Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
Homework beyond that which is necessary for you to have learned what you're learning is a sucker's game. Don't let them make you a sucker. 20% of the effort will get you 90% of the result. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get that last 10% but there's a point at which getting the last 0.1% isn't worth the effort.
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Can't really argue with that. I guess I'd genericize my advice as, "Do what it takes to keep the teachers off your back." No doubt a good chunk of what you'll be assigned is arbitrary and superfluous - but the only thing worse than doing arbitrary and superfluous work is being punished for not doing it. It will drive you mad.
If you establish yourself as capable, most teachers will indeed let you get away with ignoring work they know that you're smart enough to not need to do. But there will be teachers that demand it anyway, and at some point it becomes more effort and frustration fighting it, even if you're 100% right that the work is stupid and unnecessary, than you would have expended just doing the work.
In other words, pick your battles.