Time Management

Prepared by Jamie Snyder

Introduction

This module is focused on assisting students in developing better time management skills and to help them start thinking about how they are prioritizing activities on a daily basis. This module is best presented at the beginning of the semester, since time management is such a critical skill for college students.
This module can be adjusted for different class meeting times or it can be designed as strictly outside classroom work. If class time is dedicated, there are several in-class activities that can be used (or assigned as homework).

Learning Objectives

Module Learning Objectives
- Evaluate your ability to manage time, especially with regard to the increased demands of college (both academic and social)
- Establish priorities based upon values and goals
- Demonstrate effective time management through the use of day planners and to-do lists
- Explore research on aspects of time management (optional)
This module aligns with FYE SLO 2 (Students will engage in reflective and collaborative practices to explore their identities and roles within the CPP community)

Teaching Strategies

Readings / Videos

Videos to watch before class: https://youtu.be/VUk6LXRZMMk [How to Manage Your Time Better; time = 2:54]; https://youtu.be/b3fVtWfhitc [20 Quick Tips for Time Management; time = 1:40]
- Make sure you check the YouTube links prior to posting them in Blackboard!
- Total time for watching videos = less than 10 minutes
After watching the videos, write a short reflection statement in a journal on Blackboard – what did you learn? Do you think the ideas presented in the videos will be useful? Why/why not?
- Total time for writing and posting reflection statement = < 30 minutes
  - Note: for large class sizes, this may not be feasible; recommendation: have the students incorporate their thoughts in a final paper or have them discuss it in class

Lecture and Content

Provided Powerpoint lecture (Time Management Lecture Slides)
- Estimated time for presentation = 20-30 minutes (with student participation and feedback during the presentation)

Activities

There are several activities associated with this module that can be done as in-class activities, outside of class, or as homework (depending on your time).

Students should watch videos and submit journal reflection
During class activities (Instructor can choose how many they want to do)
- 168 Hours Exercise (suggested: whole class activity)
  - Estimated class time = 10-15 minutes
- Time Management Matrix and Examples (suggested: whole class or small group activity)
  - Estimated class time = 15 minutes (whole class activity) or 20-25 minutes (small group activity)
- Weekly Time Management Exercise (suggested: small group activity)
  - Estimated class time = 15-20 minutes
- Multi-tasking activity [https://youtu.be/BCeGKxz3Q8Q] (suggested: whole class activity to watch the video and then break into pairs)
  - Estimated class time = 15 minutes
  - Make sure you check the YouTube link prior to using it in class (or posting on Blackboard)!
- After class activities (see assignments below; in addition, any of the in-class activities could also be assigned as homework, if desired)

Assignments and Assessments

Assignments

Before class activities
- Points can be assigned for a Blackboard journal entry; a thoughtful reflection on the videos that students should view before class
During class activities
- Participation points can be assigned for in-class activities (168 Hours Exercise, Time Management Matrix, Weekly Time Management Exercise, Multi-tasking Activity)
After class activities
- Time Monitor assignment followed by the Ideal Weekly Schedule worksheet and reflection questions
  - Note: the Blackboard calendar feature could also be used for the weekly schedule assignment
- Journal article review assignment and PDF file of article

Assessments

See provided rubric for Time Monitor, Time Analysis and Ideal Weekly Schedule, and Journal Article Review assignments

How to Complete This Module (for Students)

STEP 1: Watch two short YouTube videos on Time Management

STEP 2: Write a reflection in Blackboard

STEP 3: Preview lecture slides to prepare for class (if Instructor makes them available prior to class)

STEP 4: Participate during the in-class activities

STEP 5: Complete homework assignments: Time Monitor Assignment and Ideal Weekly Schedule and Journal Article Review

How to Teach This Module (for Instructors)

STEP 1 (before class): Post two short YouTube videos on Time Management and open Journal Reflection in Blackboard with prompt: After watching the videos, write a short reflection statement – what did you learn? Do you think the ideas presented in the video will be useful? Why/why not?

STEP 2 (during class): Present lecture slides on time management

STEP 3 (during class): Conduct in-class activities

STEP 4 (after class): Assign homework assignments to students: Time Monitor Assignment and Ideal Weekly Schedule and Journal Article Review

STEP 5 (after class): Grade assignments and provide feedback