Time Management
You are much more likely to succeed in your studies if you are well organised. This is not always easy. Organising your time is more complex than just writing out a timetable. Your schedule must be practical and realistic. New students need to develop good organisational skills.
PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULE
Consider the following:
Each subject requires that you attend a number of sessions for the whole terms or semester. You may have lectures, tutorials, practicals and camps. Block out assigned time in your timetable and diary.
There will be peaks and troughs as far as your workload is concerned. Record due dates for major papers, tutorial presentations and tests. You will need to allow extra time in your scheduling prior to handing in an assignment.
The quality of the time you spend studying is more important than the length of time. In planning, work out when you study best and allow all subjects some of your best time.
The order in which you study some subjects may influence your effectiveness. Follow up study of a difficult topic or subject with more relaxing and enjoyable work.
Studying a subject prior to class may be necessary at times, so that you get the most out of the class.
Use small amounts of free time for little chores, such as finding references and photocopying. Be careful not to fritter away your best study time.
Allow yourself some unscheduled time in case you lose study time for any reason.
Allow time in your schedule for travel, meals and chores.
Don't overload yourself. Plan to study two to three hours per subject, if possible. You can increase or decrease this eventually when you re-examine your schedule and assess your progress.
USING YOUR SCHEDULE
Work out a system of recording the hours that you have to study, e.g. marking one-hour blocks in a timetable. Don't record periods of less than half an hour. This will provide you with the flexibility to do extra work or have free time. It will also enable you to assess the success of your planning. Does a difficult subject require extra time? Is some other problem interfering with your study? Change your schedule to suit your needs.
FINDING THE TIME
Some of you will find scheduling very difficult because you are studying part-time or with very limited time available to you.
It is essential that you are able to reorganise your life so that study time is available. This may require a big change in your lifestyle, especially if you have a partner who is not studying.
If you want to plan your study schedule, ensure that you can make the most of your available time. Find a regular study place which can be safely left and returned to, i.e. not the kitchen table. Ensure that there are as few distractions as possible when you are studying.
You may choose to count completed hours of study so that you can gradually work out what's realistic for you. An anticipated weekly target may depress you if you never meet it!
Allow yourself some free time - you deserve it.
WHY BOTHER?
Sometimes students lose heart during a course. This can be caused by a feeling of isolation, or disinterest in a part of the course or subject.
The following may help to overcome a feeling of isolation:
- Join and participate in groups or clubs.
- Allow time for new relationships to develop.
- A counsellor may be able to provide helpful information and support.
- Lecturers are often very happy to offer advice, support and information, particularly in their subject area.
If your problem is course- or subject-based:
- View the course or subject as objectively as possible.
- Remember that it is not necessary to like everything that you study.
- If studying a subject will lead you to your degree or diploma, why not do it well?
- Seek advice and support either to continue the troublesome subject or to find an acceptable alternative.
Course coordinators, lecturers, counsellors and study tutors are available to assist you.
LATE SUBMISSIONS
If you are having grave problems meeting deadlines, is it because:
- You think that there is a right answer and you're not sure that you've found it? Or
- You need to be certain that you've taken the right line of argument?
Perhaps:
- You wait until the lecturer covers the topic before you start writing - even if it's just before your paper is due.
- You have too much information.
- Writing is very difficult for you, or you don't have the necessary skills.
- You haven't spent time on adequate analysis and preparation of the assignment.
- You don't feel ready to put pen to paper.
Start writing before you feel ready - it will help to organise your ideas. Don't wait until all your reading has been done.
SEARCH THE CATALOGUE
The Online catalogue is available via the LLC website. To find LLC resources on time management use these key terms:
- Time management
- Time management - study and teaching
If you need extra help, ask a librarian! You can do this in person, over the phone (9279 2428), or send email to LLC.
