Certificate in Science & Health, Level 3 Study & Computing Skills (SCS) Time Management

Previous session recap Identified & discussed the terms adult & active learner. Discussed expectations of an adult learner. Discovered the different types of learning.

What is time management? “Time management refers to a range of skills, tools, and techniques used to manage time when accomplishing specific tasks, projects and goals”(Time management, n.d., para.1). “The management of time in order to make the most out of it”(Time management, n.d., para.1).

Your current time management skills….. How would you rate your current time management skills? How do you currently use your time?

Time management task ACTIVITY Identify your current weekly timetable. Complete the Personal Time Survey Hand Out

Time Management strategies…. What are strategies? “A plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal”. (www.dictionary.com) What time management strategies do you currently use? What time management strategies would you like to use?

Time Management strategies Key strategies to managing time are: Goal setting – specific, measurable and time targeted objectives. Goals keep you on track and motivated. Deadlines – specific timeframes for completion of tasks. Prioritising – focusing and allocation time to the most important task. Wkbk pgs 17 & 18

Time Management strategies continued… Planning – allocating time to specific tasks in order of priority to ensure deadlines are met. Diary – either electronic or paper based that records deadlines and allows time to be allocated to ensure meeting of specific objectives and deadlines. Self evaluation – the process of realistically reflecting on one’s performance and identifying areas that need development.

How do you set goals? Work out EXACTLY what it is you want to achieve. WRITE your goal down. Once it goes into writing it becomes substantial. IDENTIFY the obstacles you will need to overcome the help you will need to get, e.g. knowledge, people, organizations. In each case write them out in a clear list. DEADLINE your goal. Analyse where you are now and measure how long you will reasonably need to complete the goal. Then set the latest outside date.

How do you set goals continued… Take all the details of steps 3 and 4 and make a PLAN. List all the activities and prioritize them. Rewrite the list, optimize it, perfect it. Get a clear MENTAL PICTURE of the goal already accomplished. Make the mental image crystal clear in your mind. Play that picture over and over in your mind. Back your plan with PERSISTENCE.

Time management self reflection task ACTIVITY Write down: Areas of your current time management that work well. Areas of your current time management that could be improved. What is the benefit to you if you improve these areas?

Personal goal setting task ACTIVITY At the bottom of page 18 of your workbook fill in: 1 personal goal 1 professional goal Write down WHAT you need to do to achieve each goal.

Tips for Managing Your Time Discussion What are your top tips for managing your time?

Top Tips for Managing Time Clean up your workspace: it’s easier to work at a tidy desk Have all the material handy that you require Handle every piece of paper only once if at all possible When you have finished a task put the papers away Use grid of URGENT – IMPORTANT tasks to help you prioritise your time. Prepare each day’s list of things to do the preceding afternoon Deal with the big tasks first: trivia can take you for ever COMPLETE your important tasks Work on only one task at a time, clear everything else away Set deadlines and stick to them Wkbk pg 16

Top Tips for Managing Time Work steadily, not in haste Make phone calls together in the same time slot Start your day with the least pleasant task Learn to say “No” when asked to take on tasks that will overload you When you say “No” suggest alternatives Don’t try to be perfect; perfection is unattainable Learn from your mistakes Save photocopying tasks and do them together Use the telephone rather than walk around with a task Make your prioritisation schedule public, and don’t backslide Don’t go on unnecessary errands Wkbk pg 16

Identifying Priorities – Flow Chart Managing time is not about always being busy. It is not about filling up every minute of the day.

SCENARIO Your friend has decided to start a course at UCOL and they have come to you as an experienced student for help with their time management. In groups create a TOP TIPS list for effective time management that you would give to your friend.

Moodle Task – Action Plan Log onto Moodle. Open the document named Action Plan. Save it into your H drive. Complete the document – Keep it realistic Keep it in a safe place & refer to it often!