Boosting Productivity: A Student's Guide to Kanban System

Hi, I am Abdullah Mohamed Aathil. 4th year Physics undergraduate fellow at University of Jaffna. 

After a long break, I am continuing my blog. This e-tea kada will be the place of radom talks, as you all know, like friends chatting on a tea stall bench. In my blog I am interested in adding a series of talks for undergraduates by researching materials and from my personal experiences. So, today my first talk about time management using the Kanban System. 

Here we go!

In the fast-paced world of academia, students often find themselves juggling multiple tasks, assignments, and deadlines. Staying organized and managing time effectively is crucial for success. Enter the Kanban system, a visual project management method that originated in the manufacturing industry and has proven to be a game-changer for students seeking improved productivity and organization.
 

Understanding Kanban:

What is Kanban?
Kanban, which means "visual card" in Japanese, is a system that originated at Toyota in the 1940s. It utilizes visual cues to help manage workflow, making it an ideal tool for students aiming to streamline their academic responsibilities.

Visualizing Tasks:
The core concept of Kanban is to represent tasks or projects on a visual board, usually divided into columns that represent different stages of completion. This visual representation allows students to see at a glance what needs to be done, what is in progress, and what has been completed.

Setting Up Your Kanban Board:

1. Create Columns:
Start by creating columns on your board or wall that represent the different stages of your workflow. Common columns include "To-Do," "In Progress," and "Done." You can even use color sheets for create columns.

2. Sticky notes:
Write each task or assignment on an individual sticky notes and place it in the "To-Do" column. These task cards should include details such as due dates, priorities, and any additional information that will help you manage your workload effectively.

3. Move Tasks Across Columns:
As you progress through your tasks, move the corresponding cards across the columns. This not only provides a visual representation of your progress but also helps you identify potential bottlenecks and prioritize tasks accordingly.

Benefits of Using Kanban for Students:

1. Increased Visibility:
Kanban provides a clear overview of your workload. This transparency allows you to identify tasks that may require more attention and ensures that nothing gets overlooked.

2. Improved Time Management:
By breaking down your workload into manageable tasks and visualizing them on the Kanban board, you can allocate time more efficiently. This helps prevent procrastination and ensures that you stay on top of your responsibilities.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability:
Kanban is inherently flexible, allowing you to adapt your workflow to changing priorities or unexpected tasks. This adaptability makes it an ideal system for the dynamic and unpredictable nature of student life.

Implementing a Kanban system can significantly enhance a student's ability to manage their workload effectively. By providing a visual representation of tasks and workflow, Kanban enables students to prioritize effectively, manage time efficiently, and ultimately achieve academic success. So, why not give it a try? Your organized and productive academic journey awaits!

As an undergraduate fellow i got more benefits from Kanban system. It helped to study without stress, stop procrastinating and allocate time for non academic activities. Here i am sharing my Kanban board only using color sheets, sticky notes and hostel wall.