So, this week's topic is problem solving. My main problems when it comes to studying are, I do not know what to study first and the study environment that I am in. When I sit down on my desk and started to do the things I have to do or study, I end up watching a movies on computer or go on facebook. It is because of me not knowing what to start on first and there are just way too many distractions surrounding me. So I have tried these two stradegies this week, the Ranking Priorities and The Study Environment Chart.
The image on the left is the chart I did for Study Environment. I first chose the Bird Library as one of my study environment. When it comes to finals week, I often go to the Bird Library to study my school materials. As you can see in the picture, Bird library seems to have a very comfortable environment to study and it has all the technical equipment available. However, it is not a quiet environment to study and it is pretty far from where my dorm is. Also, there is no one that can help you with whatever you need help with. In other location, I have choose my room as a study environment. because other than studying in Bird Library, I study in my room a lot. As you can see my room is comfortable room temperature to study in and also I can keep large supplies safe. However, my room has the most distractions. The computer, bed, phone, my roommate, and food are the things that distract me the most. Even when I promise myself not to get distracted from those things, it never seemed to work. While studying, I tell myself I will nap for 30 minutes and I always end up not getting up till' the next day. I end up not finishing my homework or I end up not being prepared for the tests.
As you can see in the chart however, the total points of study environment is 13 to 14. My room comes out to be the better environment for me to study in. Even with lot of objects that can distract me in room, the Bird Library has ditractions with people. Bird Library always have someone that I know. If I go there to study and I see someone, I end up studying with them then I end up eating and taking a break with them, then I end up just going home after.
So for this whole week, instead of going to Bird Library daily to study my math test on thursday, I studied my math test in my room then on wednsday night, I met my friends from my math class at Bird Library, then asked questions from math materials I was studying in dorm. My conclusion is that studying in my room is a better study environment for me.
My second technique for solving problems was the Ranking Priorities. I know many students struggle with what to do or what to study first because there are just so many things that they have to do.
The picture on the left, I divided all my to do lists into 3, A, B, and C. In group A, those are the things that I should mostly take in considerations. And within group A, I numbered which one is more important the other. My first priority in group A is to get good grades. My 2nd and 3rd priorites in group A is to do well and tests and do homework on time. Using my room which is a best environment I chose to study in, I did really well on my math test and turned all my homework on time. I have accomplished 3 of my main priorities in group A.
In group B, main priorities are to do well on research papers and do well and quizes and homeworks. In group C, main priorities are cleaning the room, doing laundry and exercising.
Overall, my conclusion on using Study Environment, and Ranking Priorites worked out pretty well. You guys should first look through syllabus and see which gives you the most points to get good grades. Then rank them according to hardest classes to lowest classes. So for me, my hardest class is my math class. So, in group A, doing well on math exams is ranked before all the other exams. Then the next step is rating which is the better study environment. In my case, my room was a better study environment than the Bird Library and studying in my room this week helped me do well on my math exam. You guys should definately try my techniques!!
I also have the habbit of 'not knowing what to do' when I go back to my room. I strongly agree with you that our rooms are good places to study but have many things that can distract us at the same time. Your priorities chart look good! I also realized that I would work more efficiently if I list what to do first. Nice blog!
ReplyDeleteIts great to see that you have used ranking priorities too. I want to see how you end up with those exams because for me, I'm pretty sure i did well on my exams. By listing out all your priorities really help you see what you really have to focus on and do well on them. I hope you get great results out of it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI didn't use this strategy this week but I've always been making this priorities when I make lists of things to do. I used to finish easier and simpler ones first like the ones you have in C. You made good charts that is easy to look. Good job
ReplyDeleteAs far as study environments go, I am also very distracted. I am definitely more comfortable in my dorm as well, but sometimes I feel like I am too comfortable there, and it is very easy for me to fall asleep there. Looking for alternate study environments is easy when you start asking around for good places. My room mate suggested the Panasci Lounge to me because of the comfortable couches and how quiet it usually is. I tried it out and got a lot done. Also, as far as distractions go, I found that turning my cell phone off for a set amount of time really helped me focus.
ReplyDeleteyou always has a great point and blog. Making a chart ... i think it was great to soving and anlazing your problem and options. you made everything simple and clear. WHICH IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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