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6 September 2023

Avoid the multi-tasking trap: see our top three tips to better manage competing deadlines

It’s assignment time – how are you tracking? If you’re juggling multiple assessments, it can feel a little overwhelming when deadlines start to converge and you’re wondering how you’ll get everything done on time.

While it may seem efficient to work on all your assignments at once – that is, multi-tasking – it’s a bad idea! Why? 

We are not able to truly multi-task

Put simply, your brain has limited resources for attention. If you’re working on one task, you can only realistically allocate enough attention to get that one task done.

While it is possible to split your attention across several simple tasks (such as reviewing flashcards over lunch or listening to a lecture in the car), you will struggle to simultaneously focus on multiple tasks that aren’t automatic or require more mental bandwidth – such as synthesising reference material or drafting an essay. All you’re really doing is switching back and forth between each task, and as you do this, you become distracted, less productive and more prone to making omissions and mistakes.

Research backs this up – students who use their smartphone or watch TV while studying or listening to lectures tend to get less done, retain less information and achieve lower marks than students who don’t multi-task.

So, take a minute or two to stop what you’re doing and read our top three tips to achieve more efficient study practices and meet your deadlines.

1. Focus on one thing at a time

To get the most out of your study sessions and avoid making mistakes, you should devote your undivided attention to only one task at a time. Here are some helpful hints for staying on track.

2. Take care of yourself during assessment time

While stress is an adaptive and even helpful response in the face of competing demands, if your study load is making you feel out of control, try these tips to de-stress.

3. Ask for help

If you start to feel overwhelmed, the below services are free and available to all Deakin students.

Adapted from an article originally published in this.



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