The GA-MA Method

A Simple System to Stay on Top of Your Classes in Canvas

Author: James Tierney, CEO & Founder

Read time: 4 minutes 

This content was aided by the OpenAI language model Assistant. Learn more at https://openai.com/. Editing was also aided by Grammarly. Learn more at https://www.grammarly.com.


As an academic coach, I’ve seen it countless times—students relying solely on the Canvas calendar to keep track of their assignments and deadlines. While the calendar is a useful tool, it has one major flaw: not every professor uses it consistently. Some assignments, readings, or even major announcements don’t appear in the calendar provided on Canvas, leaving students at risk of missing important information. This can lead to unnecessary stress and last-minute panic, something we all want to avoid.

That’s why I developed the GA-MA system for navigating Canvas. It’s a simple method designed to help students go beyond the calendar and stay on top of their coursework using the four key sections of Canvas: Grades, Assignments, Modules, and Announcements.

Here’s how the GA-MA system works:

  • G - Grades: Check your grades daily to ensure that everything you’ve submitted has been recorded, and review what assignments are coming up in the next week.

  • A - Assignments: Review each posted assignment individually to understand precisely what’s expected of you.

  • M - Modules: Professors often post important resources and updates in the Modules section. Checking this regularly helps you stay informed about changes in the course or additional materials that may not appear in the calendar.

  • A - Announcements: Always read the announcements! Professors use this section to communicate directly with students, often posting critical information about the course that may not be reflected elsewhere.

Why the Calendar Isn’t Enough

The Canvas calendar can provide a false sense of security. When students see their Canvas calendar looking relatively empty, they assume they’re on top of their work. However, assignments, readings, and class updates can slip through the cracks if professors don’t input everything correctly. By relying solely on the calendar, students risk missing out on valuable information that could impact their grades and overall academic performance.

This is where executive functioning comes into play. Executive functioning is the set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. These skills are crucial for managing multiple tasks, planning, and staying organized. Unfortunately, many students struggle with these skills, especially when the temptation to rely on a “quick fix” like the calendar is strong.

The GA-MA system encourages students to engage with each class on a daily basis actively. By taking 10-15 minutes to go through each section of Canvas for every class, students are staying on top of their coursework and building their executive functioning skills. They are learning to prioritize, manage time, and plan effectively—skills that will benefit them long after their time in school.

Planning for Success

We know that the most successful students are the ones who plan ahead. The GA-MA system supports that idea by encouraging students to take control of their learning. Rather than being reactive—scrambling to meet a deadline they just discovered—students using this method are proactive, constantly aware of what’s coming next.

Incorporating the GA-MA method into your daily routine is simple and requires minimal time investment. The payoff, however, is significant. By staying organized and planning, you’ll find that you can manage your time better, reduce stress, and ultimately improve your academic performance.

If you’re a student, give the GA-MA method a try. And if you’re an educator or parent, encourage the students in your life to develop this habit. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in their academic success.


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What is Executive Functioning and Why Does it Matter?