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
