Timebox your self-learning

Fotos gratis de Tablón de anunciosDo you sometimes feel time slips through your fingers when you are studying?

Perhaps you had an ambitious plan in your head but only managed to get through a tiny proportion of it and… oops! your time has run out.

How does that make you feel?  Not very motivated, I suppose. Feeling behind is far from energising. 

If you are anything like me, over-optimistic about how far time can stretch, you may have an issue with biting off more than you can chew. 

That is why I would like to share some ideas about a time-management technique that has made a world of difference to me: TIMEBOXING. 

A real game-changer! 

Not long ago, I came across this system while reading a newsletter for teachers. The name itself instantly sparked my curiosity. Clear and self-explanatory. 

After reading some articles (links below), I decided to implement some principles that resonated with me. 

It is indeed a no-brainer. Put the time you have in boxes, assign tasks, and respect your plan.

True, it requires some discipline… and it works! Goodbye, losing track of time, and hello time awareness! 

This is why I can’t recommend it enough to my students who struggle with their homework and self-learning. This system is practical for creating a successful study routine that will make you feel more accomplished and ultimately, improve your language learning.

Timeboxing is generally used for work planning but here, I’m just focussing on some tips that we can apply to language learning.

Timebox your self-learning

Block time on your calendar 

For better results, give this some careful thought. Block the time slots that seem realistic over a period of time. Can you commit to what you have decided? Not just this week but the following ones, too?

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In my case, I have blocked 07:30-08:00  (Monday to Friday) for self-study.

This commitment is sustainable over time because this early in the morning I don’t have any other obligations that can get in the way. Plus, it’s quiet and peaceful and last but not least, sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

Step 1: What about your ideal time slot?

 

You could subdivide this block and set a time limit for each task

Ilustraciones gratis de Just in timeWithin this half an hour, I have some subdivisions.

For example, one study session could look like this:

  • 10 minutes: reverse translation
  • 10 minutes: memorising new language that popped up.
  • 10 minutes: writing examples of the new language in context

It doesn’t look like much but if done regularly, it amounts to a lot.

Step 2: Consider how you would like to divide your timeboxes.

Badge tasks 

It makes total sense that grouping similar tasks has a positive impact on how much you can achieve. The opposite, that is, constantly changing the type of task, can potentially make you waste time. 

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For instance, it is more productive to plan a writing task, do it, and revise it, than to start the writing and then drop it to do some grammar exercises, leaving the writing for another day. That is probably going to make you lose momentum. Once your mind is in “writing mode”, get on with it! Build momentum!

Step 3: Write down what activities you can badge together.

 

Eliminate distractions

Well, I suppose we all know the drill, but a reminder never hurts when it comes to reducing distractions.

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  • Put your phone on silent mode.
  • Clear your desk so that you only have what you need for the task at hand.
  • If using a laptop, close programs and websites that you are not using.
  • Close the door and make it clear to other people around you that interruptions are not welcome.

Step 4: Devise a plan to avoid distractions (internal and external)

I do hope that some of these tips might be beneficial for you in the same way that they have inspired me to be more in control of my time. There will be more on time management in future blog posts as I find this a fascinating topic. 

Now it is your turn to set this in motion. I would love to hear from you if you found this useful. You can send me an email to: inglesvitoria@inglesvitoria.com.

Happy timeboxing!

______________________________Worth reading/watching_____________________________________

Articles

https://clockify.me/timeboxing

https://www.mindtools.com/a9bt6jr/timeboxing

Video

Timeboxing: 12 Tips To Supercharge Your Productivity - YouTube