How to Do Homework While Watching TV

Limit exposure to television while doing homework.

Doing homework and watching television are generally thought of as two mutually exclusive activities. A bit of TV, though, helps certain students focus. Homework reinforces the concepts taught to you earlier in the day. This is useful and necessary for your educational success, although you may find it boring. Some students are motivated and work better when they hear the sound of the television in the background. TV can be a distraction, though; its use needs to be carefully monitored while you do homework.

Instructions

1. Keep the television's volume turned down as low as possible. High volume is more likely to distract you from homework.

2. Watch TV while doing simple assignments that do not require much concentration. When you get to the harder assignments, turn the TV off.

3. Do homework during the commercial breaks of a show; resume watching the show when the commercials end. Do not do this too frequently. Switching your focus back and forth between the TV and your assignment can ruin your concentration.

4. Watch educational programming or musical performances. These are less likely to distract you.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn off the TV if you find that it interferes with your ability to do homework.

References

• Center for Effective Parenting: Homework
• Mempowered!: Homework: Is It Worth It?