Time to think About.....

Developing time management skills is a journey

Strategies on using time:

                                         Practice make perfect, Perfection changes life 

Try this tip to develop our time and make changes in our life 

• Blocks of study time and breaks
  Blocks our time of study in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes.Jot down one best time block you can study. How long is it? What makes for a good break for you? Can you control the activity and return to your studies?

• Dedicated study spaces
  Determine a place free from distraction (***no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring!What is the best study space you can think of? What is another?

• Weekly reviews
  Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy. Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them!What is the best time in a week you can review?

• Prioritize your assignments
  When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. You'll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best. For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible: for example, build in reaction time when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.What subject has always caused you problems?

• Achieve "stage one"--get something done!
  The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings: First, you launch the project! Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment. Another adage is that "perfection is the enemy of good", especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get going! You will have time to edit and develop later.What is a first step you can identify for an assignment to get yourself started?

• Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!
  Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished!
  This can be the most difficult challenge of time management. As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head. Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying "no" learn to say "later".What is one distraction that causes you to stop studying?

• Use your free time wisely                                                   
  Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you've got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning?  
• Identify resources to help you
  Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.

• Review notes and readings just before class
  This may prompt a question or two about something you don't quite understand, to ask about in class, or after. It also demonstrates to your teacher that you are interested and have prepared.How would you make time to review?Is there free time you can use?

• Review lecture notes just after class
  Then review lecture material immediately after class.
  The first 24 hours are critical. Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!How would you do this?Is there free time you can use?