Assignment: Time Control and Concentration 1 of 5: A Large Monthly Calendar

Study Skills 101
2022-07-15T21:32:04Z

Due: Aug 1, 2022 by 11:59pm

Consider this typical study situation:

Cheryl has trouble managing her study time. She claims the only time she can make herself study is right before a test. "If I'm not in a crisis with a test just around the corner," she says, "I usually won't study. I study a bit to keep things from piling up when I'm in the right mood. But most of the time, I'm just not in the mood. Some mornings I get up and say to myself, "Tonight, you will do at least two hours of schoolwork." Then, 95 percent of the time, I let something distract me." Cheryl recently had to face the shortcomings of her cram study method. She had only one night to prepare for two exams and a report; the result was several disastrous grades.

This assignment will provide answers to Cheryl's study problem. Take a few minutes first to examine your ideas. What are three specific steps Cheryl could take to prevent such a situation from happening again?

All of us need free time, hours without demands and obligations, so we can relax and do what we please. But it is easy to lose track of time and discover suddenly that there are not enough hours to do what needs to be done. No skill is more essential to survival in college and careers than time control. If you do not use your time well, your college career - and the life goals that depend on how well you do in college - will slip like sand through your fingers. This module describes three methods to help you gain control of your time: You will learn how to use a giant monthly calendar, a weekly study schedule, and a daily or weekly " to do" list. There is also a series of hints on concentration - how to use your study time more effectively.

A LARGE MONTHLY CALENDAR

Make or buy a large monthly calendar. Such a calendar is your first method of time control because it allows you, in one glance, to get a clear picture of what you need to do in the weeks to come. Be sure your monthly calendar has a good-sized block of white space for each date. Then, as soon as you learn about exam dates and paper deadlines, enter them clearly in the appropriate spots on the calendar. Hang the calendar where you will see it daily, perhaps on your kitchen or bedroom wall. The monthly calendar made up by one student is shown below:

(Langan, 1978/1989, pp. 135)

ACTIVITY:

Go through the syllabi of the courses you are taking. Record the date on which papers or other assignments are due and the date on which exams are scheduled on the calendar. Please take a picture of your calendar and upload it to me. If your calendar is electronic, please share a link with me of your calendar.

With your submission, please let me know the best place for you to post a monthly calendar and complete the following statement:

"A monthly calendar will keep you constantly aware of exam and paper target days so that you can ______ well in advance."

You can find the discussion activity here.

You can find the rubric here.

References:

Langan, J. (1989). Reading and study skills (pp. 133–152). Mcgraw-Hill. (Original work published 1978)

Consider this typical study situation:

Cheryl has trouble managing her study time. She claims the only time she can make herself study is right before a test. "If I'm not in a crisis with a test just around the corner," she says, "I usually won't study. I study a bit to keep things from piling up when I'm in the right mood. But most of the time, I'm just not in the mood. Some mornings I get up and say to myself, "Tonight, you will do at least two hours of schoolwork." Then, 95 percent of the time, I let something distract me." Cheryl recently had to face the shortcomings of her cram study method. She had only one night to prepare for two exams and a report; the result was several disastrous grades.

This assignment will provide answers to Cheryl's study problem. Take a few minutes first to examine your ideas. What are three specific steps Cheryl could take to prevent such a situation from happening again?

All of us need free time, hours without demands and obligations, so we can relax and do what we please. But it is easy to lose track of time and discover suddenly that there are not enough hours to do what needs to be done. No skill is more essential to survival in college and careers than time control. If you do not use your time well, your college career - and the life goals that depend on how well you do in college - will slip like sand through your fingers. This module describes three methods to help you gain control of your time: You will learn how to use a giant monthly calendar, a weekly study schedule, and a daily or weekly " to do" list. There is also a series of hints on concentration - how to use your study time more effectively.

A LARGE MONTHLY CALENDAR

Make or buy a large monthly calendar. Such a calendar is your first method of time control because it allows you, in one glance, to get a clear picture of what you need to do in the weeks to come. Be sure your monthly calendar has a good-sized block of white space for each date. Then, as soon as you learn about exam dates and paper deadlines, enter them clearly in the appropriate spots on the calendar. Hang the calendar where you will see it daily, perhaps on your kitchen or bedroom wall. The monthly calendar made up by one student is shown below:

(Langan, 1978/1989, pp. 135)

ACTIVITY:

Go through the syllabi of the courses you are taking. Record the date on which papers or other assignments are due and the date on which exams are scheduled on the calendar. Please take a picture of your calendar and upload it to me. If your calendar is electronic, please share a link with me of your calendar.

With your submission, please let me know the best place for you to post a monthly calendar and complete the following statement:

"A monthly calendar will keep you constantly aware of exam and paper target days so that you can ______ well in advance."

You can find the discussion activity here.

You can find the rubric here.

References:

Langan, J. (1989). Reading and study skills (pp. 133–152). Mcgraw-Hill. (Original work published 1978)