Time Management and

Environmental Structuring

Fall 2013 ASPSA Learning Services Training Bradley Bethel

August 15, 2013

Source Dembo, M. H. & Seli, H. (2013). Motivation and learning strategies for college success: A focus on self-regulated learning (4th ed.). New York: Routledge.

Objectives • Discuss reasons for time management. • Identify good time-management strategies. • Identify the steps for developing and implementing

an effective time management plan. • Discuss reasons for environmental structuring. • Identify good environmental structuring strategies. • Consider different time management tools students

can use.

Why manage time? • Time-management skills are better predictors of

GPA than SAT scores. • One study found that students spend more time

texting than attending courses, studying for courses, and working (not combined).

Good Time-Management Strategies

• Set regular study periods. • Set up a study environment that is free from

distractions. • Schedule tasks for 30- to 60-minute blocks of time. • Set specific goals for each time block. • Take short breaks. • Alternate subjects during long study sessions. • Estimate the time needed for each assignment or

task. • Prioritize tasks.

Good Time-Management Strategies, Cont.

• Do the most uninteresting assignments or task first. • Work ahead when possible. • Record appointments as soon as their made. • Learn to use technology to manage time.

Steps for Implementing a Time-Management Plan

1. Establish a planning time at the beginning of each week.

2. Review goals to determine which tasks take priority.

3. Check syllabi to determine whether any assignments or exams are due soon.

4. Make a list of all personal and academic tasks for the week.

5. Prioritize each task on the list. 6. Transfer most important tasks to calendar. 7. Check calendar every evening to determine next

day’s activities.

Why structure the study environment?

• The human brain is not wired to focus on more than one task at a time, and focus is the key to learning.

• One study found that students who texted while reading had to spend 59% more time reading.

Good Environmental Structuring Strategies

• Set specific goals for study sessions. • If studying in a large room, find the part of the room

least distracting. • Reduce visual contact with friends while studying. • Limit socializing to breaks in between study sessions.

Questions/Comments?

Considering Different Time-Management Tools

For the remainder of the workshop, divide into groups and experiment with each of the following tools to determine how you could help students use them to manage their time. Remember to follow the steps for implementing an effective time management plan. • UNC Planner • Google Calendar • Outlook Calendar (and Tasks) • InClass app and/or iStudiez app

Conclusion During this workshop, we accomplished the following objectives: • Discuss reasons for time management. • Identify good time-management strategies. • Identify the steps for developing and implementing

an effective time management plan. • Discuss reasons for environmental structuring. • Identify good environmental structuring strategies. • Consider different time management tools students

can use.

Next Workshop: “From Note Taking to Note

Making”