LibGuides: Academic Support: Productivity

Handout

Print this PDF and use it to plan your WEEK, any 2-WEEK priod, and for the whole TERM.

See which scale of planning works for you! Use all 3! Update it, change it, love it.

Hint: block out weekly "Study Hall" time on your weekly plan. Treat it as a real class and spend it in the library studying. Try using the Pomodoro Method to make the most of this Study Hall!

Oraganizers 5 no date.pdf
Here are 3 scales of organizers:
Weekly planner, 2-week planner, & Term planner
Print it out and fill it in.

Introduction

In plain language, being productive means getting stuff done. Of course, this also implies that you are doing it well, or at least as good as you know how to. The key to being productive is managing your time well.

In fancy language, time management means:

•Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity.
•It is a juggling act of various demands of study, social life, employment, family, and personal interests and commitments with the finiteness of time.
•Using time effectively gives the person "choice" on spending activities at their own time and expediency.

Stella Cottrell (2013). The Study Skills Handbook. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 123+. ISBN 978-1-137-28926-1.

The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell If you are serious about succeeding on your course, The Study Skills Handbook is your essential companion. Based on over 20 years' experience of working with students, 1/2 million copy bestselling author Stella Cottrell helps you develop the skills you need to improve your grades, build your confidence and plan for the future you want. Her tried and trusted approach recognises that we each have a unique formula for success and that finding it is the key to reaching our potential.
ISBN: 9781137289261
Publication Date: 2013

Time Management

Productivity

The Pomodoro Method is a study technique to help you maximize your PRODUCTIVITY and MOTIVATION

INSTRUCTIONS:

Break down your work into manageable (small) tasks, make a GOOD list.
Set timer and work on your first task until the timer sounds.
check the task off your list :) take a SHORT reward break :)
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the next tasks on your list.
After 4 check marks, take a LONGER reward break.

Here is a video and an article about the Pomodoro method.

Med School Insider. 2016. "Pomodoro Technique - Improve Studying and Productivity." Med School Insider. Embedded from Med School Insider YouTube channel.

Pomodoro article
Here are detailed instructions and an article: "The best productivity system for procrastinators"

I like to use this "Imagine Dragons - Thunder" video as a STUDY BREAK TIMER - put it on while you check your phone after a good 20-minute work session.

Feel good about the work you just did, enjoy the music, inspirational lyrics, and iconic views of DUBAI!

Just be sure to go back to work for another 20 minutes after the song!

Imagine Dragons. 2017. "Thunder." Embedded from Imagine Dragons YouTube channel.