May 9, 2008, 3:49 pm

Study skills

Applying Pareto's Principle

 

The 19th century Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, derived a principle, based on observations, which eventually became known as the 80/20 rule. This rule can be applied to many facets of life, but it is directly relevant to those of you who can be described as 'strategic learners'. By this I mean those with very busy lives who need to fit study around a 1001 other activities.

For you, Pareto's principle implies that you can get 80% of the marks, in any TMA, for doing 20% of the work that would be required to get 100%. Another way of looking at this is, the final 20% of the marks will need 80% of the work.

You might choose to disbelieve this but as an OU student, in my experience, I can say that this theory tends to hold true. I realise that some of you will strive for 100% everytime. Computing courses seem attract that kind of student. But you might, for any number of reasons, decide to opt for a good mark as opposed to an outstanding one. In other words, you may have a very full life that needs equal, if not more attention, than you can give to study. If so, think about Pareto, because it can save you a lot of time.

Copyright © 2008 John McSweeney