Page 42: Staying Productive

 Page 42: Staying Productive ...

Studying away from home, living in a shared student house,  whether that is student halls, private rented homes or flat shares can be an intense and surreal environment, Without a doubt it can be said, when you are working to a deadline or attending placement, living in a busy lively environment at times can be intense and overwhelming. 

For today's page I thought it would be useful to share some productivity tips I have worked/ learned from and adapted throughout my training so far.

Tips for University - general productivity for assignment writing, reading and research ...

1. When working towards an assignment, set yourself an early deadline. I personally like to set myself an early deadline of at least one week before the actual assignment is due. This gives me the time to throughly proof and edit my work, ensuring all points are thorough and clearly linked, illustrating multiple viewpoints through a range of literature. 

2. Less is more. It is okay to have an off day. Not all days and study sessions are productive as others hence less is more. Working in more smaller frequent study sessions allows you to avoid distractions, work to a higher concentrated ability and manage your workload efficiently. 

3. Change environment. Living in a shared busy place can be manic and at times can be hard to concentrate when lots is going on, you feel you could be missing out so not working to your best and highest ability. Taking your work elsewhere e.g your local coffee shop / library / can allow you to be more productive, have a fresh mind set and have a wide perspective of your learning, I personally enjoy studying in this way the most! Even taking your house mates with you and using this space for concentrated work is definitely something I have enjoyed doing these last two years and will continue to do so!

4. If you are struggling to be productive, finding a starting point or simply just getting down to some wider reading can be tricky. Meeting up with a course mate/peer on the same pathway as you allows you yo share you knowledge, enjoy a shared interest and be inspired from each other. Working with my course mates is something I really enjoy, being part of a community, allows you to be productive together.

5. When working towards any piece of academia, it is vital to set a work goal. Setting small manageable workload chunks, allows you to feel in control and proud of your little achievements which is essential to being productive again further along the line.

Tips for placement - general 'work/life' balance and adapting to living in a shared environment whilst on a professional busy placement ...

1. Routine. Having a clear and effective routine to be followed in the week and weekend, allows you to stay on top of multiple things you may be juggling whilst on placement.

2. Efficiently meal prep and plan. Get your packed lunches sorted the night before to allow a stress free productive morning planning and prepping and have a weekly meal plan with your ingredients brought and ready on the weekend to have stress free evenings, time to so any marking, reflections and preparation as well as importantly relaxing ready for the next busy day ahead. 

3. Set expectations. I have luckily never had this problem, living with my friends who are supportive alongside my time in school, however if this isn't the case, set expectations and respectable boundaries with your house mares so they are respectful of your busy schedule and early nights.

4. Use your school. I felt most productive when planning and prepping in school, surrounded by the resources I have and the ability to create and prepare anything for the next day. Each day, before I went home, I ensured I laid out all the resources and when in the EYFS all morning provision where prepared as much as they can be and organise what is needed too. This allows a smooth and settled start of the day and a stress free teacher is a stress free class!

5. Take a break. It is easy to be so wrapped up about placement and to not take time to refresh to set up and be ready again. Ultimately not having this reset time can have a negative affect on your future work being boring and repetitive. I liked to spend my weekends planning and prepping for school on the Saturday, and on the Sunday, relaxing and having time for myself. Whether that is going for a run, meeting with your friends for a quick coffee/walk to watching your favourite film. Rest and reset is vital.

Like we all do not look the same, neither do we learn. These may not work for everyone but these are a few little things that help keep me on track and enjoy my studying and learning fully. It is also key to note that is is important to make time for fun, see friends, drinking cocktails and having an all important chill! Building and finding a pattern alongside prioritising your all important studies is key!

Like always, I will end today's page with a quote, this week summing up the vitality of staying productive and on staying on track effectively:

"Focus on staying productive instead of busy" - unknown

- Miss Yeoman