Organisation as a school student | Maggie Whitney | TEDxYouth@VIS

Key Concepts:

• Locker organization
• Preparation the night before school
• Note-taking (Cornell method, Blurting method)
• Highlighting notes
• Distraction-free studying
• Time management (calendars, planners, task breakdown)

1. Locker Organization:

• Maintaining a tidy locker is crucial for efficiency.
• An unorganized locker leads to wasted time searching for materials.
• Using locker organizers and baskets simplifies locating items.
• Example: Knowing the location of specific books and stationery.

2. Preparation the Night Before School:

• Preparing for school the night before saves time and reduces morning stress.
• Packing backpacks and gathering necessary items in advance prevents rushing.
• The speaker emphasizes the frustration of being late and unable to find things.

3. Note-Taking:

• Taking notes in class is essential for remembering information.
• Notes aid in studying for tests by providing a readily available resource.
• Two popular note-taking methods are discussed:
  • Cornell Method: Dividing the page into columns for keywords/main ideas and a summary at the bottom.
  • Blurting Method: Writing down everything remembered after reading, then rereading and correcting.
• The speaker and her friend Chloe's notes are shown as examples.
• Using headings, bullet points, and arrows enhances note organization.
• Highlighting notes makes them neater and easier to read.

4. Studying:

• Studying effectively requires minimizing distractions.
• Common distractions include people and phones.

5. Time Management:

• Time management is a critical aspect of organization.
• Using a calendar or planner helps manage tasks and deadlines.
• Recommended apps: Google Calendar, Google Keep, Apple Calendar, and Structured.
• Structured is highlighted as a daily planner with options for planning days, weeks, or months in advance.
• Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks ensures completion.
• Example: Planning out when and for how long to work on each task to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

6. Synthesis/Conclusion:

• Key takeaways: Keep your locker tidy, prepare the night before, take notes, study effectively, and manage your time.
• Building these habits improves confidence and academic performance.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of organization for overall success in school.