Get organized with a schedule that works for you
We’ve all done it. It’s the night before your exam/test/assignment/presentation
and you are bent over your desk, palms sweaty, trying to fit three weeks
worth of work into a single evening. If only you had started earlier!
You swear that if you get through this, you will never leave anything
to the last minute again. If you are serious about that promise, then
you need to get organized.
Being an effective student means applying yourself throughout the year,
rather than cramming all your studying in just before the exams. Working
effectively during the year will mean that your class marks are high and
that you have a good grasp of the material before you begin studying.
Learning to manage your time and workload is an essential life skill that
will make you a happier, more organized person.
Get a diary: Use a phone app, get a book, make a schedule for your wall or create
a diary file on your computer. Whatever will get your attention and is
easiest for you to use.
One for one: Set aside one hour of study time for every hour of class time. During
this time, you should do homework, study for tests and prepare your projects
and assignments for each class. Put this study time into your diary and
stick to it.
Worst first: Schedule the study time for your hardest subjects first. This will mean
that your brain is fresh and you will be more likely to complete your
work than if you left the worst until last.
Balance your time: Alternate one or two-hour study sessions with other activities. This
can mean spending time with friends and family or playing sport. Don’t
set aside unrealistic times for study and don’t take on too many
after-school activities that may jeopardize your study time. Be disciplined
about spending time with friends. Remember that friend time is more fun
when you don’t have that guilty feeling that you should be studying.
To Do: Make a daily and weekly “To Do” list that reminds you of
upcoming events, tests, exams and project due dates so that you don’t
get caught off guard.
Reward yourself: Plan fun events, trips or relaxing “you” time for when you
have completed your studies. This will give you a guilt-free break and
help you to recharge for your next study session.
