Problem Solving

Luckily this weeks blog came just in time as I was struggling in two of my classes. In order to solve this problem, I used two techniques for my Philosophy 107 class and my MAT 285 class. C.O.P.E.R and C.O.S.T helped me realized my problems and were to go in each class in order to succeed. The reason I liked these two methods of problem solving is because it laid out a clear image of what I am doing wrong, what I need to do in order to improve, and what I will continue to do in the future.

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.

Time and Task Management

My schedule this semester is pretty hectic and often times I have difficulty managing my time well. CLS 105 has introduced me to so many Time and Task Management strategies, which have been very useful in my helping me build my organization skills. The two strategies that worked the best for me are the Fritter Finder and Chunking the Task.

I used the Fritter Finder strategy because I usually have a tendency of wasting valuable free time that I have in between and after classes. With the use of the Fritter Finder, I was able to determine time that I have free through out each day and each week. It was similar to filling out a weekly planner. However, with the use of this strategy I was able to visualize my “fritter” time, which I find more effective than just simply listing things to do. Each space highlighted in red in my Fritter Finder is time that I use to complete assignments, reading, and studying. Each day I set different tasks to complete within these times. Whatever upcoming assignments I have, I can assure you that my “fritter” time always comes in handy to complete it! I learned how to be more productive and use my time more effectively.

In order to accomplish long and time-consuming assignments, I would recommend anyone to use the Chunking the Task strategy. It definitely made it easier for me to plan out how I would complete several assignments. One assignment I am using this strategy for is the Faculty Interview Project for my CLS 105 course. I listed four tasks that I wanted to get done, the first one being to finish the Faculty Interview Project. Then under the “Option 1” and “Option 2” columns I listed steps that would lead me to accomplishing these tasks, such as setting dates when I want to have each task done. In “Task 2, 3, 4,” I set different dates that I would interview each professor. Each day I interviewed a professor I made sure to write a reflection based on the knowledge I gained from their interview. I have completed each task. I have completed each task already and I am working on the final touches. This method of “Chunking the Task” has made it easier for me to get my assignments done and submitted early!

I found that using these techniques can improve how your time-management skills and teach you how to use your time more wisely. I am able to prioritize which tasks I must get done first and what time I have available to do so. I now know how to complete long-term assignments without waiting for the last minute, all with the help of my Fritter Finder and Chunking the Task strategy.

Target Planner

The strategy I decided to use in two of my classes this week was the Target Planner. I choose this method rather than the Fritter Finder or Chunking The Task because I am a visual learner and this was easy for me to see. For my WRT 105 class I had my first essay due and for my MAT 285 class, I have my first large exam Tuesday. I was able to make a clean outline of what I should do by when for each class.

My first essay for WRT 105 is worth 10% of my grade, which caused me a lot of stress. When Dr. Blumin first introduced the Target Planner in

class, I knew it would be perfect for this essay. My teacher only assigned the class two due dates; the rough draft of the first two pages was due September 13th and the final paper was due September 23rd. I was able to fill in a schedule of what I should do by when to stay on task. The dates were:

• September 9- go to writing center for help with a claim
• September 13- rough draft of first twopages
• September 15- writing center for four page rough draft
• September 18- polish essay
• September 19- final visit with writing center
• September 20- ESSAY DUE

(Target Planner for Jumpstart Essay seen on right)

The reason why I choose to create a planner for my essay was because it forced me to sit down and work on it. I am a visual learner as I stated before and seeing what I needed to accomplish by when allowed me to complete the assignment on time and not leave it for last minute. I looked at the essay requirements thinking it would be easy because it was only four pages, yet, it was very difficult. If I did not plan time for the writing center, I would have received no help and potentially failed. I found it so challenging because I needed to make my own claim and support it with my thoughts rather than evidence. The only material I was allowed to use was a reading for our textbook. By setting deadlines for facets of the essay, I was able to review and edit multiple times.

My experiment with my Target Planner for my MAT 285 exam is still going under way. The reason I say this is because the exam is not until Tuesday. I still decided to write about it in my blog to prove that is helping me prepare. I grouped each chapter together by date to prepare. Monday my teacher will be putting up a list of practice problems that will look similar to the test. I wanted to have all my material studied by then so I could see what areas I needed to review again. The dates are:

• September 19: complete all homework
• September 21: review chapter 1
• September 22: review chapter 2
• September 24: review chapter 3
• September 26: complete all review questions
• September 27: EXAM

(Target Planner for MAT 285 on right)

I choose these dates and this setup because by completing all the assignments I will have enough time to practice and hopefully do well on the exam without too much extra studying. This is an excellent way for me to learn the materials as well because it is all visual learning. By completing the work and seeing how the professor works through the problems helps me absorb the materials.

This is a great way to manage your time because anyone can take the simple target planner and adjust it to their preference, dates, and assignments due. The planner also allows you to use all your materials to full advantage and shows you when to do work so you are never behind. I will continue to use the target planner in the future for other long term assignments.

Time Management Techniques

Managing time effectively has always been a difficult task for me. I tend to waste valuable time procrastinating and end up doing assignments at the last minute. I started to realize that my methods were not effective at all, and that they would leave me stressed and frustrated. This week I looked to explore techniques for time management as I wanted to reduce the amount of time I spent procrastinating and increase my work rate.

The "Fritter Finder" time management technique (shown to the right) was the first technique I tried to reduce wasted time during the week. This strategy was very effective for me as I planned out my entire schedule for the week and saw how much free time I had. I assigned a task for every period of free time to keep me on track with assignments, and on top of the material learned in my classes. By following the Fritter Finder, I would be done with homework each night around 7PM, saving me from staying up late and not producing my best work.

In addition to the Fritter Finder, I used the "Target Planner" technique this week (shown left). I applied this technique to my Faculty Interview Project to set guidelines for myself to follow. The guidelines were set to give me extra time in case I couldn't carryout a task on a certain day. As long as I take out each task before the main objective I will have a solid project to turn in when the due date comes. I like the Target Planner technique as it serves as a reminder of the things I need to do and sets reasonable time for me to get them done.

The combination of these two time management techniques has served to be effective as I have noticed the decrease in stress, and I have also gained more free time to relax. I recommend these techniques to anyone with time management problems as they can really get you on the track to proper time management application.