Study Skills
Getting good grades isn't easy, and understanding how to make the best use of your time and effort takes careful planning. It also helps if you are a strategic learner. That means you: 1) plan how you are going to learn and manage your time in the process 2) use the skills you have to learn the task at hand 3) keep track of the progress you're making.
Time Management Skills
Learning a system for managing time can be the single most important step you take. The pressure of trying to stick to a schedule can be stressful. It may take great effort, help and practice to find a system that works for you. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- How long does it take me to get ready in the morning?
- What time of day am I most alert?
- How long can I study in one sitting?
- What types of things distract me the most?
- What rewards can I give myself to keep motivation up?
- How long do my different commitments really take?
Tips
- Study for short periods of time. Plan a reward for yourself after completing a determined amount of reading, writing or reviewing. Take needed breaks and note the progress you make.
- Try to develop a study routine, and select a preferred time and place to study. If it helps, change your routine each week and try different places to study. What's most important is that you create an environment that works for you. Be flexible, but also be sensitive to what works best for you.
- Use index cards and wall calendars. They can be helpful tools in arranging your time. A large monthly wall calendar that can be easily seen each day can be useful. You can make copies of your schedule on index cards. If you prefer to use a computer, there are numerous software programs available with built-in calendars and reminders. There are even watches that have calendars that can be programmed. Again, in keeping a daily calendar, use the approach that is most comfortable for you.
- To figure out time to set aside for long-term projects, list all the steps you will need to take to complete the project. Then estimate how much time will be needed for each step and count backward from the due date. Always allow more time than you think you will need for each step. If you are not sure about this, speak to the professor, teacher's assistant or learning specialist on how many steps are involved and what each step entails. This can give you a better sense of the time required for the project. It also can help relieve some of the anxiety of the "unknown" in tackling a new project.
- Keep the syllabus for each course in a place where it won't get lost. Make an extra copy, just in case. Make sure that you know the due dates for each assignment. Also, professors usually do not mind if a student turns in rough drafts early. Sometimes you can ask the professor to set interim due dates for you to turn in parts of the assignment. This can help you get each step done on time.
- The goal of time management should be to strike the right balance of work, academics and social activities. Smart planning will enable you to have time for work and play.
- Build in a little extra time for unexpected problem-solving. You will be glad you did this when unexpected things happen. Be prepared for projects to take longer than originally planned