Student Success tip #2: Make a plan and stay organized
Planning and setting goals is one of the most effective ways that students can stay on track and achieve success. Now more than ever, is the time to setting goals, make a plan, and organize your time accordingly.
- For each course you’re in, start from the end–determine what you have left to do, starting with the assignments.
- Write down each assignment, and then break down those assignments and exams into the smaller steps you need to take to complete it.
For example, if you have a research paper to write, your steps might look like this:
As another example, if you have a final exam on water, you might use a concept map to map out the topics you need to study:
from https://focus.meisterlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Brainstorming-Mind-Map.png
3. Once you have the steps broken down and articulated, plot them on a timeline or into a calendar. There are lots of tools you can use here, digital and analogue, but even a straightforward calendar like this will do:
4. Follow your timelines. Use check marks or circles when you’ve achieved a milestone, and reward yourself for finishing it. Treat yourself (treat yo’self!) with something for staying on track and achieving your goal, like 10 minutes of screen time, or a quick yoga break.
For more tips on effective study strategies follow the link below.