Three kinds of time tables can help you to plan your time efficiently:
- A semester planner (this will enable you to map out tasks for the semester).
- A weekly timetable (this will ensure that you structure your time in the short term while allowing flexibility).
- A diary with daily ‘things to do’ (TTD) lists (these will keep you on track).
THE SEMESTER PLANNER
All study periods, examinations, assignment deadlines and other important dates (including major tasks and family/social commitments). Stick this up above your study desk. It gives you an overall view of the extra busy times, so you can organise your studies accordingly.
THE WEEKLY TIMETABLE
To prepare this you need copies of a blank weekly timetable in one-hour blocks.
Put one above your desk and carry a small one with you. Fill in:
- Lectures and tutorials
- Study-related tasks
- Domestic commitments
- Leisure/sport – this is very important.
DISTRIBUTION OF TIME WEEKLY
| DAILY ACTIVITIES | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN |
| SCHOOL | 7 HRS | ||||||
| STUDYING | 3 HRS | ||||||
| SLEEPING | 7 HRS | ||||||
| EXERCISE/ SPORT | 1 HRS | ||||||
| WORK / INTERNSHIP | |||||||
| FAMILY COMMITMENTS | 1 HRS | ||||||
| PERSONAL CARE / GROOMING | 30 MIN | ||||||
| MEAL PREPARATION / EATING / CLEAN UP | 30 MIN | ||||||
| TRANSPORTATION (SCHOOL / WORK ETC) | 1 HRS | ||||||
| RELAXATION : TV / VIDEO GAMES ETC | 1 HRS | ||||||
| SOCIALIZING & FRIENDS | |||||||
| OTHERS | 1 HRS | ||||||
| TOTAL | 23 HRS | ||||||
| Hours Left in each day | 1 HRS |
SUBJECT STUDY TIME
Once you have distribute your time now you can allot subject study time. Divide the study time into subject study blocks. Some subjects may need more time than others. But try to keep the times for each subject constant. Develop blocks of study time by giving yourself 1 hour Break after 2 study blocks are completed.
SAMPLE OF SUBJECT STUDY TIME: You can change according to your time and subjects
|
DAYS |
5 AM – 6 AM | 5 – 5:50 PM | 6 – 6: 50 PM | 7 – 8 PM | 8 – 9 PM |
| MON | Math | Science | S. Sc | Break | Language |
| TUE | |||||
| WED | |||||
| THU | |||||
| FRI |
| DAYS | 5 – 6:00 AM | 7 – 7:50 AM | 8 – 8:50 AM | 3 – 3:50 PM | 5 – 5:50 PM | 6 – 6:50 PM | 7 – 7:50 PM | 9 – 9:30 PM |
| SAT |
|
|||||||
| SUN |
THE ‘THINGS TO DO’ OR TTD LIST
This is a essential daily list. It should be included in a diary so that you can carry it with yourself and shuffle things around when necessary. Remember, you should never start a study block without a clear idea of what you’re going to achieve. And, each night, before you go to sleep, you need to make yourself a list of what to do the next day, for example:
- Read Smith Chapter 2
- See Mathematics tutor
- Analyse sociology essay question/identify resources
If you can follow the above plan, no one can stop you to score high mark in exam.