Time Management and Organizational Strategies

Time Management and Organizational Strategies Get It Together Presentation provided by UTPB West Texas Literacy Center an HSI funded program. HSI is a federally funded program granted by the Department of Education Title V programs. Developed by: Ana Miller, M.A.. Ed., Reading Specialist

Taking Control of Your Time and Your Life • Why is this important? • Time seems to “slip away” • Promotes authority over our lives and ourselves • Characteristic of successful people

Determining Your Needs • Document • Categorize time spent on • Class attendance • Study time • Work • Commute time • Social • Family • Other

Assess and Evaluate Ask yourself: Will the way I am spending my time contribute to my college success? Do I need to make adjustments? Which college related areas will require more of my time? Am I willing to make the necessary changes to achieve college success?

TIME TOOL #1 – A Calendar • Long-range perspective • BIG picture Due dates Test dates Holidays, vacations, special events Target dates

TIME TOOL #2 – A Weekly Schedule • Balanced • Study time – 2 hours per week per credit hour • Regular time-regular place • ASAP after class • Utilize odd hours • Limit – No more than 2 hours per course at one time • Trade time • Cumulative review for each course

Additional Weekly ScheduleTips • Color code • Post it in obvious places • Computer-generated • Easier to adjust • Include weekend study hours

Organizational Strategies: HOW to Get Organized Set Up Your Own System Separate courses Set up a simple filing system Course folders Academic information folders Personal information folders Organize your study area Locate and regularly use an IDEAL study location Minor disasters can be anticipated and avoided

KEY TO SUCCESS • Test Period Follow your schedule for approximately three weeks Adjust as the semester progresses.

TIME TOOL #3 –”To Do List • List everything you need or want to get done. • Set your priorities. • A - Must be done • B – Should be completed if at all possible • C – Low priority, completed only after doing A’s and B’s • Prioritize tasks within each group. Developing this habit will increase productivity.

TIME TOOL #4 – Sample Assignment Record • Estimate time needed • Library research – estimate and add 2 hours • Count back from due date • Consult Master schedule • Use the time

Anticipating and Planning for Courses – Course Planning Syllabi: Your road map for each class After first day in each course fill in the Semester Map Long-range planning begins on day one

TIME TIPS • Ask yourself: “What is the best use of my time right now?” • Utilize small blocks of time that you might normally waste. • ALWAYS have study material with you. • Tape lecture notes or personal notes and listen while you drive.

PROCRASTINATION: Dealing with Deadlines • Putting off = Anxiety/Stress • Stop “thinking about” the assignment and TAKE ACTION! • Break down large tasks into manageable smaller tasks

MORE HELPFUL TIPS • Work when you have the highest level of energy. • Eliminate external distractions. • When tired or distracted, change activities – “Mix it up” • Acknowledge the work you have accomplished.

TO CRAM OR NOT TO CRAM? • AVOID CRAMMING • Think about the connotation of the word “cram.” • Ineffective study method • Inhibits storage of information in your long-term memory LEARNING OVER A PERIOD OF TIME USING REPETITIVE PRACTICE IS A MORE EFFIECIENT AND EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR RETAINING INFORMATION.

PRIORITIZING: The Balancing Act • KEEP SIGHT OF YOUR GOALS • ATTEND CLASS • IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSIBLITIES • PRIORITIZE • SCHEDULE • JUST DO IT!

References Covey, S. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. New York: Simon and Schuster. Covey, S. (1994). First Things First. New York: Free Press. Feldman, Shattles, & McKenzie. (2004). Oracle EDU 1110. Unpublished manuscript, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Leonard, E. (2007). What Every Student Should Know About…Study Skills. New York: Pearson.

Time Management and Organizational Strategies