Batching vs. Multitasking: What Works Better for Students?

We get it.

You’ve got

  • class notes piling up,
  • WhatsApp groups buzzing,
  • a test next week,
  • another surprise test tomorrow, and
  • for some reason, your dog just chewed your highlighter.

It feels like doing 10 things at once is the only way out.

But is multitasking really helping?
Or are you just switching tasks faster than a DJ at a college fest?

Let’s settle the score:

Batching vs Multitasking —

which one actually works better for students trying not to lose their minds (or marks)?

 

What’s Multitasking, Really?

Multitasking sounds productive. You feel like a superhero — reading your textbook while watching physics tutorials, eating Maggi, replying “hmm” in 3 group chats, and listening to Lofi beats on loop.

But here’s the truth:
You’re not multitasking. You’re just task-switching. Badly.

 

Your brain doesn’t actually do two thinking-heavy tasks at the same time.

It just jumps between them, like a squirrel on a sugar rush.

And every jump costs time, energy, and, yes — focus.

 

What Is Batching, Then?

Batching is grouping similar tasks together and doing them in focused chunks.

Think of it like this:

  • Instead of checking messages every 3 minutes → check them once every 2 hours
  • Instead of writing 3 different assignments across the day → finish them one at a time in blocks
  • Instead of jumping between chapters → batch your reading, then your notes, then your revision

It’s like meal prepping for your brain.

Do similar things together = fewer mental dishes to wash.

 

Multitasking: The Illusion of Productivity

Let’s call out multitasking for what it really is:

  • You feel busy
  • You look busy
  • But you’re actually doing lessper hour than you think

Why It’s a Problem:

  • It increases mistakes
  • Slows down overall work
  • Makes your brain tired faster
  • Leaves you feeling like you did a lot — even when you didn’t

Science Check:

Research shows multitasking drops productivity by up to 40%.

That’s almost half your study time… gone. Poof. Like your pen when you need it most.

 

Batching: The Quiet Hero

Batching doesn’t feel dramatic.

It doesn’t make you feel like a productivity ninja. But it actually gets stuff done.

 

Benefits:

  • Deep focus → better understanding
  • Less mental fatigue
  • More accurate, higher-quality output
  • Faster completion overall
  • Clear start and end → less stress

Example Batching Schedule:

  • 10:00–11:00: Read history chapters
  • 11:15–12:00: Make summary notes
  • 2:00–3:00: Practice Math problems
  • 4:00–4:30: Reply to messages, check doubts

No overlap. No chaos. Just brain-time in neat containers.

 

So, Is Multitasking Always Bad?

Not entirely. Multitasking light can work when:

  • One task is automatic (like listening to music while doing math drills)
  • You’re doing chores + passive review (audio notes while folding laundry)
  • You’re rotating between tasks for mental freshness (Pomodoro-style)

But if both tasks need concentration, you’re just frying your brain on a low flame.

 

A Real-Life Analogy

Multitasking is like trying to cook five dishes at once.
You’ll end up burning the dal, undercooking the rice, forgetting the salt, and… was that the fire alarm?

 

Batching is cooking one dish at a time, finishing strong, and serving it hot.
(And maybe even having time to clean the kitchen.)

 

How to Start Batching
(Without Losing Your Cool)

  • List similar tasks together— g., all reading tasks, all writing tasks, all revision work
  • Use time blocks— 25, 45, or 60-minute sessions
  • Add break zones— stretch, scroll, snack
  • Ignore distractions during batching time (yes, even that meme your friend just sent)
  • Batch your batchers— do multiple batches across the day, not one 5-hour chunk

 

Final Verdict:

Batching Wins (With a Side of Smart Multitasking)

 

If you want:

  • Better marks
  • Fewer headaches
  • More free time
  • Less end-of-day regret

Then ditch the multitasker myth and batch like a boss.

 

Multitasking looks cool on the outside.
Batching gets you out of study jail faster.

 

Summary:

  • Multitasking ≠ productivity
  • Batching = better focus + less stress
  • Save multitasking for playlists and dish-washing
  • For study sessions? One brain. One task. One win at a time.