5 Strategies for Adult Students to Boost Productivity

As an adult student attending college, it can be challenging to balance the demands of school, work, and family responsibilities. Productivity is key to success in any endeavor, and this is especially true for adult students. Bethel’s professional advisors are assigned to each student and they provide tools and tips to help students stay on task. Check out five strategies to help boost productivity as an adult student.

Set clear goals and priorities

The first step to improving productivity is to set clear goals and priorities. You should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and the steps you need to take to get there. Make a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadline. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, and set deadlines for each of them. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Bethel’s Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) model follows a very clear weekly format we call modules, this allows for students to know what to expect for each week or module.

Create a schedule and stick to it

Creating a schedule is an essential part of improving productivity. Set aside specific times for studying, attending classes, and completing assignments. Make sure to schedule breaks and time for self-care as well. Stick to your schedule as much as possible, but be flexible and adjust it when necessary. Most AGS due dates at Bethel revolve around Saturday night, providing a consistency for each course, knowing what to expect. When providing a consistent academic experience with a personal routine, we believe you will be able to stay organized and focused.

Eliminate distractions

Distractions can be a significant obstacle to productivity. Identify the things that distract you and eliminate them as much as possible. Turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and find a quiet place to study. If you find yourself constantly checking social media or email, set specific times to check them rather than allowing them to interrupt your work. Another option is using browser extensions like Pause to help limit your wandering curiosity from checking the news, social media or tomorrow’s weather report. Their site states the purpose, Pause by Freedom is a “simple, free Chrome extension that challenges you to pause for a few seconds before visiting a distracting website.”

Use time-management techniques

Time-management techniques can be a great way to improve productivity. The Pomodoro technique, for example, involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. This cycle is repeated four times, and then a longer break is taken. This technique can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Other time-management techniques include the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and the Getting Things Done (GTD) method, which involves breaking down tasks into smaller ones and organizing them into a system.

Take care of yourself

Finally, taking care of yourself is crucial for improving productivity. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. Taking breaks and doing things you enjoy can also help reduce stress and improve focus. Remember that productivity is not just about getting things done, but also about taking care of yourself and your well-being.

In conclusion, improving productivity as an adult student requires setting clear goals and priorities, creating a schedule and sticking to it, eliminating distractions, using time-management techniques, and taking care of yourself. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your productivity and achieve success in your studies and beyond