Time Management

Time management

Developing time management skills is a journey

that may begin with this Guide, but needs practice and other guidance along the way.

One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.

First: try our exercise in time management: 

How do you spend your time each day?

Strategies on using time:

These applications of time management have proven to be effective as good study habits.

As we go through each strategy, jot down an idea of what each will look like for you:

§  Blocks of study time and breaks

As your school term begins and your course schedule is set, develop and plan for, blocks of study time in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Shorten your study blocks if necessary-but don't forget to return to the task at hand! What you do during your break should give you an opportunity to have a snack, relax, or otherwise refresh or re-energize yourself. For example, place blocks of time when you are most productive: are you a morning person or a night owl?

Jot down one best time block you can study. How long is it? What makes for a good break for you? Can you control the activity and return to your studies?

§  Dedicated study spaces

Determine a place free from distraction (no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring! You should also have a back-up space that you can escape to, like the library, departmental study center, even a coffee shop where you can be anonymous. A change of venue may also bring extra resources.

What is the best study space you can think of? What is another?

§  Weekly reviews

Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy. Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them!

What is the best time in a week you can review?

§  Prioritize your assignments

When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. You'll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best. For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible: for example, build in reaction time when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.

What subject has always caused you problems?

§  Achieve "stage one"--get something done!

The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings: First, you launch the project! Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment. Another adage is that "perfection is the enemy of good", especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get going! You will have time to edit and develop later.

What is a first step you can identify for an assignment to get yourself started?

§  Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!

Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished! 

This can be the most difficult challenge of time management. As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head. Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying "no" learn to say "later".

What is one distraction that causes you to stop studying?

§  Identify resources to help you

Are there tutors? An expert friend? Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations? Are there specialists in the library that can point you to resources? What about professionals and professional organizations. Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.

Write down three examples for that difficult subject above? 

Be as specific as possible.

§  Use your free time wisely

Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you've got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning? If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting? Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter. The bottom line is to put your time to good use.

What is one example of applying free time to your studies?

§  Review notes and readings just before class

This may prompt a question or two about something you don't quite understand, to ask about in class, or after. It also demonstrates to your teacher that you are interested and have prepared.

How would you make time to review?

Is there free time you can use?

§  Review lecture notes just after class

Then review lecture material immediately after class.

The first 24 hours are critical. Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!

How would you do this?

Is there free time you can use?

Select one of the ten applications above.

And develop a new study habit! 

Try something you have a good chance of following through and accomplishing. 

Nothing succeeds like a first successful try!

Effective aids:

§  Create a simple "To Do" list

This simple program will help you identify a few items, the reason for doing them, a timeline for getting them done, and then printing this simple list and posting it for reminders.

§  Daily/weekly planner

Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart. 

If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule

First thing in the morning, check what's ahead for the day

always go to sleep knowing you're prepared for tomorrow

§  Long term planner

Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead.

Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself

New College Semester Success Tips

As you prepare to start the new term, you will need new college semester success tips whether you are coming back or are new to college. Getting ready to start the semester, you are filled with optimism and you are maybe a bit nervous. If you are starting out you feel that you were well prepared and made the right choice and are ready but nervous about all that will be new.

If you are coming back you may be basking in the glow of a great last semester or you may be filled with resolutions to do things differently and better. Remember first grade when you got the new school supplies and clothes? Getting ready to start the semester in college is a bit like that.

You want to start with a clean slate. New notebooks for each class or new folders in your computer—ideally both. You will need to save the syllabus for each course. Review the syllabus carefully and use it to do the following things:

• Order or access books and reading material needed for assignments so you have all you need when you need it. Books may be expensive, but they are where the information is.  Ideally your instructors will not simply recite in class what you are expected to read, but more likely they will comment on and discuss the texts that have been assigned.

• They will ask questions that assume you have done the reading, and if class participation is required, then you will be in trouble if you are called on and don’t have a clue about what is being discussed.  The midterm or final exam will likely include references to the lecture or seminar discussion and to the readings.  You can cut costs by renting, using e-books, taking them out of the library or getting them second hand

Next, one of the best new college semester success tips:

1.  fill your calendar or planner (and you must have at least one if not all of those to organize your time as you are getting ready to start the semester.) Time management is one of the toughest things that students face and it is a key life skill. You use the planner for planning. Planning is not simply recording when you have a dinner date or a paper due.  It involves looking ahead and also back.
2. You look ahead to see, for example, when your paper is due, then look back to see where you have blocks of time to work on the paper.  You should put tasks requiring long stretches of time, such as writing, in time blocks of an hour or more.  Set a goal for a first draft and put that on your calendar.  Make a date to show the draft to your professor.  You not only impress your teacher, but keep yourself from procrastinating.  Other assignments, such as reading a novel for your literature class, may be done in small time chunks.
3. Always have that book with you for the times when you’re on the bus to school or in line at the grocery, or just have some moments available.  But do put the reading on your to-do list for the day.
4. Find out when and where you can find your professor. You want to get to know them so they can be helpful to you. Use office hours. The students who do the best also have the best relationships with their professors. Faculty enjoy the interaction with interested students and helping those who may be struggling to get better. Getting ready to start the semester begin by making a friend of your professor.
5. Find out how the grades are structured. Sometimes there may be quizzes, papers, exams, projects or class participation. If class participation is 20 percent of the grade then sitting silently in class will lose you lots of points unnecessarily.
6. See where you are going to have to apply the most effort to get the grades you want. If you know you will need help plan to schedule time at the tutoring or writing centers. Sometimes they are first come first serve and so making an appointment while you are getting ready to start the semester is smart.

Doing all these things at the beginning of the semester will assure a good outcome at the end.

