Best Laid Plans Planner Peace + Efficiency Hacks from Seasoned Professor Sarah McConnell EP 261
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Jul 28, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Sarah McConnell, an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, shares her academic planning secrets. She reveals her personal planner system and emphasizes the importance of templates and efficient time management strategies. Listeners will learn how to utilize tools like bullet journaling and the ProAction Planner to enhance productivity. McConnell also introduces her innovative 'breadcrumbs' note-taking approach, showcasing how past experiences can streamline future planning for both educators and students.
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Hybrid Digital and Paper Planning
- Use Google Calendar as your main digital planner with color coding for clear course and event visualization.
- Combine with paper planners for daily tasks, using timers and crossing completed tasks aggressively for focus and satisfaction.
Start With a Brain Dump
- Dedicate substantial time at the start of each term to collect and order all project steps and deadlines.
- Transcribe upcoming week's tasks and time block each day nightly for clear, actionable next-day focus.
Use Templates for Efficiency
- Create templates for repeated tasks like grading rubrics and emails to save time and maintain consistency.
- Use color-coded comments within rubrics to speed up grading and reduce fatigue.