Tools for Planning your time

Adapted by Jane Luddy MEd

That when you study without a break for very long periods of time, you actually decrease the amount of information you learn?

There are certain times of day when you retain more information?

Everything you do affects your energy level and contributes to or defeats your ability to manage your time.

When we manage our time efficiently we also manage ourselves towards a more positive direction

Energy ebbs and flows throughout the day. High energy times are good times to do

serious studying. Concentrate on activities that require peak alertness and concentration

Medium energy times – require a lower level of concentration but could be used to review chapters, look over notes, etc

Low energy times – slump times. Take a break, do whatever you do for fun and forget studying

Plan to study the most difficult concepts first when you are most energetic.

Turn off phone during important study times

When your attention begins to wonder, write down your thoughts or take a short walk or break until you

can refocus waiting time to study

3 x 5 cards Tape lectures

Study where you will be alert Create comfortable area with few

distractions

Chunk your study times into blocks that are no more than 50 minutes. If you must study for longer periods of time take 10 minutes breaks so your studying is more effective

Divide large tasks into smaller chunks.

Set deadlines for yourself and reward yourself when you meet them.

In classes requiring discussion right before the class, study as close to the time of the class as possible.

For subjects such as math or science which require problem solving, try to study as soon after the class as possible while the information is still fresh in your mind.

If you are a procrastinator recognize why you procrastinate There are usually emotional reasons attached to why you can’t get something done. Identify that emotion.(fear of failure, afraid of tests, anxiety, past bad experiences, etc)

Planners One of the most important tools Can be purchased at bookstore or stationary

store Have weekly and monthly calendars as well

as note space for daily lists. Also contain room for addresses

Carry with you at all times As soon as something is assigned write it

down Copy all assignments, tests, quizzes from

syllabus to planner

Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish over the next 24 hours.

Now prioritize this list, 1 being the most important thing you must do, 2 the next most important thing, etc

Take note of the importance you attach to various tasks. Are they work related? Health related? School related? Leisure time related? Go for balance.

Determine exactly what you need to do and what you can realistically accomplish

Note the number of things that are not pressing tasks and assign them to another day

7:30 – Wake up , breakfast8:30 – Leave for class9:00 – Accounting Class10:00 – Review accounting notes,

do problems11:00 – Lunch12:00 – Review class notes1:00 – Psychology class2:00 Free time (stop at drug

store)3:00 – Work until 74:00 5:006:007:00 – Home and dinner8:00 – Go over notes from class,

especially accounting9:00 – Free time (write b-day

cards, catch up on email, television)

11:00- Bed

To Do Work Class Review class notes Pick up prescription at CVS Gym Birthday cards to aunt, uncle Answer email from weekend

Use the 2:1 ratio to studyLabel study times and name of classSpread study blocks throughout the weekAvoid marathon studying, especially on SundayAvoid studying late at night Include flex timeBalanceSchedule time for sleeping, eating, recreation,

social life, special interests, etc Is the schedule realistic?Color coding

Good for getting an overall picture of the month

Helps you to determine busy and slow times of the month so you can schedule accordingly

Helps to remind you of things that happen occasionally such as a test, an appointment, a trip, etc.

From this power point choose two time management strategies that you think will work best for you (choose from the daily list, weekly planner, daily planner or monthly planner)

Fill in your planner using the tips and guides in this power point. Focus on study times

What three tips for time management do you think will be the most useful to you?