Difference between revisions of "Time Management and Organization"

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*Sept. 30 - first draft complete
 
*Sept. 30 - first draft complete
 
*Oct. 2 - revised draft complete
 
*Oct. 2 - revised draft complete
*October 4 - submit essay.
+
*Oct. 4 - submit essay.
  
 
== Use a Filing System ==
 
== Use a Filing System ==

Revision as of 20:44, 19 August 2020

We all have multiple demands on our time and there are often more things that we want/have to do than we can fit into our day. There isn't a single system that works for everyone but the information below is tried and true. Adjust it to your circumstances as you experiment and learn what works for you.

Setting Priorities

To deal with competing demands and opportunities, you have to decide what is most important to you. Write out a list of assignments and exams for each class and rank them in order of priority for the term. You should plan to complete all the assigned work but when multiple assignments are due in the same week, a priority listing helps you get started rather than being paralyzed by the volume of work. Do one thing at a time and choose the most important things first.

Organization 101

Figure out a system and stick too it. Three pillars of organization you can rely on are:

  • Use a calendar or day planner (apps or classic paper and pen will work)
  • Use a filing system so that you can easily find notes and returned assignments
  • Have a study buddy or two in each class

Use a Planner or Calendar App

USask students have access to an Outlook Calendar through PAWS. Put due dates and exam dates in as soon as you know them.

Break large assignments down into steps, each with a due date:

  • Sept. 20 - choose essay topic
  • Sept. 21 - start research
  • Sept. 23 - create outline
  • Sept. 30 - first draft complete
  • Oct. 2 - revised draft complete
  • Oct. 4 - submit essay.

Use a Filing System

If you are taking handwritten notes, you will probably take a clipboard to class because there won't be room on the tables/desks for binders. You should use a binder for each class and store notes and assignments chronologically. Use transparent binder pockets to keep returned exams and assignments. If you class has a lab, use dividers to create a separate section for those materials.

If you are typing notes on your laptop, create a digital file system and back it up to a cloud service. USask students get 1TB or storage on OneDrive. Labeling items with the date can be helpful. E.G. 2020-OCT-8 ENG 112 Notes.

There are half lockers and mini lockers available for rent at STM. This can save you from hauling a backpack full of textbooks and binders around all day. Your future self will appreciate the lack of back pain.

Class Contacts

Having one or two phone and email contacts in a class is better than spamming everyone with a "I need notes from Wednesday" email. Yes, that means you will have to get to know somebody in each of your classes. Remember to put the class along with the person's name in your contacts. E.G. Richard Martin (POLS 112) 306-555-5555 abc123@usask.ca

Use Time Wisely

Be Efficient

Setting Limits

Schedule Class Time for Web-based Courses