Time management
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of what they need to do in order to be prepared for the rigours of professional life.
Abstract
One of the best metaphors for a student's life is that of a circus performer who balances many plates in the air at once. The plates twirl precariously atop poles as the harried performer works frantically to keep them in motion and aloft. Patience, perseverance, practice and planning are all necessary for performing the trick successfully. Consider the following suggestions — or habits — that can help you balance your semester and your workload effectively. Being proactive means taking initiative, rather than waiting for others to act first or to make decisions for you. The opposite of proactive is reactive; reactive people tend to react to whatever is going on around them. Proactive people, on the other hand, act based on principles and purpose. Remember the carpenter's rule: " Measure twice, cut once. " Applied to a student's life, this means thinking things through, planning your work, and setting realistic goals. Make sure to distinguish the goals that are truly important (e.g. completing a research project) from those that may seem urgent but are really not important (e.g. organizing a softball game with your friends). Don't spend too much time doing busy work, or work that appears productive but in reality only keeps you occupied. An essential part of being proactive — as opposed to reactive — is looking ahead. One way to effectively accomplish this goal is to keep a calendar for each month of the semester. Fill out each calendar carefully and make note of the times of the semester that will likely be difficult for you. Keeping a weekly schedule can also be very helpful. First, enter all your fixed activities. This means classes, labs, meetings, meals, chores, and sleep. Also be sure to read your class syllabi carefully and enter all test dates, deadlines, due dates, etc. Use this as a master schedule, and make a copy for each week of the semester. Then at the end of each week, enter necessary tasks and shifting activities on the following week's schedule. That way, you'll be able to take a look ahead to the coming week and see not only what you must do, but also any available blocks of free time.