When engaged in activities that truly interests or excites, time seems to slip away quickly. Being a student comes with many responsibilities such as class attendance and participation; study sessions; campus activities and interests; off-campus tasks, i.e. work and family life; and self-care. Effective time management creates space for the student to encompass many, if not all tasks, and support a centered lifestyle. With the implementation of a few strategies, tackling time empowers to approach any task with confidence. The five strategies listed below aid students to master the rigors of time while working toward a balanced work-life balance that shows benefits beyond school.
First, the overall long-term goal holds a key focal point of activity. Whether at the beginning, middle, or end of the semester, the overall goal to learn the information and apply learned knowledge for future situations directs the drive or motivation of the student to prioritize items that need more time and focus. Second, when confronted with many tasks and a short amount of time, a to-do list with items listed by priority helps maximize the available time and organizes thoughts on how to carry out the list.
Thirdly, set realistic time constraints to the tasks. For example, if a paper is due at the end of the week, then begin by spending ten to twenty (10 – 20) minutes forming an outline. Then, move to the rough draft mode and isolate a time limit for this process, perhaps three (3) hours. After constructing the draft move to editing and proofreading and set a timeframe, two (2) hours. Once the editing is complete, finish the final draft and reread for final clarity, one (1) hour of preparation time. Setting time limits for each item helps to manage time and not feel overwhelmed.
The fourth technique involves rewards and incentives. When creating the to-do lists and time constraints, areas of fun and/or interests require inclusion on the to-do list with priority just as class tasks. For instance, if the student enjoys reading books; listening to music; gaming; playing sports; connecting with social media; spending time with family and friends; etc., these activities highlighted on the to-do list as a reward for completing tasks gives the student a measure to achieve amid the long-term goal. Time limits placed on these items preserve the focus on the purpose. The incentives help to motivate and keep a balanced flow of learning.
Finally, the fifth strategy consists of saying “No.” The student must learn how to exercise boundaries and limits. To complete the to-do list, some areas of life adjust to the pressure of time the student is under. For example, if the student needs to spend more time reading a specific chapter to grasp the concepts, but friends want to go to a movie. The student may need to say “No” and/or offer an alternative time to go out. The suggestion of other options allows for understanding, flexibility, and focus. The long-term goal must come first.
“Time flies when you are having fun.” as the adage goes. As a student, the learning process can be fun as well. A few tools of time management give the student the flexibility to enjoy the process and their own life to a fuller extent. Having a clear long-term goal; listing tasks in order of priority; setting time limits for the items; incorporating interesting incentives throughout the list; and setting boundaries on time allow the student to embrace the challenges of student life and balance with work, social, and family life smoothly.
Effective Time Management Advice: Time flies when you’re a student!
A blog post published by Pearson Student to help struggling students with time maintenance.
