Strategies for effective time management

There are many strategies for effective time management – the key is to find a system that works for you. Before you can consider scheduling tasks and activities you need to spend some time planning. In this regard it is recommended that you work through the unit, Planning: setting goals and prioritising, before you attempt this unit. In that way you will have the following in place:

• long term goals (e.g. Gannt Chart)
  
• clear and effective short term goals 
  
• a prioritised list of tasks derived from the above.

Scheduling

With the above focus and structure in place, you are now ready to begin scheduling. As discussed in the last unit the most successful system for most students is to combine long-range and short-range planning. Thus, you could make a general schedule for the semester and then prepare a weekly or a daily plan, or one for two or three days a week at a time – whichever you prefer. Examples of two different kinds of schedule are included as follows:

a daily planner

a weekly planner

However, you may wish to design your own. If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule. Other options include deadline planners, a diary or personal organiser, or perhaps wall charts.