Keeping on top of studies is a challenge for any student. There’s lectures, tutorials, readings, assignments, etc that need to be watched, read and completed, some within certain timeframes. I have found that the best way to overcome this is with the use of a study planner.
For the last 3 years I have used a Google Spreadsheet for each subject. And I love spreadsheets. They let you add new columns, rows, sheets quickly and easily and I can’t thank Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston enough for implementing the first computer based spreadsheet.
In mid 2015 I improved my process by creating a template of my study planner so that I could avoid the somewhat convoluted process of copying previous spreadsheets, deleting content and setting up the spreadsheet for the each new subject. I’m happy for you to take a look at it, copy it and start using it to help with your studies. Grab it from https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12dPYF-SlkMXTHZrfSTmmeuDqKhoBVUmBOMhe_ZGazMo/edit?usp=sharing.
Study Planner Template Explained
My study planner template comes with 5 sheets that I use as a starting point. I then add to it as needed.
Sheet 1: Schedule
This is where the meat of my data is stored and one that I am referencing constantly. It groups all the tasks that I need to do in a particular week. These include lectures to attend or watch, tutorials to attend or do, assignments that are due, readings I need to finish, etc. It also includes times of lectures, tutorials, practicals that I need to know in the red section at the top.
Some hidden gems:
- Entering anything in the Finished Date column will change the row to green, indicating item has been completed.
- Changing the Date for week 1 will automatically update all other dates on the sheet.
- The Type column has a drop down list of options that are defined in the Constants sheet tab (discussed later).
Sheet 2: Staff
A list of staff associated with the subject for easy access.
Sheet 3: Assessments
A summary of assessment items for the subject, their weighting, due dates and a place to put the final Grade.
Sheet 4: Feedback
At University of South Australia, where I’m studying; they ask for feedback about the subject and staff at the end of each study period. I found that when it came time to fill in this information I had totally forgotten about particular experiences or issues months prior. So I use this sheet to keep track of them so I can use these details as a reference in the future.
Sheet 5: Constants
This is where I keep details that are used on the other sheets. The Course Name is used on every other sheets so I don’t have to copy and paste the name for each one. The Schedule Types are used in the Types column of the Schedule sheet to ease filling in my schedule and using common phrases that I may want to filter on later.
Completed Study Planner
To see a completed study planner take a look at some screen shots of one I completed in the second half of 2015. You can also access it directly at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zuGK4R_yYpCzBPRuBjdoehgjGSPH2LxT3ya1vFvL7eg/edit?usp=sharing and see it in action.
Schedule Sheet
Staff Sheet
Assessment Sheet
Feedback Sheet
Constants Sheet
Conclusion
I hope this is helpful to fellow students in keeping on top of their studies and not forgetting an assignment due date. I’d love to connect and hear if this has helped you, or what methods you have used successfully to track your study.
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