Tips for keeping on top of all the coursework

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for managing coursework effectively among undergraduate students in physics and mathematics. Participants share their experiences and tools for keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and class materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions using Habitica and a schedule keeper but still struggles to keep track of coursework, prompting inquiries about specific issues faced.
  • Another participant questions the nature of the problems, suggesting that forgetting to write down assignments or not checking schedules could be factors.
  • Some participants propose that paying attention in class and preparing before lectures could help prevent falling behind.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of minimizing different sources of information and suggests using a single planner or calendar to consolidate tasks.
  • Another participant highlights the need to understand instructions clearly to avoid missing assignments.
  • There is a suggestion to collaborate with peers to remind each other of due dates and share tips for managing coursework.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliance on multiple websites for homework, with one participant describing it as a potential scam by publishers and criticizing the lack of support from teachers.
  • Setting reminders through tools like Google Calendar is recommended by some participants to help manage deadlines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of strategies and experiences, with no clear consensus on the best approach to managing coursework. Different views on the effectiveness of tools and methods are presented, indicating ongoing debate about the best practices.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific challenges related to using multiple websites for assignments and the potential overwhelm at the start of the semester. There is also a recognition of varying levels of memory and organizational skills among students.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students in physics and mathematics, particularly those struggling with coursework management and seeking peer advice on effective study habits and organizational tools.

Mathamans
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I'm an undergraduate (freshman) in physics and mathematics. I'm having a bit of trouble keeping track of all of my coursework. I have an account on Habitica and I have a schedule keeper than I carry with, but I seem to miss a few things here and there. What sorts of things do you guys use to keep on top of your work?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you tell us what courses you are taking? Can you tell us why you're have problems with your coursework? What are the thing you miss? etc.
 
Mathamans said:
I'm an undergraduate (freshman) in physics and mathematics. I'm having a bit of trouble keeping track of all of my coursework. I have an account on Habitica and I have a schedule keeper than I carry with, but I seem to miss a few things here and there. What sorts of things do you guys use to keep on top of your work?

Habitica should really not be used to keep track of coursework, but just to make sure that you do it. (For those not familiar, Habitica is like an RPG-style productivity app/game). What do you mean by "missing things"? You forget to write them down? You write them down but forget to look at your schedule keeper? You write down the wrong assignment?

I generally just remember in which courses I have homework, and then write down the assignment in the appropriate notebook.
 
Mathamans said:
I'm an undergraduate (freshman) in physics and mathematics. I'm having a bit of trouble keeping track of all of my coursework. I have an account on Habitica and I have a schedule keeper than I carry with, but I seem to miss a few things here and there. What sorts of things do you guys use to keep on top of your work?

Pay attention in class?

Beyond that, don't fall behind in the first place. You should be coming into lecture prepared, by that I mean have read the material that's going to be covered, tried a few problems, etc. After lecture you should do a more thorough reading, clearing up any misconceptions you had before and finishing homework.

If you just mean you're forgetting when homework is due, or when tests are, you need to pay more attention in class and to the syllabus. Honestly if your memory is that bad, you're going to have a lot of issues.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Orson
I do pay attention in class. By staying on top of my work, I mean I have quite a few different websites different classes use to do homework. A few days ago, I forgot to go to one of the websites to do some work. Do you guys just remember to do it? I have a really good memory for numbers, events and such, not so much.
 
  • Try to minimize your different sources of information. If you're a dayplanner person - put everything there. If you use Google Calendar or GMAIL, put it all on there.
  • Make sure to understand instructions as soon as you get them. Sometimes, when people don't understand something, or the instructions are unclear, it just drops off the radar.
  • When the semester first starts, all the different coursework, websites, information sources, schedules etc. can seem overwhelming. But you get used to it. Make sure you take the time to learn where everything is, well before you need it. You shouldn't be logging into a course website for the first time the night before an assignment is due.
  • Don't try to go it alone. Take advantage of friends. If you have a core group that is in mostly the same courses, you will naturally remind each other of when things are due just by talking about them. You can also share tips for figuring out assignments and what problem sets are going to require more time.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Mathamans
Mathamans said:
I do pay attention in class. By staying on top of my work, I mean I have quite a few different websites different classes use to do homework.

Ah. Unfortunately then you're being preyed upon by the biggest publisher scam imaginable and have lazy teachers/lack of TAs.

Bookmark the websites, check them daily, and ride it out until you're done with introductory courses.
 
I hate when teachers do that. Hopefully the homework assignment dates are at least predictable, if so, set a Google calendar alarm or some such to remind you to do it.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Should I submit an 840 PGRE in my applications to top US PhD programs?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How to study Mathematics for Theoretical Physics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Any tips for doing a PhD in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Courses Academic Coursework Pickle - Could really use some advice
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Courses Should I Focus on Physics or Add a Second Major for Grad School?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Courses Choosing courses for mathematics minor to support my physics major
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Online Courses for Mechanical design
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Should I double up on math courses next school year?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Courses Switch from Physics to Engineering as a Junior -- Coursework?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Programs How To Keep Options Open For Astroparticle + Advanced Propulsion Physics?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K