3: Time Management
Introduction
Managing time can be a difficult process for many HE students. A study at the University of Reading, for example, found that 32 per cent of the students consulting the Study Advisers there initially came asking for support with time management (LearnHigher 2009).
Students are expected to research and read a wide range of sources and to write a range of module assignments each semester. If they are in a hall of residence, they will need to look after themselves, and most need to find employment to supplement any loans or other financial assistance they receive.
It is not surprising then, that procrastination is an issue for many of them. Procrastination has been the subject of considerable research in recent years and it appears to affect a significant number of students. Self-reporting by students suggests that 80-95 per cent engage in procrastination of some sort (Ellis & Knaus, 1977; O'Brien, 2002), and almost 50 per cent procrastinate consistently, which leads to problems with assignments or other set tasks (Day, Mensink, & O'Sullivan, 2000; Haycock, 1993; Onwuegbuzie, 2000). A common form of procrastination in education is for the student to delay starting an assignment beyond the envisaged start point and then have to work furiously to finish it on time.
However, other forms of time management concerns for students include perfectionism and poor planning.
This Section of Trans:it aims, therefore, to help students consider their own attitudes and approaches to time management.
Contents of this section
Unit 1: How well do you manage time?
This unit starts with a self-assessment exercise of students' perceptions of their strengths and weaknesses in relation to managing time. Some students may find it more difficult to identify their strengths than their weaknesses - and may need some help to get started with this. The exercise does give one example of a time management strength to get the students started, but they may need further encouragement.
Unit 2: Time Traps
This unit looks at three big time traps for students: procrastination; perfectionism; and poor planning (Neville 2007).
Unit 3: About Time
This unit presents a range of time management tips that connect with:
- Taking a long term view
- Prioritisation of tasks
- Daily scheduling of tasks
- Avoiding distractions
Unit 4: Case Studies
Case studies can be an effective way for students to address time management problems; it can be easier to give advice to others, but the process can also lead to some useful self-reflection on one's own shortcomings.
Guidance Notes for Tutors
