Using a Time Management Schedule

Why use a schedule?

• Organize and keep track of tasks and responsibilities
• Focus on what individuals have to do
• Use time effectively and efficiently

What do I write in a schedule?

• School responsibilities
• Personal responsibilities and social engagements
• Daily, weekly, monthly, semester, quarter activities

Daily schedule

• Helps student organize daily responsibilities (classes, job, study, social) by half hour or hour blocks
• Helps student evaluate whether time is being used efficiently
• Helps students realize amount of used vs. unused time

Weekly schedule

• Helps students get a broader look at required tasks for the week.
• Helps students plan ahead for tasks and assignments based on available time
• Helps students who have weekly changes in work schedules

Monthly/Quarterly schedule

• Helps students see clustering of activities, assignments, tests
• Helps students see where there is ample time to work on assignments
• Helps students arrange flexible tasks so as to complete assignments

How do I start?

• Choose most appropriate type of schedule (daily, weekly, monthly/quarterly)
• Decide if a combination of schedules is appropriate (e.g. a daily and monthly schedule)
• Get a calendar with the schedule format you choose
• Write in all the fixed tasks (class schedule, work schedule); you may use different colors for different tasks (green for work, blue for class, red for assignments and tests)
• Write in flexible but necessary tasks (meals, drive time, sleep)

How do I schedule study time?

• Schedule at least two hours of study time for every hour in class
• Note deadlines
• Break large tasks into smaller, easier to attain goals (for a research paper, schedule time brainstorming/rough draft, research, rewrite, type, proofread, tutor review, etc.)
• Schedule subject study time in manageable chunks with breaks (study for 20 minutes and take a 10-minute break)
• Always take a short break when changing subjects or assignments (read a book, do laundry, eat); this helps with retention of material.
• Rotate through subjects (math from 4-4:30, English from 4:30-5, etc.) and rotate through again as needed
• Focus on an attainable goal in each study period (in one session, read and review vocabulary for Chapter 4; in a later session, do problems for Chapter 4); this will help you accomplish more and feel less frustrated.
• Use a timer to stay focused
• Don’t procrastinate
• Schedule fun time as rewards after study and work

Benefits

• Less stress
• More focused study time
• More retention of material
• More likely to finish assignments ahead of time instead of procrastinating
• More time to do what you want without cramming or rushing

Anastasia Lankford ©2004
(Reprinted here with permission)
Learning Assistance Center
Eastfield College