Organizing College Coursework with RTM
Hi everyone! RTM has been a lifesaver when it comes to organizing homework, quizzes, exams, and projects. I'd like to share some of my favorite tips.
First, I make a separate list for each course. That way, the "Study for Test" task in MATH 1309 is not confused with the "Study for Quiz" task in SPAN 5361.
Next, I transfer the entire syllabus to each course list on the first day of class. Every exam, quiz, homework assignment, and group project is added to my list. I prioritize exams and major projects as "1", quizzes as "2", homework and daily assignments as "3", and menial (but necessary) tasks at "4".
For the due dates, I add them on the day before I turn-in each assignment. For example: the essay I turn in on Thursday will be "due" on Wednesday, to encourage getting the work done before 11:59 PM.
With major, multi-step projects, I like to break up my work. Last year, I had to turn in a statistics research project. I added the major task -- "Finalize Multiple Regression Analysis Project" -- as a priority "1" task and entered the due date. Then, I added a few "3" level tasks: "Find Group Members", "Print Research", etc. Afterward, I added some "2" level tasks: "Finish Short Answer Responses", "Write Rough Draft of Essay". I would do a few small tasks each day, each scheduled for a particular day of the week. This way, it wasn't a big project at all -- just a big compilation of small tasks.
Another thing I like to do is set a constant reminder to review my notes after class to help with remembering material. To do this, I simply create a general "College" list with a task set to repeat daily called "Review Class Notes". I also use this general list for reminders regarding Financial Aid, Study Abroad Applications, etc.
The Notes feature helps keep the to-do list very readable. While one of my tasks could simply say "Study for Test", I'll often create a note on that task explaining what chapters I have to read, what methods I will use to study, and what materials I will need.
Finally, I have an "Extracurriculars" list for all of my activities. I then use tags to identify the organization within the list. If I need to see what's going on in a particular club for the year, I will either search or create a temporary smart list for "#club".
I highly recommend using this in conjunction with Google Calendar. First, I transfer my class schedule. I then add a summarized version of only my major assignments for the day. In other words, I have each class listed with its respective title: "MATH 1309", "SPAN 5361", "ENGL 3302", etc. If I have a test in Calculus and in Spanish tomorrow, I will change the title to "MATH 1309 - Chapter 12 Exam" and "SPAN 5361 - Exam over Luna de Lobos" for that day.
I hope this helps! Big thanks to the RTM team for providing such an awesome tool.
First, I make a separate list for each course. That way, the "Study for Test" task in MATH 1309 is not confused with the "Study for Quiz" task in SPAN 5361.
Next, I transfer the entire syllabus to each course list on the first day of class. Every exam, quiz, homework assignment, and group project is added to my list. I prioritize exams and major projects as "1", quizzes as "2", homework and daily assignments as "3", and menial (but necessary) tasks at "4".
For the due dates, I add them on the day before I turn-in each assignment. For example: the essay I turn in on Thursday will be "due" on Wednesday, to encourage getting the work done before 11:59 PM.
With major, multi-step projects, I like to break up my work. Last year, I had to turn in a statistics research project. I added the major task -- "Finalize Multiple Regression Analysis Project" -- as a priority "1" task and entered the due date. Then, I added a few "3" level tasks: "Find Group Members", "Print Research", etc. Afterward, I added some "2" level tasks: "Finish Short Answer Responses", "Write Rough Draft of Essay". I would do a few small tasks each day, each scheduled for a particular day of the week. This way, it wasn't a big project at all -- just a big compilation of small tasks.
Another thing I like to do is set a constant reminder to review my notes after class to help with remembering material. To do this, I simply create a general "College" list with a task set to repeat daily called "Review Class Notes". I also use this general list for reminders regarding Financial Aid, Study Abroad Applications, etc.
The Notes feature helps keep the to-do list very readable. While one of my tasks could simply say "Study for Test", I'll often create a note on that task explaining what chapters I have to read, what methods I will use to study, and what materials I will need.
Finally, I have an "Extracurriculars" list for all of my activities. I then use tags to identify the organization within the list. If I need to see what's going on in a particular club for the year, I will either search or create a temporary smart list for "#club".
I highly recommend using this in conjunction with Google Calendar. First, I transfer my class schedule. I then add a summarized version of only my major assignments for the day. In other words, I have each class listed with its respective title: "MATH 1309", "SPAN 5361", "ENGL 3302", etc. If I have a test in Calculus and in Spanish tomorrow, I will change the title to "MATH 1309 - Chapter 12 Exam" and "SPAN 5361 - Exam over Luna de Lobos" for that day.
I hope this helps! Big thanks to the RTM team for providing such an awesome tool.
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