Time Management

Procrastination must be avoided. Keeping up with your assignments is critical so that you do not fall behind. It is important not to wait until the last minute to complete assignments. You might run into technical problems (lose connection, server down, etc.) and be unable to send the assignment. Some discussion posting assignments require you to reply to another student’s posting. If you wait until the last moment to post, it will take you longer to read and reply. You also may not be able to reply to another student’s posting if no one has posted.

You will not have to attend class on a regular schedule, but you will have to do regular academic work. You should be spending at least two (2) study hours each week for every credit hour you are taking. If there is insufficient time in your personal schedule to do the work, you will become frustrated.

For a graduate course you may need to spend three hours for every credit hour you are taking.

Three tools will help you manage your time:

1. Semester calendars:
   • Write down major assignments. You could also print out the Schedule which most instructors provide in the syllabus pages of the course.
   • Write down all academic events and deadlines (quizzes, tests, due dates for papers, final exam).
   • Write down all special weekends and events.
   • Provide check points throughout the month for progress on major assignments.
   • Include your fixed commitments such as job hours, classes, scheduled exams, extra-curricula activities, organization meetings, etc.
2. A weekly schedule will allow you to see what time is available.
   • Fill in everything you have scheduled Monday to Sunday.
   • Provide for exercise time.
   • Put in free time.
   • Make a list of what you have to accomplish during the week including class assignments.
   • Include co-curricular activities, work hours, errands, exercise, meals and time with family and friends.
   • Estimate how long each task will take.
   • Identify the day on which you will accomplish each task, keeping in mind the amount of time the task will take and other things you must also do that day.

NOTE: Make your schedule for the next week on Friday afternoon or evening. Weekends provide the largest blocks of time for study so if you will have a full week ahead, it may be helpful to complete some of the tasks on the weekend.

3. Make a daily schedule.
   • Every morning prepare a “to do” list. Put this on a card or small piece of paper.
   • Write down everything you must do or accomplish.
   • Cross off the items as they are completed.
   • Notice your free time for possible schedule adjustments.

NOTE: Some instructors provide use of the Calendar feature within WebCT. You can use this tool to keep your schedule.

Strategies to use when developing a study schedule

• Identify your best time of the day for studying.
• Study difficult or boring subjects first.
• Use the same place to study every time.
• Use the library for study.
• Avoid distractions.
• Sometimes soft background music will counteract distracting noises for some people. Loud music will be a distraction.

Strategies on how to use time each day

• Do your reading and problem solving during daylight hours since they are better for concentration.
• Do your reviews and additional reading in the evening.
• Find a place that is free from distractions. You might consider your work place - before or after hours and on your lunch hour – a public library or a separate room in your home.
• Do some reading every day. Learn something every day – do not rely on crash study.
• Establish specific study times and put them in your schedule.
• Identify study times when you are fresh and attentive and stick to those times every week.
• Think of the study times as “reserved time.” If you miss too many study times, review your schedule.
• Study at the same time every day if at all possible – this will make it easier to habitually follow your schedule.