re after and try to keep it all in perspective. Hang in there.
Heath
Yitzi | Mar 31, 2010 | Reply
You say anyone aiming for 85+ should be doing 6 hours a day.
I’m aiming for 95+ and I’m only planning on doing 2-3 hours a day.
That amount of time will enable me to get through all my necessary homework, plus extra study/revision and note making.
Are the extra 3-4 hours a day really necessary? I don’t believe it is.
Heath McGregor | Apr 1, 2010 | Reply
Hi Yitzi, thanks for your comments. The amount of time is relative to A) the amount of work that needs to be done B) the goals that the person has in place and C) how efficient the student is in getting the work done. More power to you if you can get everything done in that allocated time!
The time “guidelines” are also a reflection on my 9 years of experience teaching VCE students and many years of helping VCE students on this site and in seminars. That’s a lot of students! I’ve also mentioned before about the 1.5 rule when it comes to planning what work we can complete – ie a 60 minute task will usually take 90 minutes or greater so I would be interested to know if you are successfully able to stay within the 3 hour study period and get everything done. Let us know how you go. Enjoy the rest of your holidays/ Cheers, Heath
Worried parent | Jul 10, 2010 | Reply
What is happening to this world?? Our children are under so much pressure to achieve that they no longer are allowed to simply be themselves. If the school term is not long enough to fit in all of the VCE subjects, then we should take a long, hard look at how much we are subjecting our children to. Don’t get me wrong, I encourage my children to learn and they are high achievers. However, what does all this pressure lead to? Yes, they will probably have brilliant careers, but is that really what matters in life? Quiet, reflective time is wonderful for coming up with creative ideas and pursuing your own interests. So when are they going to get it? Tertiary education and a career are no less busy. Pull back, consume less and be happier, I say.
Heath McGregor | Jul 10, 2010 | Reply
Hi Leanne, you raise some very good points about the pressure that students are under, the crammed curriculum and the relevance to life. I completely agree with you – and this is one of the many reasons why I started this website. Unfortunately the curriculum is going to continue to be crammed (if the national curriculum drafts are anything to go by). The creative elements of education (a crucial aspect of primary school education) tends to lose value and importance to left-brain activities as students progress through their schooling into VCE years. It is wrong that education is not the individual pursuit of knowledge and a lifelong love of learning but rather preparation for a set of exams. It would be great to have more of a balance and a modified system that would take this into account but then…based on what criteria would higher education institutions then select students for courses? I agree the system has its flaws…but I’m not quite sure what other viable options would work to achieve this. Thanks for your contribution Leanne.
MJ | Apr 22, 2011 | Reply
Hold up! 6 hours a day if you’re aiming for 85+? These generalisations based on ATAR goals are uncalled for, if I was aiming for a 95, let alone 85, I wouldn’t study at all during my holidays. But I’m not, I’m aiming for 99+ and I have done ~1-2 hours of study per day for the past week. Is it too little? No. Everyone has different needs – some kids aiming for an ATAR b/w 65 and 85 might need to put in the 6hrs a day to get what they want, it’s all relative. Students need to be able to gauge for themselves how much time they need to dedicate to their workload in order to achieve their goals.
Heath McGregor | Apr 23, 2011 | Reply
Hi MJ,
Thanks for your comment on a topic which is quite controversial. It’s great that wanted to share your point of view. You are right in the sense that everyone has different needs. I don’t know you, your ” IQ “, your work ethic, why you have set the goals you have set etc, etc. I can only base these guidelines on teaching current and past students and the amount of work they completed (and then their end of year results). The underlying challenge is that the ATAR score is a ranking between you and everyone else in the state…and you can never know how everyone else is going. At the end of the day you can only do your best with the available time that you have. But if you are aiming for an ATAR of 99+ you have to be in the top 1% of students.
It would be worth asking your teachers whether they think you are working enough for 99+.
In my experience I have never seen or heard of a student who only did 1-2 hours of holiday homework per day and achieve a 95+. Kudos to you if you can do that but I have seen so many students think that they are doing enough and then miss their goals. Frequently when I survey students once they get their results I ask them if they didn’t get their desired results could they have worked harder or better. The answer is always yes!
At the end of the day life is all about choices and the decisions you make (or don’t make). It’s all up to you!
All the best MJ. Cheers, Heath
Michelle | Nov 8, 2011 | Reply
Really helpful! Love it
Bryce | Apr 4, 2012 | Reply
Really good article. Very useful. Thank you.
Adam | Apr 5, 2012 | Reply
Gret article! Very helpful. I am in Year 11, and am hoping to eventually get a score in the high 90s, so do you recommend I do about 6 hours of study a day at this stage? I have quite a lot of homework to do – I calculated that I have 13 tasks to complete across all my subjects, and a 17 day holiday. I was planning to do one task every day, but do you recommend that I go beyond the required work and do extra study – perhaps make notes for a subject to reduce stress come exam time? Thanks
Heath McGregor | Apr 8, 2012 | Reply
Hi Adam, thanks for your comment and good work for getting onto this website as a Year 11 student.
If you can do one task / day that sounds pretty good unless those tasks are taking more than a few hours. It certainly is a good habit and practice to start making notes well before the exams.