Time Management for Students: How to Improve Learning

[Schmetterling]

Hello!

I'm a student and I would like to know how to improve time management and learning. There are many things to do: go to classes, studying, reading, lots of homework... Additionally, household chores, shopping, cooking, washing... and I end up very tired, feeling that time is not enough.

Usually I learn quickly and I can get good grades, but sometimes I forget what I studied before and it becomes difficult to follow teacher's ideas in class. Sometimes when I have to solve a problem or answer a question about something I should already know but don't remember, I can't think straight.

I spent some time without studying and now I have "gaps", but I don't find time to do a review because there is always something else what to do (with respect to new knowledge studied in class).

I often have to stay awake at night to can finish homework in time, but this make me feel even more tired and sleepy, and thus it is difficult to pay attention and take advantage of classes.

Can you help me? I will be very grateful.

 

[Mmm_Pasta]

Before going shopping, make a list of what you need to buy. Buy enough to last you for a while. I do my grocery shopping as to last me about 1-2 weeks. Sometimes I will work on homework while cooking. I'll put something in the oven or on the stove and then sit at the kitchen table while working.

However, it seems to me that you allow yourself to get distracted and procrastinate. I cook, clean, work (only ~10 hrs/wk), study, go to classes, etc. as well and I still have plenty of time to enjoy around an hour or two of free time at the end of the day (I do have my days where I don't have any, though).

Also, have you tried working on homework for ~10 minutes before class starts? People will notice you working on stuff for other classes and will come talk to you. This can be helpful as you can bounce some ideas off each other in the meantime.

Another thing: learn what learning style best fits you. I like to do a quick skim of what I'll be doing in the next lecture and jot down a few ideas what I think will be important. Then I can focus on key points in class, and afterwards I review and study the material again and I rewrite my notes.

Try to form a study group. With the right people it feels more like you are hanging out and having fun while getting stuff done.

 

[shinwolf14]

This is what I did and it worked wonders.

At the beginning of every week, write down what you have to get done (class, work, laundry, dishes, gym, etc). Then block off times throughout the day to for when they need to get done. Obvious some tasks are preset (like classes and work) but most are flexible. Estimate how long each one will take and block it off.

There is also the issue of prioritizing. Put first things first. Do not go out with friends when you have a paper due the next day. Things like that. I worked 20+ hours a week, took 15 credit hours, wrestled, went to the gym, did homework, studied, and all other required duties of someone living on their own. I still had a social life and it was fun. Organization is your friend

 

[Schmetterling]

At the beginning of every week, write down what you have to get done ... Estimate how long each one will take and block it off. ... There is also the issue of prioritizing. ... Organization is your friend

It is good idea to write a list with my activities and dues.
Organization, prioritizing & estimate times... Yes... I have trouble with that, though I'm trying to get organized.
Almost always I underestimate how long it will take me to do things, time flies!

Before going shopping, make a list of what you need to buy. Buy enough to last you for a while. ... Sometimes I will work on homework while cooking.

Yes, I do so (both). Otherwwise I forget what I'm going to buy The only problem with doing homework while cooking is that sometimes the food is burned...

However, it seems to me that you allow yourself to get distracted and procrastinate.

Well, occasionally I am easily distracted

I cook, clean, work (only ~10 hrs/wk), study, go to classes, etc. as well and I still have plenty of time to enjoy around an hour or two of free time at the end of the day

How do you do it?

Also, have you tried working on homework for ~10 minutes before class starts? ... Another thing: learn what learning style best fits you. I like to do a quick skim of what I'll be doing in the next lecture and jot down a few ideas what I think will be important. Then I can focus on key points in class, and afterwards I review and study the material again and I rewrite my notes ... Try to form a study group.

Sounds good to me!


Thanks!

 

[member 392791]

I think exercising regularly is helpful too. Yes, you lose time by having to actually perform the exercise, but your mind is much sharper if you do it, you are mentally and physically fit, you feel better about yourself, the endorphins are flowing in, and you actually study more effectively and can learn more efficiently, so the time you gain from that outweighs it. Plus, you look good!