IMAC Education

Effective learning at University series

Organisation

BEWARE: one very common displacement activity (avoidance strategy) is to spend a lot of time getting organised and not get any substantial work done at all. Spending time organising can be very satisfying and you may feel like you have achieved a lot, but in reality you may be wasting time.

There are, however, very valuable organisational strategies available:

Map out your subjects and tick them off as you complete key topics and ideas. Each subject will give out an outline of the objectives and main topics of the subject. Draw your own map of these (a concept map or other diagram), and as you get to each topic and cover the ideas - highlight them on your map. If you want to be more sophisticated you can allocate colours according to your degree of understanding. You should be able to see the development of your knowledge and ensure that all the topics are covered.

Have a "to do" list of very specific "bite sized bits" that you can refer to when you some time available to do some constructive work, and that you can tick off as you complete each task - it is a very motivating thing to see your own achievements and cross another task off the list. Each task must have a clear finish point that can be measured.

For TIME organisation there is nothing better than:

Tumbling time table (TTT) - The way our minds think, using TASKs as the main issue, not time blocks. Using a TTT requires that you are good at working out your BSBs into specific tasks with clear end points. The advantages are that a TTT:

Reduces the tendency to leave tasks to the last minute.

Reduces anxiety - you will have more sense of control as all tasks are accounted for and planned for even if they are not yet completed. .

Reduces last minute surprises.

Develops critical skill of judging time to complete tasks.

Allows a guilt free social life - if used properly.

Time Credits provide very high motivation levels.

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