Students at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) met virtually for the Time Management and Study Tips Workshop on March 8.
Advising generalist Lamberto Figueroa hosted the presentation, introducing the various obstacles in daily schedules and strategies for success.
The event started with an icebreaker activity where attendees shared their everyday challenges – procrastination and distraction were the most common amongst the audience.
Balancing classes, family responsibilities, and extracurriculars is stressful without organization. Figueroa recommends writing down intended goals in advance, waking up equipped to tackle the day.
Because students carry various responsibilities, creating balance is valuable. Limiting the time spent on each task ensures that every assignment receives the same level of attention, preventing us from falling behind in specific courses.
Figueroa stressed that removing timewasters from your environment enhances productivity, keeping your phone away during studies, and avoiding multitasking.
Prioritization can be another helpful tool. Students often avoid demanding and urgent work by indulging in alternative chores or smaller assignments, but grappling with the extensive tasks first leads to better academic performance.
Our environment is pivotal in establishing an efficient workflow – for instance turning your desk light on before starting an assignment and shutting it off when you feel productivity slipping because the brain associates surroundings and activities.
Celebrating can reinforce beneficial habits. This can take the form of acknowledging accomplishments, rewarding yourself by doing what you enjoy, eating a snack, or watching an episode from your favorite series.
Many CSUMB students are commuters, and Figueroa dedicated time to tips for those living far from campus. He suggests bringing a lunch, keeping extra supplies in the car, and finding a comfortable study space.
Figueroa also suggested students try syncing Google Calendar with their CANVAS account and color-code their assignments to upgrade their workflow.
Figueroa concluded the presentation with critical takeaways, recognizing good habits, implementing a growth mindset, and embracing that change is part of the educational process.
For students looking for additional resources, check out the Cooperative Learning Center Peer Coaching and receive one-on-one advising and time management strategies tailored to you.