Four Keys to Time Management

This week my students are working on time management.  There are four tools I encourage them to use:

 

1. Monthly calendar
At the beginning of each semester, write all of your exams, papers, projects and anything other major assignment on a monthly calendar.  Add any big event - homecoming, spring break, going home for the weekend, etc.  You will have an overview of the semester and be able to plan if there are several exams scheduled at once or a paper due when there are also exams.  You can also see any social events and work ahead so you do not have much work on busy weekends.

 

2. Skeleton schedule
Block out your classes for the semester and any other regular, weekly events (athletic practice, work, volunteer hours, meetings, etc.).  Each semester is different, so each semester you have to develop new study times and habits.

 

3. Weekly planner
Write down ALL assignments due each day as well as any meetings or appointments.  You should also make a note of major exams, papers, etc. as well as work or practice hours.

 

4. Daily to-do lists
Before bed or first thing in the morning, plan what you will accomplish for that day.  Write it down.  Many people prioritize the list.  Then, check things off as your move through the day.  Transfer whatever does not get done to tomorrow.  Sometimes if I have a lot to do and am overly stressed, I will plot out the week with  a five-column chart - one for each day of the week where I list what I will do and when.  I find this very helpful in relieving stress because I know when I am going to get everything done.

 

Some variations - My students have great ideas that work for them:

• White boards - put it either by the door or your desk.  Write what you have to do and then erase when done.
• Post-it notes - put around computer or on desk.  When done, crumple and discard.  Very satisfying!
• Reminders in electronic devices.  It seems to me there will always be alarms going off, but many students like this strategy.

 

Of course the key if to LOOK at the planner, list, calendar etc.!!!  That needs to be a habit.

 

One thing we know does not work - remembering without any prompts.  You have multiple things to remember for multiple classes, so they need to be recorded somewhere.

 

If you are having trouble controlling your time, start with one idea and then add more. At this point in the semester there is not time to add slowly, so get started today!
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon,com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com. Click on the upper right link.

Surviving Cold and Flu Season

Getting sick in the middle of the semester is close to disaster.  The semester is so short and moves so quickly there is not time to take off a few days.  Do everything you can to stay healthy:

• Eat nutritiously
• Exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Wash your hands all the time!

Sometimes you cannot help getting sick. I am getting emails from students every day who are sick. Even with hand sanitizer, Kleenex and disinfectant wipes in my classroom and office I got sick this year.  In that case:

• Notify your professors that you are ill.
• Get lecture notes and handouts from friends in class if possible.
• Don't hesitate to go to the health care center - don't wait until  you are really sick.
• It is better to take one day to take care of yourself and get better quickly than to push yourself and get sicker.
• Remember to eat and stay hydrated.  See if someone will bring you soup if you have to go to the dining hall.  (Ask them to leave it outside your door and knock so they do not get your germs!)
• Take short bursts of time to review notes so you do not get too far behind.
• As soon as you are recovered, contact your professors again to see what you missed and how you can make it up.

Let me add a plug for working ahead.  Getting sick is one of the situations where you will be glad you did not leave work and studying to the last minute!
Stay rested and healthy!
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.,com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.

How to handle low (or no) interest in a subject

If you are at a liberal studies institution, you are taking classes covering a broad number of subjects.  One problem students sometimes encounter is a lack of interest which can lead to missing class and not studying.  Unfortunately the end result is often a low or failing grade and then the need to take the class again!  Here are some things you can do to combat low interest:

• Try to find something in the course to relate to your own life or major.
• Remind yourself of your overall goal and see this class as one step closer to that goal.
• Picture yourself as an educated, informed person who has a broad range of knowledge.
• Remind yourself that it is easier to pass the course the first time rather than paying and taking it again.
• Act as it you are interested in the course.  Think about what you would do if you were interested and act that way.  (I know this sounds a bit strange, but my students have reported that it works!)

Keep in mind that you are in charge of your own learning and mind. YOU control what you do and how you study.
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link