Tip: Time Management

Starting the semester with conversations about what students need to commit to in order to be successful.

As we settle in to new routines with our students, I wanted to share a resource that I use each semester to help set student expectations. I have each student complete a weekly schedule (template with directions attached). This is a very detailed schedule: they have to include all their classes, online assignment time for hybrid classes, hours of homework to expect each week, and all the other things in their lives - work, family, exercise, even sleep. 

I tell students that the goal of this activity is to help them think realistically about their schedule and what they need to do to be successful this semester. They submit the schedule online with their self-introductions, but they also have to bring it to their first meeting with me so that we can talk about it. 

I have found that starting the semester with conversations about what they need to commit to in order to be successful is helpful, and that these conversations are most helpful when informed by something concrete to talk about - hence the schedule activity. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to explain and demonstrate in class, but it's something that I refer back to anytime I speak with a struggling student during the semester.

Link to the shareable spreadsheet

I hope you find this useful - please let me know if you have any questions!