A Guide to Effective Time Management for Students in Zambia

Time management involves organizing and prioritizing tasks setting realistic goals and making efficient use of available time. Here is a guide to effective time management for high school students with examples of how to implement each strategy.

Use a calendar

Using a calendar is a great way for leaners to be organized with their studies and also helps them manage time effectively. You can use a digital calendar and a timetable. Then prioritize your tasks based on their deadlines and importance. Set aside specific blocks of time to work on each task be sure to include breaks and leisure activities in your schedule as well.

For example let's say you have an art project which is due in two weeks and a math test next on Monday and also a soccer game on Saturday. You could use a Timetable to schedule time for researching and creating the art project on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Studying for the math test on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and practicing soccer on Friday afternoon.

Break tasks into smaller manageable pieces

If you have a test and an art project due in one week you can feel overwhelmed and hard to get started. By broking down the study materials into smaller task. This action make it less overwhelming and helps leaners to stay focused with the studies. Therefore the learners have to first recognize the steps needed to achieve those task and then divide those task into manageable learning task.

Example in the case that you have a final year geography research which is due in two weeks. What you have to do is to break it down into smaller tasks like selecting a topic creating an outline, drafting the introduction, drafting the body paragraphs, drafting the conclusion, revising, editing and submitting the final research. Hence Set a deadline for each task and schedule time to work on them in your calendar.

Prioritize your tasks

Tasks are mostly different and it is important to prioritize them when you have a lot of task. Some are more important than others and some have more urgent deadlines. Therefore it is important for leaners to prioritize their tasks based on importance and deadlines. Hence the leaners focus should be to completing the most important tasks first then followed by less important ones.

For example, let's say you have a Final computer Studies project due in two weeks, a math test next Tuesday. While all of these tasks are important, the computer studies project may be the most important because it is worth a larger percentage of your grade in your final examination. You could prioritize the computer studies project and schedule more time to work on it than the math test.

Avoid procrastination

Procrastination is an enemy to time management. To avoid procrastination it is important to set realistic goals break tasks into smaller pieces has advised above and prioritize your tasks. You can also be breaking for the studies for an amount of time usually 25 minutes and then taking a short break.

For example, if you have different exams due in two weeks, you could set a goal to revise one subject per day intensively. This would break the task into smaller manageable pieces and make it less stressful.

Learn to say No

Leaners are often busy with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, part - time jobs and social commitments. While it is vital to be involved and try new things it is also important to know your limits and learn to say No when necessary. If you allow on too much of the distractive activities on your studying time you may become overwhelmed and unable to manage your time effectively.

For example if you have to join a study group which meets twice very week and your other friend asks you to join them to play soccer on one of those days. You may need to say No in order to prioritize your existing commitments.

Setting goals

Setting clear and specific goals can help you stay motivated and focused. When setting goals it is important to make them realistic and achievable as you are also challenging yourself.

For example if you want to improve your grades you could set a goal to get credit or better in each assessment. These goal is specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant and time bound, which makes it more likely that you'll achieve it.

Be flexible

Effective time management requires a degree of flexibility. Sometimes been flexible is considered important because unforeseen things can come up that require you to adjust your studying schedule. Therefore learners should be able to adapt and make changes when necessary. This could involve rearranging a study session and staying up a little later to study more.

Avoiding multitasking

Doing different things at the same time may seem to be a proper way to get school task done. However it can be less understanding. Hence learners are advised to be stop studying different materials at the same time which can lead to reduced understanding and increased stress.

Therefore learners should trying to do one task at a time and give it their full attention to attain a better understanding.

Use technology wisely

It is important to use technology wisely and avoid getting unfocussed by social media or other distractions.

You can use apps or software to block distracting websites or set timers for specific tasks.

For example, you could use a website blocker app to block social media sites during your study sessions or use a timer app to remind you to take breaks.

Asking for help

Leaner should be able to asking for help when they need it because asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. If you are unable to solve a particular question after trying a long time do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers, tutor or classmates for assistance.

Example if you are having difficulty with a mathematics question. You could ask your teacher for clarification or work through the problem with a classmate.

Celebrate your success

It is important to celebrate your success. Example if you finish a difficult math topic example calculus you could reward yourself by watching an episode of your favorite TV show or going out for ice cream with friends.

By using a calendar, breaking tasks into smaller pieces, prioritizing tasks, avoiding procrastination, learning to say No taking, taking care of yourself, being flexible  and celebrating your accomplishments, you can manage your time effectively and achieve your goals.