Better Study Habits, Essay Example

Fig 1 :  Mindmap for process of research strategy for better study habits

Introduction

The  challenge is to examine my current practices of studying and look  towards developing a strategy that will improve my study habits.  Although, I believe I am reasonably well disciplined in that regard, there is always room for improvement.  My mind mapping approach identifies the logical and structured way in order to approach the problem.  Figure 1 above, identifies the logical components, and my approach to the work. (Time Management Guide, 2005)

Assessment of existing habits

In order to understand and document my existing study habits.  I propose to complete two diagrams.  The first of these will be a workflow diagram, thereby pictorially illustrating my existing approach to studying.  Secondly, a process map illustrating the processes that I undertake in my current study profile.  Having completed that exercise, I will brainstorm and produce another mind map that illustrates my planned for future study proposals.  The resulting difference between the future state requirements, and the current state requirements is that of a gap analysis.  The gap analysis will be that transitionary steps that I will need to take in order to reach my goal of an improved studying regime. (QMT, 2009)

In order to document my current study habits.  I will look at collecting the following information:

Workflow – this will mean gathering information that describes how I currently complete my studying.  For example: draw up a list of required reading material, go to the library, research request to texts, locate the books, find study area, sit down and study books, you’ll observe here that I’ve listed a set of sequential steps.  Each of these will take time and effort and illustrate how I currently approach my study timetable. This type of visual representation is performed by iconic drawing and provides the reader with an understanding of the flow of work.

Process Mapping – this builds upon the workflow diagram concept, but described more accurately, the processes involved in my current studying activities.  By understanding my current state activities.  It will help me to determine my future state requirements, and how appropriate streamlining and improvements can be made.  For example, if we consider the sequential steps listed in the workflow illustration, we might decide to make some improvements.  Instead of taking time to go to the library and find books.  We may decide that it is quicker to complete the research online and use services like Questia or Google books to obtain e-book’s that can be downloaded for our research.  When considering these changes, it will be important to evaluate the information.  This means, considering the example above, integrity of the online data information sources, what help services might be available; as contrasted to having library assistance.

Resolving the problems

It is the gap analysis that will enable me to complete the necessary transformation steps in order to improve my study habits.  In attainment of this goal, I will be looking towards solving the following problem:

1. streamlining existing processs of work, and eliminating any redundant habits, i.e., those habits that are not productive and do not actively contribution to to my study process;
2. improving timescales and speeding up the way I approach my studying without degenerating quality or content of my studies;
3. any general efficiency steps that might improve my overall objectivity and approach to studying.

Finally I will convert this to an implementation plan for actioning.  My implementation plan will be relatively simple and really be a timeline diagram that illustrates the actions or steps that need to be taken, the milestones or dates that these need to be completed and the logic of the sequential steps that this will take.  An example of this is illustrated in figure 2 below.  I have adopted this approach in order to keep this both simple and straightforward i.e., easy to understand and implement. (Harris, 2002)

Fig 2 :  Timeline plan illustrating sequences involved

In the above diagram you’ll observe a logical flow of sequencing, from left to right.  Each one of these blocks of activities will contain subordinate tasks.  To manage the work task level.  It is now a simple case of expanding the timeline diagram into that of the Gantt chart and assigning resource effort to complete the individual tasks.

Works Cited

Harris, R. (2002, 1 5). Problem Solviong techniques. Retrieved 2 12, 2010, from Virtual Salt: http://www.virtualsalt.com/crebook4.htm

QMT. (2009, 2). Process Mapping.co.uk. Retrieved 2 12, 2010, from Process Mapping: http://www.process-mapping.co.uk/

Time Management Guide. (2005). Retrieved 2 12, 2010, from Time Management Guide.com: http://www.time-management-guide.com/mind-mapping.html