Time Management Why is it important? -It makes my life easier by putting things in balance. -It reduces my tendency to procrastinate. -It helps me get things done well and on time. -It allows me to see the progress I have made

How do I start planning???? You could sit down and make a schedule. BUT There is a more effective way to start scheduling your studies

How do I start planning???? 1) BEFORE you start scheduling study time, FIRST see what free time for study you have. Write down the times that you know you do NOT have free. Things to include: sleeping, eating (breakfast, lunch dinner), activities with friends, classes, the time it takes to get to school, getting ready in the morning, etc. 2) After you know how much time you have, identify important dates. For example, tests, project due dates, appointments, vacations.

How do I start planning???? 2) Second, set goals for yourself. Use the SMART method to set effective goals. Set long-term and short-term goals.

SMART Goals S – Specific M – Measurable (What exactly do you want to achieve? Be detailed, not vague and general.) M – Measurable (How will you measure your progress? For example, “I will be able to write a paragraph with no more than 2 spelling errors” or “I will be able to write a five-paragraph essay” or “I will be able to give a 15-minute presentation” or “I will read 5 books.” Note the numbers. These goals are quantifiable.)

SMART Goals A – Attainable R – Relevant T – Time Bound (Is it possible to achieve your goal? Be ambitious, but also be realistic.) R – Relevant (eflect on why this goal is important to you.) T – Time Bound (When will you achieve your goal, i.e. what is your deadline? Next week? The end of the semester? June 2015?)

SMART Goals SPECIFIC MEASURABLE ATTAINABLE RELEVANT TIME-BOUND

How do I start planning???? 2) Second, gather materials. You will need two planners: one long term one (the semester year) one short-term one (daily/weekly)

Long-Term Calendar

Short-term Calendar

Long-Term Calendar (One-Time event) First, work on your long-term calendar. Fill it in for the whole semester. You should use the dates that you have from your information-gathering stage This means that you should have the months of October, November, December, and January.

Short-Term Calendar (Weekly event) To effectively fill out your short-term calendar, prioritize tasks you must fulfill that week. Refer to your long-term calendar, look two or three weeks in advance to see if you have any projects or exams coming up. Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish (for example, time for projects, time to revise notes, time to study for tests). This is your “to do” list Rank the tasks in order of importance or urgency

Short-Term Calendar (Weekly event)

Short-Term Calendar (Weekly event)

Short-Term Calendar (Weekly event) Make sure you have enough time for a task, give some “slop time”. Don't schedule study time for too long. Schedule breaks Why? Your brain is like a muscle. It can keep working for a long time, but it also needs some rest. ALSO, if you schedule breaks, you are less likely to procrastinate.

Short-Term Calendar (Weekly event) Finish one task before you start another Reward yourself when you have finished something!! Manage or eliminate distractions **Nothing can be as counterproductive as losing your concentration, especially at critical times

Short-Term Calendar (Weekly event) Make the FIRST appointment each week with yourself. Do this at the beginning of each week, Saturday or Sunday, to plan the next week out. Go over how much time you allotted and how much time you spent, see if you need to schedule any “slosh” or “make-up” time. Get into the habit of getting ready for the next day before you go to bed the night before.

Study/Learning styles The kind of learner you are will reflect in how you study. Websites to find out what kind of learner you are: http://literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourst rengths.html http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences- assessment

How do you eat an elephant?

Homework Write one SMART goal for each class you are taking this semester Make a long-term calendar for this year and a short- term calendar for the week of 19-23 October. Bring the month of October to class (from the long-term calendar), as well as the short-term weekly calendar