Once you have more experience writing proofs you can reduce the steps. Don't do your homework in front of the TV or with the radio or stereo going . These are distractions and will prevent you from concentrating on the material you are studying. That may be true, but studies indicate that is takes students longer, and the results are worse, if there are distractions like music and television when they are working on their homework. Don't work with others on problem sets .
Problem sets are to be done independently.
If I suspect cheating occurred on a problem set, I do not hesitate to take the issue to the Dean. Please see the college statement on academic honesty for more information about what constitutes cheating and the process followed when it occurs. See my statement on collaboration , and the cover sheet of the problem sets themselves for more details. Review your notes between classes . This is a critical part of the learning process, and should not be overlooked.