We can’t add hours to our day, but we can use the time we have more effectively. Do your students tell you they don’t have enough time to finish their homework or that all they do is study and don’t have time for anything else? If you are hearing things like this share the following tips with your students to help them brush up on their time-management skills.
Does it seem like you never have enough time to finish your homework properly? Do you plan to study, but end up procrastinating your time away? Does it seem like you spend all your time studying and have no time for anything else? It may be time to brush up on your time-management skills.
We can’t add hours to our day, but we can use the time we have more effectively.
Start by listing how you spend your time now. Think about the time you waste on useless things and set a goal to improve.
Next, write down everything you need to do in your planner. Once it’s written, it’ll be easier to remember.
Finally, follow this simple time-management strategy:
- RECORD – Write down what you need to do, and what you need to remember.
- PLAN – Prioritize your tasks in the order they should be completed and schedule time for them in your day.
- DO – Follow through and make a commitment to complete each task. Check out the tips below on how you can beat procrastination.
- REVIEW – Check off the tasks you have completed, reschedule the ones that you haven’t, and review daily the things that still need to be done.
“Do” is probably the hardest step in this process. Why?—because too many of us are really good at procrastination. We all procrastinate for different reasons. Consider what causes you to procrastinate the most and make an effort to avoid it. Think about:
Your study area
- Don’t study in front of the TV. Only play music if it doesn’t distract you.
- Have the necessary tools in your study area (calculator, ruler, pencils, etc.) so you don’t waste time going back and forth to get things.
- Keep your study area neat and tidy, so you aren’t searching for things or playing with stuff on your desk top.
Your time management
- Study in shorter, more frequent blocks of time, and allow yourself to take short breaks. This won’t seem so daunting and will be easier to start.
- Get things done earlier so you aren’t stressed out.
- Reward yourself when you complete tasks—this will keep you motivated.
Your attitude
- Recognize self-defeating (conscious or unconscious) attitudes of fear of failure, anxiety over grades, or perfectionism. Concentrate on success, not failure, and believe in yourself.
- Always remember you can ask for help.
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