Organization and Productivity Tips for Students
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
We’ve started a brand new semester (whoo hoo!) and a clean slate for the new year. However, returning to school can be quite an adjustment for students, especially with all that’s going on with Covid. Many students are participating in virtual school this semester, but for students attending school in-person, Omicron has schools experiencing temporary closures and teacher and student absences due to at-home quarantine mandates. Unexpected changes like this can throw a wrench in school productivity.
When challenges arise, it’s even more important for students to make sure they are being proactive to stay on top of their studies. With the help of some organization tips that we’ve gathered, we’ll have you in tip top shape and ready to ace your studies this semester. Let’s take a look at these organization hacks.
1. It all begins with a plan(ner)
These days, students are using technology and on screens throughout the day for school work (and for fun). As great as google calendar is at organizing your social calendar, some things are just better the old school way–with pen and paper.
Printed planners or organizers with the days of the week are an extremely helpful tool for students to organize their school work. The physical act of writing by hand aids in retaining information, which means if Johnny writes down his Geometry assignments for the week he’s more likely to remember he has to do them.
Not only are planners great for people to keep track of their assignments, but it also helps track your progress. Creating a to-do list or jotting down a S.M.A.R.T. goal helps to break down a larger project or bigger goal into more manageable increments. It’s easy for school work to get overwhelming, but having a written plan in place helps to space out a timeline to get things done in order to complete your goals. It also takes away stress because you are able to gauge how much time you need to get something done.
2. Do an inventory check
With the start of a new school year or semester, make it a habit to do a school supply inventory check. Elementary students may need more paper and arts & craft supplies, whereas middle school or high school students may need new batteries for their calculator or software updates to their devices. Having everything you need can make for a smoother study session so you’re not putting an assignment on pause just to run to the store or wait for a shipment to arrive.
Replenishing school supplies and having a designated spot for them can make it easier for both students and parents. The key to success is keeping it simple. Much like learning style differences, not every child handles organization in the same way, which is why we would err on the side of caution and create a setup that is easy to upkeep. The goal is to take away the pressure and frustration from a disorganized space and provide support for productivity to take place. For younger children, visual aids can help keep school supplies organized. You can also store school supplies in clear bins so they can see what’s inside without having to rummage through every drawer to find what they need.
3. Go on airplane mode
Cell phones (or just screens in general) can be a huge distraction during study time. Especially if you attend school online, it can get hard to put away your technology because you are using your devices for virtual school.
Set aside a designated screen time time-out and either put your phone on airplane mode or just leave it in another room. You can even start the distraction-free time right when you get home from school by putting your phone in a basket or bin and not touching it until after your homework is done.
Computers can also get distracting because it’s so easy to open up multiple tabs and start browsing. If that’s the case, set up a website block for a designated time frame when you study, that way you can’t give into the temptation to binge watch videos on TikTok when you should be focusing on your English Lit paper.
4. Get accountability (hey mom!)
It takes a lot of self-restraint to stay productive and not lose motivation. When you feel like you just want to throw in the towel, get reinforcements! Parents or siblings at home are great accountability partners to keep you in check.
Have a parent or guardian check your planner to make sure you’re reaching your goals and finishing your daily or weekly tasks. If your phone is becoming too much of a distraction, surrender it over to a family member for safe keeping while you study.
