Time and Task Management

Summary

This video offers practical strategies for effective time and task management for students, emphasizing the importance of using a weekly planner. It covers techniques like scheduling study sessions, breaks, and prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and assignment weight. It also discusses the value of short, intensive study sessions, setting SMART goals, and utilizing semester planners to manage coursework efficiently. Tips for prioritizing tasks, managing reading materials, and staying organized with daily to-do lists are also highlighted to improve overall academic productivity.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ Create a detailed weekly schedule using a planner to organize classes, study sessions, and breaks effectively.
• ☕ Always schedule short breaks after each class or study session to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
• 📚 Treat study sessions like formal classes—frequent, short (1–2 hours), and consistent throughout the week.
• ⚡ Short, intensive study sessions produce higher-quality learning outcomes than long, marathon sessions.
• 🎯 Set SMART goals for study tasks—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to stay focused and realistic.
• 🧮 Prioritize assignments based on due dates, word count, and percentage weighting to manage workload efficiently.
• 🗂️ Use a semester planner to map out assignment deadlines and work backwards to schedule preparation, research, writing, and editing stages.
• ✍️ Follow a structured writing process: analyze the task, plan, research, write, edit, and proofread before submission.
• 🚦 Prioritize tasks by importance and value—focus first on high-value, high-importance work before lower-priority activities.
• 📖 Manage reading strategically by defining your purpose, assessing relevance, and scanning texts before committing to full reading.
• 🕒 Identify your most productive times of day, create daily to-do lists, and remove distractions for better focus and time management.
• 💡 Use university resources such as Academic Skills or libraries to access planners and support for improving study habits.

Q & A

Why is time and task management important for students at university?

Time and task management is crucial because it helps students balance their academic responsibilities with personal commitments, leading to better productivity, less stress, and improved academic performance.

How should students schedule their classes in a weekly planner?

Students should input their class schedules into a weekly planner, making sure to account for any gaps or breaks between classes. If they don’t have regular classes, they can adapt the planner to suit their personal study schedule.

Why is it important to schedule breaks after each class?

Scheduling breaks after each class ensures that students have time to rest and recharge, which improves focus and productivity during subsequent study sessions.

What is the recommended approach to study sessions for university students?

Students should schedule frequent, short, and intensive study sessions, ideally lasting between one to two hours, with breaks in between. This helps maintain high-quality study time without burnout.

What is the difference between a 10-hour marathon study session and a 7-hour intensive study session?

In a 10-hour marathon session, the quality of study time decreases as fatigue sets in, while in a 7-hour intensive session, students maintain better focus and productivity throughout, leading to more effective study.

What are SMART goals and how should students apply them to their study sessions?

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. Students should apply them by setting clear and achievable targets for each study session, such as finding a specific number of articles within a set time frame.

How should students prioritize their assignments?

Assignments should be prioritized based on their due date, word count, and percentage value. Assignments with higher weight or larger word count should be tackled earlier, even if their due date is later.

What role does a semester planner play in time management?

A semester planner allows students to plot submission dates for assignments and work backward to break down tasks. This helps ensure that students stay on track and allocate sufficient time for each task.

What is the recommended process for writing assignments?

The process involves six steps: 1) Analyze the task, 2) Brainstorm a plan, 3) Research and make notes, 4) Start writing, 5) Edit and proofread, and 6) Submit the work. Leaving at least one day for editing is crucial.

How can students manage their reading more efficiently?

Students should prioritize reading based on purpose and relevance. They can use text features like abstracts, intros, and subheadings to quickly assess whether a text is relevant to their studies. If not, they should skip it.