Struggling to Get your Work done? Try these Tips!

Students at ISM are assigned large amounts of work to do and sometimes can’t figure out how to finish it all. This article explore tips for how students can finish all of the work they need to do.

First, make a plan or a to-do list, either for homework or for school work. The plan/schedule should include the steps necessary to complete the assignment so that when you walk in the class you know exactly what to do instead of wasting time figuring out what to do. Making a plan can help students to create new habits that will replace the bad habits. Of course, it is not possible to change all bad habits at once, so start small, maybe one class at a time.  

Second, when it comes to homework, figure out a way to remind yourself that you have homework. You can do this by using your planner, emailing yourself, using google calendar, or whatever way works for you. Remember, you can always go to tutorials to get ahead of homework or finish work that you need to do. 

Finally, do not multitask. It has been scientifically proven by the Cleveland Clinic that we are wired to be mono-taskers. One study found that just 2.5 percent of people are able to multitask effectively, and when the rest of us attempt to do two complex activities simultaneously, being able to complete those activities successfully and effectively is simply an illusion.

So, if you are struggling to complete assignments, try making a detailed plan, figuring out an effective homework system, or focusing on one activity at a time. 

Members of the Grade 6 Team during Spirit Week

New education-positive furniture 

Ken K.

For many years, ISM’s middle school classrooms have had lots of similarities in terms of furniture and layout. Most classrooms are fitted with very well known blue plastic chairs and white trapezoid-shaped tables pushed together. ISM’s Furniture Committee is planning on changing that by introducing more interesting and multifunctional furniture to each middle school classroom. 

The middle school committee is planning on using Ms. Ramani’s classroom as an example for improving the layout of each classroom. 

Ms. Ramani’s room, found on the third floor in the 8th-grade hallway, features the blue plastic chairs but also high tables and stools for students to sit on. A picnic-like bench and a table can also be found in the corner of the room. Beanbags are also another seating option the furniture committee may introduce into all classrooms. Many classrooms already feature beanbags such as the drama rooms and a few non-specified classrooms.

The point of implementing these new pieces of furniture is to help students feel comfortable, to concentrate more and be more productive. Ms. Paull from the furniture committee says, “Having more seating variety in a classroom gets the students more excited about learning."