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!
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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.