Discussion

This discussion question is already answered. I just need to reply to my classamtes.

Read the Topic 3 Resources indicated below before responding to this DQ.

· "Time Management" section of Chapter 4 in  University Success Guide: Finding Your Purpose

· Student Preparation for Distance Education

This is my answer for the discussion question.

What strategies do you currently use, or have used in the past, to try to practice good time management? Are there any strategies mentioned in the articles listed above that you use or have used? Are there any strategies from the articles that you will try to use going forward to improve your time management? What time management strategies do you think work best to ensure you have adequate time for studying and school work?

Time management is a critical skill for success in distance education. As a student, I have employed several strategies to practice good time management, and some of these align with the strategies mentioned in the "Time Management" section of Chapter 4 in the University Success Guide: Finding Your Purpose.

One strategy I have utilized is setting clear goals and priorities. I establish daily, weekly, and monthly goals, which helps me stay organized and focused. This approach resonates with the advice from the article, emphasizing the importance of setting specific, achievable goals to manage time effectively (Griffin, 2021).

Another strategy I employ is creating a schedule or to-do list. I allocate specific time slots for studying, assignments, and other responsibilities. This mirrors the concept of time blocking mentioned in the resource, which encourages dividing the day into focused work intervals. Furthermore, I recognize the value of eliminating distractions (Griffin, 2021). Shutting off alerts on my mobile or locating a tranquil studying space has been indispensable for my scheduling endeavours. The article also emphasizes the need to eliminate distractions as a way to maximize productivity.

However, there are strategies from the articles that I intend to incorporate into my time management routine. One such approach is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in short, concentrated intervals accompanied by transitory pauses. This method aligns with research mentioned in the resource, which highlights the benefits of time management techniques that enhance concentration and prevent burnout (Griffin, 2021). I believe that implementing the Pomodoro Technique will help me maintain a high level of productivity while preventing fatigue.

In terms of the strategies I believe work best for ensuring adequate time for studying and school work, I find that a combination of effective goal setting, prioritization, and time blocking is highly effective. By determining precisely what must be achieved, sorting undertakings by urgency, and reserving precise intervals for each job, I can guarantee that I have set apart time for learning and fulfilling obligations (Griffin, 2021). Additionally, regular evaluation of my time management practices allows me to make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency continually.

These are my classmates replies:

Faith Anfinson

Sep 12, 2023, 3:47 PM

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   I have a few strategies that I use to practice good time management. Using lists to prioritize and check off tasks as I accomplish them is one of the tactics. The calendar is a tool that I put to use in my time management as well. Setting a timer for twenty minute intervals allows me to multitask, especially when I have a lot to tackle. In addition, it forces me to take a break. There are strategies mentioned in the articles that I have exercised into my regime. I print off reading material so that I can review it during breaks at work. Organization was referred to in both articles. I schedule my studying time according to the weekly objectives as I proceed through the topic. This keeps me on track. I do not believe that there are any additional strategies that I would test right now. Everything I am doing seems to be working. If this changes, I will certainly try new things.

Ah-Lan Coloma

Sep 12, 2023, 12:08 AM

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I currently use a To-Do checklist to track daily tasks and assignments. I review my list and set priorities based on deadlines. Tasks that require more time are broken into multiple days or given more time to complete. When completed, I cross them off my To-Do list and continue. I use an electronic calendar to manage my work priorities and meetings, a phone calendar to manage my personal commitments, and a school calendar to manage my assignments and deadlines. 

I’m blessed to have a supervisor who supports me in continuing my education. She has stated numerous times that she supports me in blocking off time to complete assignments. However, I epically fail in this area because something always comes up at work. After watching the video on time management, I believe to be successful in this area, I need to remove myself from my workstation and find a better place to concentrate during my ‘focus time’ hours. Another area covered was “chores can wait until after.” This is a big distraction for me. I cannot do school when the area around me is messy. I always strengthen my house before completing any school-related assignments. I will try to adjust and do school first and then use strengthening up to decompress—but no promises! 

I like the suggestion of completing assignments when you are at your peak. I will see how I can apply that to my daily workflow. My hope is that it will increase my productivity and quality of work. 

Alexa Chavez

Sep 11, 2023, 12:01 PM

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Eliminating tasks that aren't at the top of my priority (time wasters) is a strategy that I have used in the past and am still currently using to effectively balance my school, work, and social life responsibilities. The items that I find too difficult to remove from my list of priorities serve as a reminder to concentrate my efforts on those tasks. while I have trouble being realistic, this is still something I am working on daily to improve. Frequently, I find myself overwhelmed with assignments, attempting to tackle everything simultaneously. This tendency isn't primarily and academic concern but rather a challenge in balancing a health work life. I posses a predisposition to say yes to opportunity and request, resulting in a consistently packed schedule. My motivation for this has always been to achieve personal validation. While I am committed to self improvement in this area, as discussed in chapter 4, I believe adopting multitasking as a technique could become highly beneficial. Effective organization will ensure I allocate sufficient time for study and school-related tasks, allowing me to plan my days in a better manner. 

Tyler Zimmer

Sep 11, 2023, 8:26 PM

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Having a full time job along with being a student requires a large amount of time management to be successful. I am currently in my ninth month of Healthcare Recruiting and adding school as another layer has made me rethink some of my time management strategies. I always try to keep work at work and school with school. I have noticed in the past if I try to do both at the same time it can cause to more stress and a lack of understanding and or comprehension. I implement a calendar for work and then also a planner for school. This allows me to break down my week into sections so I am able to balance my time between the two. I like to implement the idea of being realistic. I know that a long day at work can drain a person so I make sure not to load up my schedule with a lot of school work each night. I will break down my week for school in order to not over work myself. I also enjoy evaluating my progress. If I feel that I can take more on I try it to see how it goes. If I feel comfortable and not stressed by it I will add more until I feel it is to much. Finally I always look ahead for the week. Some weeks may be heavier than others in terms of work load so in order to avoid procrastination I try and see what I can manage Sunday-Saturday.  Other methods that I would like to try and implement is time wasters. Big one is my phone and social media. I try to keep my phone far away from me during my school time. This can be a huge distraction and can lead to procrastination. If my phone has to be in the same room as me I put it farther away so I do not have it in arms reach. If I do not need it during my school time I will leave it outside of the room. I at times need to implement a small reward for myself. I really try to give myself time to just decompress after a long day at work and then on top of it school. I will usually take my dog for a walk, read an article from the Wall Street Journal or just give myself a couple minutes of peace in order to recharge. Giving yourself breaks is key to not overworking yourself. Planning breaks in your schedule will allow you to stay on track.