Planning & Organization: Crash Course Study Skills #4

Summary

In this Crash Course Study Skills video, Thomas Frank introduces the concepts of Planning Mode and Robot Mode, emphasizing the importance of effective organization for academic success. He outlines a system combining task management, calendars, note-taking, and physical storage to ensure all tasks, events, and ideas are captured and easily accessible. The video covers how to set up an efficient organizational structure, use quick capture techniques, and establish regular planning and review routines to stay on top of assignments and deadlines. Frank’s approach ensures that students can maintain productivity and avoid chaos in their academic lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Organize your life by separating tasks into 'Planning Mode' (preparing) and 'Robot Mode' (executing).
• 📅 Use a task manager to track to-dos, set deadlines, and avoid forgetting important tasks. Options include Todoist, Trello, and Bullet Journals.
• 🗓️ Keep your calendar separate from your task manager for better clarity. Use it to track time-specific events like exams or meetings.
• 📝 Have a note-taking system in place to store class notes, assignments, and important ideas. Evernote and OneNote are great digital options.
• 📂 Set up a system for physical storage, such as accordion folders or file boxes, for organizing handouts, documents, and notes.
• 🌳 Build a folder structure on your computer that organizes your work by class or subject, so you can easily find files later.
• 🎨 Color-code your calendar to visually differentiate between types of events (e.g., classes, extracurricular activities).
• 📊 Create projects in your task manager to group similar tasks together, such as specific classes or big personal projects.
• 💡 Develop the habit of 'quick capture' by recording tasks and events as soon as they come up to keep your system organized.
• 📅 Plan weekly by reviewing upcoming tasks and projects and daily by setting clear goals and batching similar tasks for efficiency.

Q & A

What are the two modes that Thomas Frank mentions a student can be in while studying?

Thomas Frank mentions two modes: 'Planning Mode' and 'Robot Mode'. In Robot Mode, you focus on doing the work, like studying or completing assignments, while Planning Mode involves organizing and setting up systems for efficiency.

Why does Thomas Frank emphasize the need for an organized environment to study effectively?

Frank emphasizes that just like robots in car factories need a clean and organized workspace, students need a well-maintained environment and a good organizational system to work efficiently in Robot Mode.

What is an 'Idea' according to Thomas Frank, and why is it important to capture them?

An 'Idea' is any intangible information that you need to save for later use. This can include tasks, events, or creative thoughts. It's important to capture them so that you have easy access to them later, preventing them from slipping through the cracks.

What are the four essential components of a good organizational system that Thomas Frank recommends?

Thomas Frank suggests the following essential components for an organizational system: a task manager, a calendar, a note-taking system, and some kind of physical storage for paper documents.

How does Thomas Frank use his task manager (Todoist) to stay organized?

Frank uses Todoist to record tasks with their details and due dates. He emphasizes choosing a system that makes it easy to see upcoming due dates and manage tasks efficiently. Other options include Trello, Microsoft To-Do, Any.Do, and paper systems like Bullet Journals.

Why does Thomas Frank recommend separating tasks from events in your planning system?

Frank suggests separating tasks and events because tasks can have flexible due dates, while events are scheduled at specific times. Keeping them in separate systems, like a task manager for tasks and a calendar for events, helps avoid confusion and enhances clarity.

What is the benefit of organizing your notes in digital apps like Evernote, OneNote, or Google Docs?

Using digital apps for note-taking allows for easy organization and access. These tools enable you to organize notes by class or project, and digital formats make searching and referencing much quicker compared to physical notebooks.

What system does Thomas Frank suggest for organizing files on a computer?

Frank recommends organizing your files in a well-structured, hierarchical folder system. For instance, create a main folder for 'College', then subfolders for each year and each class. This ensures easy retrieval and keeps your files organized.

What does 'quick capture' mean in the context of organization, and why is it important?

'Quick capture' refers to recording tasks, events, or ideas as soon as they arise, to prevent them from being forgotten. It is important because it reduces friction in the process of maintaining an organized system and ensures that nothing is overlooked.

How should students approach weekly planning according to Thomas Frank?

Frank advises students to use weekly planning to review upcoming tasks and events. This should be done on Sundays, where you look at the tasks due in the upcoming week and beyond. He also suggests scheduling study sessions for exams or breaking down large projects into smaller tasks.

What is the purpose of a weekly review session, and what tasks does it include?

The purpose of a weekly review session is to reflect on the past week, compare planned tasks to actual outcomes, and address any gaps. It also involves going through your task manager and calendar to make necessary adjustments, ensuring your system remains organized and effective.