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7 Actionable Time Management Tips for Students

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Kiara Miller


Have you ever planned to read for an exam at night only to sleep and wake up two hours before the examination? Or perhaps you postponed reading a topic and found it in the test, yet you didn’t even look at it before entering the examination room. A lot of this happens to us when we are students, but I have learned that these experiences come as opportunities to plan or do time management better next time.

A popular phrase goes, “Time Once Lost is Never Found,” and another says, “Time waits for no Man.” That’s quite true, and I have surely lived to learn that there is always time for everything. Although, it’s all about what we choose to do at a particular time, which influences the outcomes.

Effective Time Management Plans

Throughout life, there is always going to be something to take us off course, and this badly hurts our time and success. Time management is a very crucial aspect of an individual — whether a student or an entrepreneur.

Effective time management skills are crucial throughout one’s academic journey and professional life. Generally, if we want to achieve greater goals, we must be good at time management.

However, it’s common to lose track of time, get caught up in traffic, or forget the assignment’s due date. In a modern world like today, just using a hand watch or a calendar is no longer an effective approach to managing time.

At this juncture, we would like to explore the most reliable time management tips for students that will guarantee optimal efficiency and productivity, especially during the examination period.

7 Actionable Time Management Tips for Students

There is a range of time management tips students can leverage to escape stress, achieve a class-life balance or perhaps excel academically. But let’s look at the top 7 most reliable time management tips any student can rely on.

1. Creating a To-Do List 

Creating a to-do list is one of the best approaches to effective time management. Some people also follow calendars or schedules to ensure that they perform every task timely. However, it’s not all about creating a list of things to do in a day or week but also grading them according to their importance.

Prioritizing tasks helps us not to waste time on tasks that don’t matter or spend a lot of time on those which require less time.

The Pareto principle is a simple and time-efficient rule to follow. Developed by Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian engineer and economist, the principle shows a correlation between the output and the input. The Pareto Principle states that 80% of the outcomes are driven by 20% of the input. In other words, 80% of the goals will come from 20% of your efforts and actions. Focusing on a few things at a time will offer you efficiency.

When it comes to applying the Pareto principle, one has to list down all tasks, identify the 20%, remove unproductive tasks and then execute the 80/20 rule. Generally, you have to be clear on whatever task you have to do in a day, week, or month. You then have to identify the most crucial tasks (20%) that will bring about the 80% (expected results).

Once you have graded all your tasks, it’s essential that you identify the productive and unproductive tasks. You have to get rid of them or delegate them. Then implement the 80/20 rule by beginning with the most crucial tasks. You can also re-organize tasks or refocus priorities as you complete the most crucial tasks to achieve optimal efficiency.

2. Using Time Tracking Tools

Most of us agree that time management is essential, but there are many times when we lose track of it. For example, you can plan to spend two hours on a task and end up completing it in four. Identifying the cause of that and eliminating distractions can help you manage time better.

Thanks to technology, there is a range of time management tools besides your watch that can help you stay ahead of time. With these tools, students can create to-do lists and organize notes in one place for easy access. Some tools allow users to prioritize tasks as per the due date or sync notes across all devices.

Using at least one reliable time management tool can help you manage time better, make better decisions, and become more organized and productive. If you’re looking for time management tools, you can check out a few, like Trello, Evernote, my Homework Student Planner, Focus Booster, etc.

3. Using POMODORO Technique

The Pomodoro technique is a simple productivity hack that helps people work within the available time. If you aren’t used to this time management technique, you might find it unrealistic or boring, but many people swear by it.

The Pomodoro system requires one to identify the available time or tasks and break it into 25-minute intervals with a 5-minutes break in between. The intervals are referred to as Pomodoros, and after every four Pomodoros, one must take a longer break of 15-20 minutes.

