Time Management
Strategies for managing your time and studies.
Time Management Tips
Why schedule time?
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-- gets you started --prevents avoidance of disliked subjects --monitors the slacking-off process --eliminates cramming --promotes constant reviewing --frees the mind --controls the study break --helps keep recreation a healthy part of life |
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Getting started
--Start by analyzing how you currently spend your time. Figure out where you have "holes" in your schedule that could be better used.
--Prioritize. Know what is most important and make time for that first. Example: if chemistry is your worst subject, then study it first while you are fresh. Save routine and mechanical tasks (e.g. alphabetizing a bibliography) for last.
--Plan your time in blocks. Break up your tasks into small, manageable chunks so that you do not feel overwhelmed by your assignments.
Helpful hints:
--Beware of Parkinson's Law. Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fit the time allotted. Defy this law by setting a difficult-to-reach deadline for each task - then strive to meet the deadline.
--Each time you achieve your goal, reward yourself with some small, pleasant activity. If you fail to meet your goal, don't punish yourself. Remember: positive reinforcement is more powerful than negative reinforcement when it comes to changing behavior.
--Build in study breaks: a 10 min. break after 50-60 min. of studying is reasonable. Studying in several short sessions is more effective than long continuous stretches.
--Make the most of "hidden" time:
--Carry flashcards or a book with you and review material as you brush your teeth, wait in line, make dinner, do laundry, etc.
--Put info on audiotapes and review material as you walk/drive to class, work, etc.
--Think in your spare time. For example, as you leave class, recall the main points of the lecture. Before class, mentally review the previous lecture.
--Figure out how long to study. Two hours of study for every hour in class. This varies from class to class but it is a good rule of thumb.
--Plan day time for studying. Studies show people are more productive during the day. Save evenings for social life and sleep. Plan for 8 hrs of sleep/night.
--Plan to study before any class where you will be called on so that the material will be fresh and you won't be so nervous. Plan to study after a lecture class. The material will stick better and you will have less work to do before the exam.
adapted from Walter Pauk, How to Study in College, 1990.
