Study planning

Where to start: Time Cottrell highlights that study successfully is heavily influenced by the time that’s available to you specifically How much time you spend studying How effectively you utilise that time Work out how much time you need for all the other ‘stuff’ in your life. (use the time calculator in the module area) but be realistic Identify when you can study. Little and often is going to be more productive It’s not about dropping things of out your life such as exercising. Try to strike a balance. Studying doesn’t have to take place in defined period for example if you take the train or bus to work use that time to do some reading Simon Whiffin August 2017

Where to start: Managing time What are the time commitments for the module Three taught days 176 hours of independent study of which it is anticipated that will take approximately 35 hours to complete the assessment. Identify the key dates in the module use the iCalender file in studentcentral Plan a schedule based on the submission date but don’t leave your submission until that date have some redundancy in your plan. Note the dates for the formative assessments Plan to submit at the beginning of the week of the submission date Keep your schedule somewhere visible Simon Whiffin August 2017

Setting out a plan and dealing with distractions When identifying when to study be realistic Chunk you study into manageable sessions. How productive will it be to study for three hours without a break? Perhaps aim to study for a maximum of 50 minutes before taking a break. Identify when it’s best to study are you at your best first thing in the morning or late at night Have a clear idea what you want to achieve in each study session. Draw up a ‘to do’ list Doing the ironing or cleaning the guttering suddenly seems appealing Try to avoid distractions. Switch your mobile off or leave it in a different room Make your family and friends aware of your plans to minimise the chances of being disturbed Ideally try to set aside a space at home where you can study. Whatever schedule you devise keep it under review and change it if necessary Simon Whiffin August 2017

Apply SMART principles Specific Measurable Acceptable Realistic Time-bound Simon Whiffin August 2017

Specific You’ll clear about what you want to achieve in each study session for example I want to map out the areas that need to cover in the essay I want to read these two articles and makes notes on the same I want to draft my introduction Am I going to study at home or do I need to work in the library Simon Whiffin August 2017

Measurable How will know whether I’ve met my goal If your reading an article have you understood what the author has said Does what you read support what you do in practice Are the notes on what I’ve read clear Does what I’ve written make sense. Perhaps get a friend or your partner to read it Simon Whiffin August 2017

Acceptable Do I really feel like studying tonight as I planned because I’ve had a difficult day at work. do I instead Go to the gym or go for a run Have a large Gin and Tonic Having some redundancy in your plan will me that if you do have to skip a session that you can shift your schedule around Simon Whiffin August 2017

Realistic Have I been realistic in my planning Am I really going to be able to read all of those five articles in two hours? How productive is it going to be trying to study for five hours and keep my two year old entertained at the same time Simon Whiffin August 2017

Time-bound Have I clearly identified how long I’m going to spend studying in each study period How long am I going to study for before I take a break Simon Whiffin August 2017

Further reading Chapter 5 in The Study Skills Handbook 4th Ed by Stella Cottrell Time Management: University of Sussex Williams K. and M. Reid 2011 Time Management Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillian Simon Whiffin August 2017