Most people tend to feel like they have the entire day or a lot of time to complete a task which increases sluggishness and ineffectiveness. The Pomodoro technique comes in to instill a sense of urgency where one is reminded to complete a task within the allocated time. It also helps one to be mindful of distractions and unnecessary activities like phone use that can lead to poor time management.

This time management approach can help increase focus and productivity and also works effectively to reduce burn-out. One can use a timer, but there are many Pomodoro apps, such as Pomodoro Timer Lite and Focus Keeper, to help track productivity, ensure breaks in between tasks, and own your time.

4. Collaboration Tools

It’s impossible to escape collaborative activities in today’s education system, more so in the corporate world. Collaboration is an effective way to enhance knowledge, get complex tasks done effectively, or coordinate remotely. The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a greater demand for collaboration tools across sectors.

When it comes to the education sphere, collaboration tools are seen as a dynamic learning technique with the potential to increase engagement. Today, there are many collaboration tools that students can use to collaborate on projects or share feedback timely.

Some of these include Edmondo, FlipGrid, School Frindzy, Google Docs/Google Drive, etc. These tools come with different functionalities that allow student-teacher collaboration, content creation, formative assessment, and feedback sharing.

5. Manage Distractions  

It is quite easy to plan, but whenever we plan, it’s essential to also plan for the unexpected. There is nothing that affects academic outcomes like distractions and unexpected assignments. So whenever we plan, we should always leave room for the unexpected. Distractions are everywhere, and they can occur whether studying virtually or in a physical classroom.

So what do you do when studying remotely, but there is a lot of noise around you that makes it hard to concentrate? Try to find a safe and noise-free learning environment to help you concentrate on your studies. That could be creating a dedicated study space that is soundproof and with no distractive elements like portraits or TV screens. You can also find a noise-free zone in case studying within the school premises.

Moving away from distractions will help you finish classwork at the appropriate time, and it will help you escape stress and classroom anxiety. It will also help you spare time to build your social life or develop your talent. You ought to know that distractions are everywhere, but managing them effectively is one of the best approaches to keeping track of time.

6. Be Flexible 

Being flexible is like having a growth mindset. Students with a good degree of flexibility are hardly affected by abrupt happenings or changes in systems. For example, the 2020 outbreak forced students to adopt remote or hybrid learning cultures. Some students who aren’t flexible enough found it challenging to the new learning models.

Cognitive flexibility is vital for teachers and learners to move at the same pace. Generally, cognitive flexibility allows students to adopt new learning systems without hesitation, embrace new experiences, and deal with classroom anxiety. When it comes to professional life, cognitive flexibility allows us to deal with or manage people effectively.

Student life is all about being flexible because there are times when you will have to read while surrounded by noisy people. Or search for a suitable place to continue with your reading instead of postponing it. We all know how studies can become boring, so you have to experiment with schedules to find the period in which you’re most effective to help you manage your time appropriately.

7. Avoid Procrastinating

We’ve all done it before, and perhaps we still do it. If you aren’t sure whether you’re a procrastinator, then spare a few minutes to assess yourself. Do you get tasks with a future deadline and postpone them only to work through them a night before submitting them the next day? Do you at times find yourself racing with time to meet the deadline, yet had a whole week to do the task?

Procrastination is the tendency to delay or postpone activities with a belief that there is still time to do them. Procrastination may not always be bad, but it increases ineffectiveness because there are higher chances of operating in rush hours. Letting go of procrastination can help you improve yourself and the way you value time.

To encapsulate, poor time management affects punctuality and can lead to loss of opportunities. Being sensitive to time during school life can contribute to one’s success in the professional sphere. We have taken the time here to explore the most reliable time management tips for students, and we believe they can make a huge difference in the way you manage your time.

Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Thank you!

Kiara Miller

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.” Wayne Dyer’s thoughts are well suited to Kiara Miller.
Miller has been working as a content marketing professional at “The Speakingnerd.” Her passion for writing is also visible in the innovative joys of material she provides to her readers.

Politics

Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

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Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

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Politics

Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

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Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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Politics

UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

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Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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