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Time Management
Speaking from personal experience, there seems to be two main methods of time management. The first method involves using timetables, schedules and diaries and the second method is for those who don’t need, or cant stand the use of timetables and diaries and soforth. I will now discuss the application of these two separately defined methods for use in Year 12.
Doing it the the 'organized way' - Using timetables
Timetables are by far the most useful tool for organizing big blocks of work in set periods of time. For people that have the control to write the timetable and obey it, a much higher level of efficiency can be achieved. Following is a step by step guide on how to apply timetables to work and recreation during year 12.
- find something to record your timetable on, ie an A3/A4 sheet of paper or even better, a whiteboard
- define the hours per day that you will be working , ie on busy weekends Saturday and Sunday the hours may be 9:00am to 5:00pm
- divide these hours into blocks of time that are not too long for your concentration span, and not too short either
- now identify all the tasks you have to do in this week (this can be done mentally, but is better done on paper)
- prioritize these tasks so that the more important tasks (ie the ones with earlier deadlines) are placed first (this can also be done mentally)
- write these activities into the timetable so that tasks fit into the allocated blocks of time
- if a task needs a long time to complete, use two allocated blocks of time in stead of one
- allocate some blank spaces that can be used for any emergency or previously unplanned tasks...if these are not needed when you are approaching them, they can turn into a flexible space where any subject can be put in its place, or the time can be used to tidy and organize folders or have an extended break
- also allocate time for breaks so that you can eat, exercise and relax
- have a 5 minute break in between each block of work
'The other way' - for those that can't stand timetables and diaries
I can understand those people who say that they cant run by a schedule or any time oriented task list, simply because I am one of these people. Most people such as my self argue that timetables and scheduling never works because of the unpredictable, yet inevitable X factor (the unknown). There always seems to be something that interrupts which then renders the entire regime of the timetable totally useless.
Unfortunately it is this group of people who often find it hard to get things done, since the traditional forms of timetableing and scheduling don’t work for them. Following is a quick and simple method to make sure that you get things done, without the use of any system that binds you to a time frame.
- use an A4 piece of paper
- progress through the subjects, making the subject name a heading
- under this heading, list all the tasks to be done (point form), including major assignments
- two more organizational options are to
- write due dates next to each task
- get a texta and prioritize the subjects, ie 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc
This way, there are no daily time restrictions and you know clearly what work is to be done, the date that it is due in and therefore the priority it should take. Hence, if any surprise interruptions happen (which it will), the entire weeks timetable doesn't have to be restructured.
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