University of Maine Division of Student Affairs

Time Management: LESSON 3

Make the Best Use of Available Study TIME

Time Fact #3:

Saving or better spending 30 minutes a day seems inconsequential to some. How many of us realize this equates to 4 1/2 40 hour weeks per year?

Don't put off studying or doing other necessary activities until there is sufficient time to complete the task from beginning to end
That may be an often unrealized luxury in the busy life of a student. A "To Do" List placed in priority order allows us to maximize the time available to us, even the odd 10 -15 and 20 minute bits and pieces of time.

For some subjects it is best to reserve large blocks of time and complete the task in one sitting
Reading a novel or writing a composition for English class are good examples.

Some evidence indicates that students work most effectively if they study for 25 - 30 minutes and then take a five minute break
After a short break and depending what you're working on, you may want to return to your previous activity or change to another high priority task. Rotating priority activities often has the same effect as extending a rest break.

Sometimes 10 and 15 minutes chunks of time are best for study
For example, vocabulary, definitions, math problems and treaty terms can often be best learned by repetition. Thus, four 15 minute practice sessions are often better than one 60 minute stint. Often one or more math problems can be done in the 10 - 15 minutes you are waiting for a friend with whom to go to dinner.

Give proper consideration to how you study
Different teaching modes call for specific study techniques. As a general rule, material from lecture courses should be studied and reinforced immediately after class. Perhaps class notes need to be typed and flushed out. Work in recitation classes should be studied and then reviewed just before class.

REMEMBER: Using large blocks of item when available as well as smaller chunks of time often left idle or wasted will allow you to accomplish more and be more successful in the time available to you.

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