The Big Picture

  • College students expect to study two to three hours outside of class for every one credit in class
  • Three-credit class = Six to nine hours of studying per week
  • 12 credits X 3 = 36 hours of studying outside of class per week
  • 36 hours + 12 hours in class = 48 hours of school/week

Avoid Multitasking

  • Finishing one task at a time can be easier and more efficient
  • Turning from one task to another interrupts brain functions
  • Multitasking creates stress, boosts toxic hormones, and destroys brain cells
  • Recovering from a shift in attention can take up to 20 minutes
  • Writing down items, ideas, and chores pushes ideas out of your mind and frees your memory to focus on the present

Get Organized

  • Clear your desk/study space so only one task is visible at a time
  • Use an organizing tool that works for you
    • Planner
    • Electronic calendar
    • Sticky notes
  • Write down everything
    • Class schedule, homework time, tutor availability
    • Individual assignments, projects, and tests from your syllabus
    • Work schedule
  • Schedule time to relax
  • Allow flexibility in your calendar by using pencil
  • Prioritize what is most important each day/week
  • Try to study a bit each day
    • Information will stay in your long-term memory
    • Cramming information causes it to stay in short-term memory
  • Schedule a review once each week
  • Begin projects and assignments as soon as possible after they are assigned
    • Research, revise, and perfect your work
    • Get feedback from others before you submit it

BEST Time Management Strategy

  • Break down the assignments into parts
  • Evaluate how much time each part should take
  • Schedule time to complete each part
  • Track how well time was managed

 

Sources:
Heidi Hanna, PhD, author of The Sharp Solution
Coral Arvon, PhD, director of behavioral health and wellness at the Pritikin Center