The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the higher education system, with universities being forced to close to contain the spread of the virus. This resulted in a shift to forced-distance learning, which applied to all education levels in Malaysia. While students were advised to study independently from home, social distancing measures meant that educational activities might suffer.
One of the biggest challenges students faced during forced-distance learning was time management. Without the direct supervision of lecturers, students needed to be self-disciplined and focused on their studies at home. This had been challenging even under normal circumstances, but managing time effectively could become overwhelming with the additional stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
As exams approached, students needed to be more aware of how they could improve their time management skills. One way to achieve this is by following the "Four Ds of Effectiveness." The first D stands for desire. Students must have a burning desire to take control of their time and become more effective in their studies. This desire must be strong enough to motivate students to stay focused and overcome any obstacles that come their way.
The second D stands for decisiveness. Students must make a clear decision to practice good time management techniques until they become a habit. This means setting achievable goals and prioritizing tasks that need to be done. It also means making sacrifices, such as giving up time spent on social media or other distractions, to ensure that the most important tasks are completed on time.
The third D stands for determination. This is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and stay focused on achieving the desired outcomes. Students must be willing to persist in their efforts to manage their time effectively, even when the going gets tough.
Finally, the fourth D, discipline, is the most critical aspect of effective time management during forced-distance learning. Students must discipline themselves to make time management a lifelong practice. This requires a willingness to pay the price, both in terms of effort and time, to achieve success. It also involves knowing what needs to be done and when to do it, without relying on external guidance or motivation.
In a nutshell, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the higher education system, with forced-distance learning becoming the norm. While this presents new challenges, students can still succeed by improving their time management skills. Following the Four Ds of Effectiveness can help students stay focused, motivated, and disciplined as they navigate through these uncertain times. Students can achieve their goals and succeed academically with determination and the right mindset. As such, it is vital for students to adopt the Four Ds of Effectiveness and continue to strive for excellence even in the face of adversity. By doing so, they can emerge from this pandemic stronger and better prepared for the future.
Dr. Aliana Shazma Amir Amir is a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Perlis
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Pulse.