The strategy "Completing academic assignments" revolves around a structured approach to tackling academic tasks effectively. It prioritizes breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable segments. For instance, reading 50 pages is split into five 10-page sessions, with scheduled breaks for better focus and retention. This ensures that the learning material is absorbed without overwhelming the student, while notes and key concepts are gathered for the essay.
Another integral part is optimizing research and writing. This includes compiling relevant sources before writing, skimming these materials, and linking concepts across various content formats, like textbooks and videos. Writing begins with framing the introduction and conclusion, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout, while seamlessly integrating evidence from all sources.
Enhancing focus involves minimizing distractions and employing techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which alternates 25 minutes of study with a 5-minute break. A quiet workspace, active reading strategies, and the creation of mind maps further boost concentration. Sharing drafts for peer feedback introduces a collaborative element, highlighting areas for improvement.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Divide and conquer
- Set aside specific times during the day for reading and watching videos
- Break the 50 pages into five 10-page segments
- Read one segment in each session with focused attention
- Take notes while reading to summarise key points
- Create a list of important concepts for the essay as you read
- Identify and schedule two short breaks to avoid fatigue
- Watch one video after completing the initial reading
- Watch the second video after a short rest following the first
- Use transition time between tasks to brainstorm essay ideas
- Draft a simple essay outline based on notes and video summaries
⛳️ Strategy 2: Optimise research and writing
- Compile a list of potential additional sources before writing
- Skim-read two additional sources to validate their relevance
- Take detailed notes on these sources for quick reference
- Focus each reading and watching session with specific questions in mind
- Dedicate a session to synthesising the information gathered
- Create an essay map linking textbook concepts with video insights
- Draft an introduction and conclusion first to set parameters
- Write essay body paragraphs utilising specific evidence without interruptions
- Build linkages between main textbook, video content, and additional sources
- Proofread and revise the essay for clarity and coherence
⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance focus and efficiency
- Identify and eliminate potential distractions during reading sessions
- Use a timer to implement the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes work, 5 minutes rest
- Select a quiet and dedicated workspace for studying
- Use active reading techniques, like highlighting or annotating
- Summarise each reading session in your own words verbally
- Create mind maps to visually organise information from reading and videos
- Choose videos that align closely with your essay topic for maximum relevance
- Allocate time post-video to reflect and connect content to reading material
- Draft essay sections progressively rather than linearly
- Incorporate feedback loops by sharing drafts with peers for suggestions
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
