by Dolores Greenawalt, PhD
Do you ever wake up in the morning and feel discombobulated and unsure of what needs to happen? I know I've felt that way from time to time since 2009 (the year my firstborn entered my life). Many students may experience similar feelings of being unorganized or overwhelmed at some point in their college career, but the start of the new semester is a chance to create new habits. How can we show students that planning their semesters out will only help them, especially if we are not the most prepared? The first step is to help ourselves (you can read my article on how to be present to get yourself ready). The next step is to help our students be successful. The college environment is rife with challenges that demand effective planning, organization, and allocation of time. By understanding the correlation between time management, reduced stress, and improved grades, students can harness this skill to navigate their academic journey more effectively.
Time management stands as an influential tool that directly impacts not just academic performance but also the stress levels of students. Teaching them techniques is important, but explaining why is equally important.
1. Teach them stress reduction through organization
Time management is a powerful antidote to stress in the academic sphere. A well-structured timetable enables students to break down overwhelming tasks into manageable chunks, reducing the anxiety caused by looming deadlines. They can accomplish time management by using Google or Excel spreadsheets to create a checklist for the entire semester. They can color code their assignments, quizzes, and readings. If the prospect of doing this seems overwhelming, show them they can accomplish the same results by using a planner and filling out due dates to set them up for success later on in the semester.
2. Teach them to set realistic goals
Time management encourages students to set realistic and achievable goals. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps allows for steady progress. Attaining these smaller milestones within planned timelines boosts confidence, reduces stress, and motivates students to continue working toward their academic objectives. Encourage students to set aside 30-minute mini sessions twice a day. Showing students how to fit study time throughout the day can show them how to set realistic goals and attain them without falling asleep at the desk.
3. Teach them "The Pomodoro Technique"
If your students still like to cram or want a long study session, teach them the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique stresses the importance of alternating work sessions with breaks. This gives students the opportunity to break apart chunks of time and focus on smaller tasks where they can stay on track. Using this technique can help students avoid trying to cram at the last minute. By giving themselves short 15-20-minute study session times, they can stay on track and study more than they would in a cram session.
5. Teach them the importance of allocation of study time
Time management facilitates the allocation of dedicated study time for different subjects and topics. By prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency, students can devote sufficient time to each subject. Do they have a paper that's due next week but an assignment that's due tomorrow? Help them learn to break apart their study in order of urgency. Start with the assignment that's due tomorrow. Have them focus on getting 50% of it done, and then have them outline their paper. Afterward, tell them to finish the other 50% of the assignment.
6. Teach them the benefit of consistency and routine
A well-structured routine established through effective time management fosters consistency in study habits. Consistency is key in reducing stress as it eliminates the pressure of last-minute cramming. Anyone can do this routine for a week, but can they do it for two, four, or 16 weeks? Jennifer Magas, M.A., J.D., an assistant professor of practice at Texas Tech University, adds, "In the dynamic landscape of academia, effective time management isn't just a skill; it's the compass that guides students through the semester, ensuring they stay on track and excel in their academic journey. Making skills part of the norm is something that takes time and reminding." You can help by taking five minutes at the beginning of the classroom once a week and asking them if they are following their planner.
7. Teach them not to procrastinate
Procrastination often exacerbates stress levels among students. The problem is so many students have learned to complete their work in this heightened phase -- they feel they do their best work when they procrastinate. When tasks are delayed until the last moment, students face a frantic rush to complete assignments, leading to heightened stress and compromised quality of work. According to a U.S. News article, college students who procrastinated more than their peers had more issues with anxiety, depression, and upper-body pain at the end of the semester than those who did not regularly procrastinate. Effective time management helps in combating procrastination by encouraging students to start tasks early, allowing ample time for thorough completion.
These different techniques can help students enhance their well-being, which can ultimately increase their academic performance. It can also leave stress in the back seat. Students know that creating an environment filled with stress can compromise their academic abilities and affect their ability to absorb and retain information. Reminding them that good time management skills can lead to better sleep, better mental health, and higher grades is always worth a conversation in the classroom. Teaching students to create their own environment that is conducive to learning will help them navigate the complexities of college life more efficiently and foster a more productive, positive, and successful journey. Additionally, mastering these skills will help them be more productive employees and leaders once they enter the workforce.
This article is republished from HigherEdJobs® under a Creative Commons license.