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.
Strategies on using time:
- Develop blocks of study time
About 50 minutes? How long does it take for you
to become restless?
Some learners need more frequent breaks for a
variety of reasons
More difficult material may also require more
frequent breaks
- Schedule weekly reviews and updates
- Prioritize assignments
When studying, get in the habit of beginning
with the most difficult subject or task
- Develop alternative study places free from
distractions
to maximize concentration
- Got "dead time"?
Think of using time walking, riding, etc. for
studying “bits”
- Review studies and readings just before class
- Review lecture material immediately after class
(Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without
review)
- Schedule time for critical course events
Papers, presentations, tests, etc.
Develop criteria for adjusting your
schedule
to meet both your academic and non-academic needs
Effective aids:
- "To Do" list
Write down things you have to do, then decide
what to do at the moment, what to schedule for
later, what to get someone else to do, and what to
put off for a later time period
- 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
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