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, breakfast 8:30 – Leave for class 9:00 – Accounting Class 10:00 – Review accounting notes, do problems 11:00 – Lunch 12:00 – Review class notes 1:00 – Psychology class 2:00 Free time (stop at drug store) 3:00 – Work until 7 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 – Home and dinner 8:00 – Go over notes from class, especially accounting 9:00 – Free time (write b-day cards, catch up on , television) 11:00- Bed To Do Work Class Review class notes Pick up prescription at CVS Gym Birthday cards to aunt, uncle Answer from weekend

Use the 2:1 ratio to study Label study times and name of class Spread study blocks throughout the week Avoid marathon studying, especially on Sunday Avoid studying late at night Include flex time Balance Schedule 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?