Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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154 CHAPTER 6

of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., changes in appointments or the

need for additional time to complete tasks).

Table 6.1 displays a summary of the procedures for developing and

implementing a time-management plan.

TABLE 6.1

Procedures for Developing and Implementing

a Time Management Plan

Procedures Examples

1. Establish a time for planning at
   the beginning of each week when
   you will not be interrupted. This
   time also should be used to review
   your prior week’s use of time and
   performance.


2. Enter all fixed activities in your
   weekly schedule.


3. Review your written goals to
   determine what tasks need to be
   started or completed to bring you
   closer to attaining your goals.


4. Check your semester calendar to
   determine whether there are any
   exams, papers, or other major
   assignments due in the next few weeks.


5. Identify all the personal and
   academic tasks you have to complete
   for the week on the weekly
   prioritized task list.


6. Prioritize daily tasks list by giving
   a value (A, B, or C) to each item on
   the list. Place an “A” next to items that
   must be done. Place a “B” next to any
   task that is important and should be
   done. That is, after all the “A” tasks
   are completed, and you have time,
   you would work on the “B” items.
   Finally, write a “C” next to any task
   that is less important and could be
   done. That is, after the “A” and “B”
   tasks have been completed, you’ll do
   the “C” tasks.

Most students use Sunday night. Ask

yourself the following questions: “Did I

attain my goals last week?” Did I plan

for sufficient study time?” “Do I need to

make changes in my goals or

priorities?”“Do I need to make changes

in my time management?” “What are my

goals for this week?”

Fixed activities are those activities over

which you have little or no control (e.g.,

job, meals, classes, athletic practice, sleep,

appointments, etc.).

“I want to practice my guitar four times a

week for 40 minutes.”

“I want to achieve an ‘A’ in English this

semester.”

“I have a midterm in Spanish coming up

in 2 weeks. I had better start developing

a study plan to review all the material

next week.”

“I need to buy computer paper, complete

my math problems, do my Spanish

translation each day, write a short paper,

and finish the assigned readings in

sociology.”

“I am having some difficulty in Spanish

so I can’t afford to get behind (A).

Therefore, I must spend extra time this

week on my translations. My short

English paper is due on Friday so I better

write the first draft on Wednesday to give

me time for a rewrite on Thursday (B).”

Continued