CAP Resources

Steps to Manage Your Time Successfully

Step 1: Prioritize

Make a to-do list and label each item as A, B, or C. "A" items are the most important (ex. assignments close to their due date). "B" items are not as immediate as A items (ex. class project due at end of semester). "C" items are simple errands or activities without a set due date (ex. washing your car).

Step 2: Use a planner

Record exam dates and other projects from course syllabi at the beginning of the semester. Add your classes, study time, exercise time, student organization meetings, and work commitments to your schedule.

Step 3: Schedule your fun time

It's important you schedule time to relax. You'll be much more productive in your studies if you take breaks.

Step 4: Be realistic

Don't over-commit yourself to activities. Setting realistic goals is the key for your success. You only have 168 hours in a week! TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHEET (.pdf format)

Step 5: Track your progress

Want to know more about how you're spending your time? Try monitoring your time (in 15 minute intervals) for one week. Take a few minutes every couple hours to record your activities. After one week, group your activities into categories (class, studying, relationships, etc.) WEEKLY TOTAL WORKSHEET (.pdf format)

Reflect

After one week of monitoring my time, what surprised me?

I want to spend more time on?

I want to spend less time on?

What steps can I take to manage my time more effectively?

Study Groups

Do you need some help studying for your class but SI and tutor are not being offered? If so study groups may be for you.

Download the Study Group Charter

Study Group Guidelines

1. Prior to organizing a study group, receive permission from your course instructor to create the group. While many instructors encourage group study, some prefer students to work individually.
2. Keep the size of the study group to no more than six members. Equal and effective contributions by each member can become difficult in a group larger then six.
3. Select an individual from your group to serve as the Study Group Chair. This person has the duty keeping the group on task and insuring that the necessary information is covered during the meeting.
4. Have an agenda prepared for each meeting. The next meeting's agenda should be created at the end of each study group session.
5. Have all class assignments/preparations completed prior to coming to the meeting. Failure to prepare for the meeting can slow down the entire group progression.
6. Have all members actively participate in the meeting.
7. Periodically assess the study group. Is the group reaching their stated goals? If not, what improvement can be made?

Things that Can be Covered in the Meetings

1. Review and compare class notes with the other members of the groups. Fill in any information that may have been missed during class.
2. Decide what the key points are from the notes, lectures, and discussions.
3. Go over a quiz or test to ensure that all members understand the answers to the questions.
4. Create summary sheets for the members to share.
5. Exchange drafts of papers for peer editing.
6. Have each member create questions that they believe will be on a test or quiz and share this information with the group.
7. Create a list of confusing information to have clarified by the instructor.

Reflect

What class would you like to use a study group to study?

What are the names of the class members that you would like to be in your study group?

How has the study group affected your learning?

MORE INFORMATION
For more information on study groups ot time management please make an appointment with Abby Riggenbach in the SARC office by calling 407-823-5130 or by emailing ariggenb@mail.ucf.edu

Adapted from: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/collaborative.html, http://www.uic.edu/depts/counselctr/ace/studygroup.htm, http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/program/hndouts/studygr.html

Student Academic Resource Center
Student Development and Enrollment Services
Last Updated: October 06, 2009 by Annie Prince
E-mail: aprince@mail.ucf.edu