The first technique I tried was C.O.S.T in my Philosophy class. C.O.S.T stands for change, option, schedule, and test. This method allowed me to make a plan and execute it to my liking. The way I went about making this plan was by typing it on my computer, printing it, and hanging on my desk so it would be a constant reminder as to what I needed to accomplish.
(COST plan for Philosophy 107 seen above)
I discovered this plan to be effective because I discovered what was causing my problems in my class. The main issue that I was too overwhelmed due to my review sheets. In order to fix this problem, I came up with three options. They are: read the text and complete the problems for my review when they are given. Then to further go to my TA and Professor for help with the questions. After I know I have the correct answer, I will schedule times to review and learn the answers to each question. The reason why this is vital to the class is because this is the makeup of my midterm. By memorizing two questions a night, I will be prepared and not have to cram for my exam. My goal is to have all my questions done by October 4th so I can have over ten days to know the exact answer to each question. I have already begun the final step of testing this method. I have four questions done and memorized. I will meet with my TA after my small discussion Monday to make sure I have the correct answer. My evaluation of this process is that is extremely successful and I already feel more relaxed in my class. Since I am working on completing this assignment rather than just saying I will do it, I feel accomplished. I will continue to use this method because I am a visual learner and this is a great setup to see what I need to continue to do so I do not cause my original problem again. I think I will further expand this into a target planner and set dates as to when I will have each question done and memorized. My materials are notes which help me keep my final questions organized. My materials affect my class and how well I will do.
The second technique I chose to use was C.O.P.E.R in my MAT 285 class. C.O.P.E.R stands for current condition, options, plan execute the plan, and reflect. This technique showed me where I was in my class, the ways I could fix it, the plan I would make and to see if it was effective or not. I like this method but found the C.O.S.T worked better for me. The plan follows:
(C.O.P.E.R plan for MAT 285 shown above)
After receiving my first exam back, I realized what I needed to do in order to receive a better grade on my next exam. The options I created for myself were the 20-minute test prep so by the time of my next exam, I would already have a practice test to complete. This also forces me to review right after class. I will also do my homework on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the day I have classes. I further expect to do better on my exams because I am preparing in advance, thus having less stress the day before the test. As I stated, I plan to complete all assignments on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the material is fresh in my mind. I have done this assignment for a week and it has helped tremendously. I have two 20-minute prep tests completed. I am now able to ask my teacher any questions I have for the quiz in order to obtain a better grade. My attitude has changed towards the class because I now feel more prepared and that I will succeed. My workload will never become too heavy. I believe I will now do better on my midterm and final because I have exams to study from, quizzes, and 20-minute test preps. My materials for this class are only notes and the text book allowing me to stay organized.
For the future I will use the C.O.S.T technique because it more efficient. It took less time than the C.O.P.E.R evaluation and I believe it did the same in terms of getting me organized and back on task for that class. Over all, both strategies were efficient. I think this is the beginning step of task management because it addresses your problem and then you may pick a task management strategy to apply for that class. I will continue to use this method to discover what problems I am having and how to fix it. Since I am a visual learner this lays out everything I need in numerous ways.
The C.O.S.T and C.O.P.E.R strategies you used seemed very similiar to me when I looked at them last week, but you did a great job in making it clear differences between the two. Based on your evaluation of the two, I feel I would make the same choice as you and choose the C.O.S.T strategy as it appeals to me as a learner. The strategy looks very effective as it is short and helps you find a reasonable method to solve a problem.
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