TIME MANAGEMENT F O R A D U LT S T U D E N T S
TIME MANAGEMENT If you’re considering going back to school, you’re probably wondering how you’ll find the time to fit everything in. You’re not alone! It can definitely be done with good planning and time management. » TRY TO SAY “NO” MORE OFTEN.
» FIND A STUDY SPACE TO CALL YOUR OWN
You may not be able to manage all the events and activities
Use a comfortable chair that you can sit in for a few hours
you’ve juggled in the past. Being a student is your new
without discomfort, and be sure there’s ample space for
priority, and it’s okay to scale back your schedule a little bit.
your laptop/computer, books, papers, and a cup of coffee! If
You’ll only be studying a short time in the big scheme of
you don’t have a home office, feel free to set up a card table
things, so make learning and studying a priority—it will be
in a quiet room in your home—it works just as well.
worth it when you get your diploma!
» USE A CALENDAR OR PLANNER
» GET REST Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to
Mark assignment due dates, discussion deadlines, or group
stay on top of your game is to get a good night’s sleep. If
meetings, and take a few minutes daily to set your daily
you’re burning the midnight oil on a project and notice that
and weekly priorities. The clock/alarm app on your phone
you feel exhausted, or that your eyes are getting weary (or
is another great way to hold yourself accountable to the
even closing!) you are likely not retaining much of what
schedule you set.
you’re learning. Go to bed, and plan to get up early the
» SCHEDULE TIME EVERY DAY TO WORK ON ASSIGNMENTS OR RESEARCH Find time, even if it’s only 20-30 minutes. You’d be surprised at how much you can get done in a short amount of time.
next day to finish. Your comprehension skills and overall performance will be notably better after getting sleep and giving your eyes a break.
» BE FLEXIBLE
This also assures that the material stays fresh in your mind
Plans and lists are helpful, but distractions and interruptions
all week long.
are inevitable. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t always
» MANAGEABLE TASKS Break large assignments up into smaller tasks. If you make
go according to your plan.
» GO WITH YOUR PERSONAL FLOW
a list of all the tasks required to complete the assignment,
Figure out when/how you do your best work and save your
you’ll find it easier to tackle and you’ll be able to cross things
most difficult work for the times when you’re at your peak.
off your list faster.
» SET GOALS AND DEADLINES Deadlines will keep you on track and allow you to achieve success at smaller intervals.
» LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC Listen to music without lyrics when you can’t stay focused. This kind of music will soothe and inspire you, but won’t distract you by making you want to sing along.
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F O R A D U LT S T U D E N T S Many of you are now trying to juggle your own learning with your child’s remote learning, Here are some strategies for doing that:
» DEDICATED CLASSROOM SPACE
» SCHEDULE
Dedicate a space for your child’s home “classroom.” This
A schedule helps everyone know what to expect. A start and
can be a table in the kitchen or dining room or a desk
stop time with breaks built in is important, but read your
in their bedroom. By having their own space, they will
child and know when you have to make adjustments to the
associate it with a time to work and focus on school. If a
schedule.
dedicated space is not an option in your home, set up some boxes or bins for children to organize their work.
» EVERY DAY TASKS
» PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Try to work some physical activity into everyone’s day. Take the dog for a walk, go for a bike ride or play ball on the
Turn everyday tasks into school-related activities when
driveway. Everyone needs a break and being outdoors when
you can. Your children will have formal assignments, but
possible gives everyone a fresh perspective on their work
they can learn all day long! If you’re making pancakes for breakfast, have your child measure the ingredients (math) or read the recipe (reading). Talk about how the batter changes from liquid to solid (science). Research how pancakes are made in other countries (social studies). Have fun with learning!
» ASK FOR HELP Ask for help if you need it. Remote learning is new to everyone and your child’s teacher is there to help.
» EXPECTATIONS Do what you know is right for your child and your family. Keep your expectations for yourself and your child reasonable and strive for balance.
Going back to school as an adult student has challenges, but it can also be extremely rewarding! You will most likely be a much more disciplined student than you have ever been. Here are just a few more tips for success:
S TAY M O T I VAT E D . Try not to lose momentum, even if unexpected things happen and you get off track. If you have setbacks, take time to reflect, remember your goal, and decide how and when to get back to your study routine.
S TAY O R G A N I Z E D . Planning on a daily basis is a fundamental part of managing time. What works for one person may not work for another, so find the strategies that work best for you.
REWARD YOURSELF FOR YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Making the decision to go back to school is the first accomplishment! Do something special for yourself.