Fact-check: Which answer is correct?
Advice from research:
- Always stick to set schedules and don’t change the items in them.
- Spread out the content you need to learn so that you can always concentrate on a one topic per day – switching topics is bad for concentration!
- Always use the same time slots for studying.
- Plan a 20% buffer time in each schedule for contingencies.
- Concentrate your studies before the exams and pay close attention to how you use your time.
You will find the solution at the bottom of the post.
Time is our most valuable asset: how do you use it?
Think about time management especially at the beginning of your studies. It’s worth it! Efficient use of time will make things easier for you and help you to stay on track. Here are a few tips on how to manage your time effectively:
- Time is a valuable resource: Use it to best effect! Set priorities and don’t fritter away your time. Also use the time you spend on buses or trains.
- Keep times as consistent as possible. Pay attention to your biorhythm and use the times when you can concentrate better for the more demanding tasks.
- Avoid irregular bottlenecks and marathons. Gauge your time requirements realistically and give yourself a longer break now and then. Start preparing for your exams at an early stage.
- Plan for gaps by working for fixed periods. Spread out your study times in small units and do spaced studying.
How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines) | Brian Christian:
Tips for structuring your day | Brian Tracy:
Spaced repetition in learning theory:
How do I work with schedules?
How to schedule your day to be most productive:
The following tips can help you manage your time:
- Set goals
Students have many needs and thus must set priorities to get things done in the limited amount of time available. Think about the goals you want to achieve and formulate them in concrete terms. Goals become more binding if you write them down.
- Note down your tasks
Make a note of what work (activities) you want or need to do. Also include activities that are not related to your studies, such as a part-time job, leisure activities, and household chores. Distinguish between regular and irregular activities.
- Determine your time requirements and make a time budget
Think through your objective(s) in detail and estimate the time requirements. Ask yourself how you will best meet your goals and deadlines. Consider how much time you have available and how can fit in the items.
- Make a schedule
It’s often difficult to estimate exactly how much work a task actually requires, and you should therefore commit only 50-70% of your working time in your schedule. When making short- and medium-term plans, reserve the other 30-50% for unexpected things, disruptions and time-robbers. This lets you stick to the overall plan. Think very carefully about how you want to distribute your tasks over a given time period.
When planning, keep in mind that all of us have peaks and troughs in our performance during the day. Some of us function best in the morning (‘larks’), while others shine in the evening (‘owls’). Find out which type you are and adjust your schedule accordingly.
- Review your schedule
Scheduling is a dynamic process, and schedules work best when they’re updated, especially in times of rapid change. So, stay flexible and ask yourself regularly what changes you could make in your schedule, and how much time you have left in your budget. To improve your ability to plan, note the strengths and weaknesses of your time management and build in fixed items that repeat regularly.
Timeboxing | An Elon Musk time management technique:
How I manage my time – ten time-management tips:
Try out and discuss:
Create and discuss your Exercise Schedule.
How well have you managed your time so far? Discuss your learning and work strategies. What has worked well for you? What did you find most challenging?
Cover picture: “time management” by Vectors Point from the Noun Project
Correct answer of the Fact-check is No. 3