Writing the Best College Assignments

How to Write the Best College Assignments

When it comes to writing assignments, it is difficult to find a conceptualized guide with clear and simple tips that are easy to follow. That’s exactly what this guide will provide: few simple tips on how to write great assignments, right when you need them. Some of these points will probably be familiar to you, but there is no harm in being reminded of the most important things before you start writing the assignments, which are usually determining on your credits.                  

The most important aspects: Outline and Introduction

Preparation is the key to success, especially when it comes to academic assignments. It is recommended to always write an outline before you start writing the actual assignment. The outline should include the main points of discussion, which will keep you focused throughout the work and will make your key points clearly defined. Outlining the assignment will save you a lot of time because it will organize your thoughts and make your literature searches much easier. The outline will also help you to create different sections and divide up the word count between them, which will make the assignment more organized.

The introduction is the next important part you should focus on. This is the part that defines the quality of your assignment in the eyes of the reader. The introduction must include a brief background on the main points of discussion, the purpose of developing such work and clear indications on how the assignment is being organized. Keep this part brief, within one or two paragraphs.

Practical tips on assignment writing

Here are some practical tips that will keep your work focused and effective:

-        Critical thinking – Academic writing has to be characterized by critical thinking, not only to provide the work with the needed level, but also because it takes part in the final mark.

-        Continuity of ideas – When you get to the middle of assignment, things can get confusing. You have to make sure that the ideas are flowing continuously within and between paragraphs, so the reader will be enabled to follow the argument easily. Dividing the work in different paragraphs is very important for this purpose.

-        Usage of ‘you’ and ‘I’ – According to the academic writing standards, the assignments should be written in an impersonal language, which means that the usage of ‘you’ and ‘I’ should be avoided. The only acceptable way of building your arguments is by using opinions and evidence from authoritative sources.

-        Referencing – this part of the assignment is extremely important and it takes a big part in the final mark. Make sure to use either Vancouver or Harvard referencing systems, and use the same system in the bibliography and while citing work of other sources within the text. 

-        Usage of examples – A clear understanding on your assignment’s topic should be provided by comparing different sources and identifying their strengths and weaknesses in an objective manner. This is the part where you should show how the knowledge can be applied into practice.

-        Numbering and bullets – Instead of using numbering and bullets, the academic writing style prefers the usage of paragraphs.

-        Including figures and tables – The figures and tables are an effective way of conveying information to the reader in a clear manner, without disturbing the word count. Each figure and table should have clear headings and you should make sure to mention their sources in the bibliography.

-        Word count – the word count of your assignment mustn't be far above or far below the required word count. The outline will provide you with help in this aspect, so make sure to plan the work in order to keep it within the boundaries.

The importance of an effective conclusion

The conclusion of your assignment is your ultimate chance to provide powerful arguments that will impress the reader. The conclusion in academic writing is usually expressed through three main parts:

-        Stating the context and aim of the assignment

-        Summarizing the main points briefly

-        Providing final comments with consideration of the future (discussing clear examples of things that can be done in order to improve the situation concerning your topic of discussion).

Motivation

Overcoming test anxiety

Overcoming test anxiety

Most students experience some level of anxiety during an exam

However, when anxiety affects exam performance it has become a problem.

General preparation/building confidence:

Review your personal situation and skills
Academic counselors can help you in these areas, or refer to our Guides on the topic:

§ Developing good study habits and strategies

§  Managing time

      (dealing with procrastination, distractions, laziness)

§  Organizing material to be studied and learned

     Take a step by step approach to build a strategy and not get overwhelmed

§  Outside pressures 

     success/failure consequences (grades, graduation), peer pressure, competitiveness, etc. 

§  Reviewing your past performance on tests
to improve and learn from experience

Test preparation to reduce anxiety:

§  Approach the exam with confidence:
Use whatever strategies you can to personalize success: visualization, logic, talking to yourself, practice, team work, journaling, etc.
View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you've studied and to receive a reward for the studying you've done

§  Be prepared!
Learn your material thoroughly and organize what materials you will need for the test. Use a checklist

§  Choose a comfortable location for taking the test
with good lighting and minimal distractions

§  Allow yourself plenty of time,
especially to do things you need to do before the test and still get there a little early

§  Avoid thinking you need to cram just before

§  Strive for a relaxed state of concentration
Avoid speaking with any fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity, who will distract your preparation

§  A program of exercise
is said to sharpen the mind

§  Get a good night's sleep 
the night before the exam

§  Don't go to the exam with an empty stomach
Fresh fruits and vegetables are often recommended to reduce stress.
Stressful foods can include processed foods, artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, eggs, fried foods, junk foods, pork, red meat, sugar, white flour products, chips and similar snack foods, foods containing preservatives or heavy spices

§  Take a small snack, or some other nourishment
to help take your mind off of your anxiety.
Avoid high sugar content (candy) which may aggravate your condition

During the test:

§  Read the directions carefully

§  Budget your test taking time

§  Change positions to help you relax

§  If you go blank, skip the question and go on

§  If you're taking an essay test

       and you go blank on the whole test, pick a question and start writing. It may trigger the answer  in your mind

§  Don't panic
when students start handing in their papers. There's no reward for finishing first

Use relaxation techniques

If you find yourself tensing and getting anxious during the test:

Relax; you are in control. 
Take slow, deep breaths

Don't think about the fear
Pause: think about the next step and keep on task, step by step

Use positive reinforcement for yourself
Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing, your best

Expect some anxiety
It's a reminder that you want to do your best and can provide energy
Just keep it manageable

Realize that anxiety can be a "habit" 
and that it takes practice to use it as a tool to succeed