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Study Tips: Time Management/Organization

A guide for studying efficiently and effectively

What is Time Management?

Time management is the act of managing your time in the most efficient and useful way possible. It is important to plan out your schedule to complete tasks that need to be done by a certain time. Being able to manage your time effectively can help you become successful in both college and the workforce.

There are 4 D's to consider in time management:

Category Action
Do Work on tasks that take a few minutes. These small tasks can accomplish goals set forth towards completing the larger task.
Defer (Delay) Pause a task that can wait to accomplish other tasks. Be sure to schedule these tasks at a later time.
Delegate Tasks that can be given to others to evenly distribute the work.
Delete (Drop) Eliminate unnecessary tasks.

Use the resources on this page to find time management strategies that work for you.

Reasons to manage your time

  • Improves performance.
  • Produces better work.
  • Helps in delivering work on time.
  • Reduces stress.
  • Improves opportunities.
  • Boosts confidence.
  • Creates efficiency.
  • Helps in planning ahead.

Time management strategies

Record Due Dates

Use a calendar (can be done on a Smart phone as well) to track when assignments are due. Canvas has a calendar built into their software, which you can view and see when assignments are due. Check out this Canvas tutorial to learn more about using the Canvas calendar You can even add your own content!

How do I use the Calendar as a student?

Develop a Routine

Creating a routine with your studies makes it easier to stay on track. These apps can help you create a plan that you can keep track of: 

6 best student planner apps

Limit Distractions

Staying on track requires you to recognize what keeps you from completing work. Try changing your environment, putting devices away, or closing doors to reduce sound. The MVC library offers study spaces that you can use if needed.

Ask for Help

When you get stuck on tasks, it is advised to ask your teachers for help. It is easy to lose track of your tasks when you do not understand an assignment or readings.

Create Priority Lists

Creating a tiered list of what is the most important task to complete to the least important task can help you keep track and focus on what is most important. It is also easier to focus on tasks as you have your plan laid out on paper. You can easily concentrate on the most important assignments and complete those as quickly as possible.

Set Goals

Goal setting is an important strategy when managing your time. Having a goal will help you feel motivated to work quickly and effectively. Follow the SMART method in setting goals:

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Achievable

R - Relevant

T - Time-bound

Take Breaks

It is easy to focus much of your time on tasks, but you do not want to work so hard that you start to feel the effects of burnout. Be sure to take breaks in order to reset yourself. Read a book, play a game, or do what you need to do to unwind. A good tip is to schedule breaktime if you are a plan ahead kind of person. Check out these fun websites to help you unwind:

10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation - A video by Calm that can help you focus and center yourself.

10 Activities To Do When You Need a Study Break

Mindfulness Project - Guided meditations are available on this website.

Silk - An interactive art generator

This is Sand - An interactive sand art generator

Build a Galaxy - An interactive art generator

 

 

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