Steps to Improve Time Management Skill - Essay Example

Personal Learning Plan 1 Introduction The personal learning plan is an indispensable tool that enables the to prioritize the learning needs by setting attainable goals and objectives with the available resources. Specifically, a learning plan facilitates the organization of the aims since it allows students to work systematically through the various components of the task (Graham, 2013). Similarly, the sharing of the learning plans among the groups of students enhances the group process by instilling values that center on self-directing and identification of the collective learning needs, as well as, group objectives. The learning plans should attempt to meet the course objectives. In essence, the plans should function as blueprints for the learning by allowing students to consider the personal learning needs and areas of improvement within the context of intellectual development. In addition, the plans guide students to individualize the learning process, promote a sense of self-directedness with specific outcomes, and enable the development of habits related to lifelong learning (Graham, 2013). The paper presents my personal learning plan by highlighting the steps to improve time management skill. 2.1 My Goal My long-term goal is to improve in time management in order to excel in all subjects including mastering the Mathematics skill, which I have a tremendous weakness. The attainment improvement of the time management skill will offer me sufficient time to attend to the subjects I underperform such as Mathematics. As indicated in my personal learning profile, I have attempted to master the skills of time management by adhering to programs and schedules. As I advance in my career, I endeavor to improve on time management in order to devote a lot of time in the studies and do away with the Mathematics phobia, which has been a challenge in my studies. I realize that my weekly schedule indicates that I have approximately twenty hours to work on my assignments. Although the time is adequate, I endeavor to utilize substantial time in Mathematics as I seek to excel in all disciplines and proceed to my master degree. My time management goal will complement my strong values such as communication, team player, self-confidence, open-mindedness, and self-awareness. 2.2 Rationale Time management is critical in the learning process. The highest achievers tend to manage their time exceptionally well. It is crucial to develop workable strategies for managing time in order to balance the inevitable conflicting demands of time for study, work, and leisure. Essentially, time management skill is valuable in the learning process, as well as, other facets of life. A student requires allocating enough time to comprehend and interrogate the study material and revise for the examination (Levin, 2007). At times, it appears there is no enough time for an individual to do everything. Allan (2009) contends that the lack of time can contribute to stress build-up. Students need to combine the pressures that emanate from the study with those of other aspects of life. In such endeavors, time management is essential. The identification of the strategies on how to improve time management facilitates in adjusting routines and behavior patterns with the intent of reducing the potential time-related stress in people’s lives. Identification of the areas that waste my time is crucial. Logging everything that one does on daily and weekly basis in meticulous details is fundamentally significant. Similarly, examination of the time records to identify whether time is used well is equally important. Studies indicate that students who fail to develop efficient strategies to manage time tend to register poor results in their education. Research has shown that a primary challenge of achieving success in academics is time management (Allan, 2009). Notably, poor management skills, as well as, techniques tend to be a strong factor contributing to poor performance among many students. The management of time is an intellectual challenge to many in higher education just like the trouble they face when selecting a degree program. Students are responsible for their time management because tutors are not around to provide classroom timetables (Ellis &Toft, 2012). The distractions of the day can consume the students’ time. Therefore, it is critically important for me to pursue the goal of time management in order to avoid the drawbacks that emanate from misuse. 2.3 Action Steps Developing Good Habits I will endeavor to develop good habits in order to do what I am supposed within a given period. Procrastination can be a hindrance to achieving my goal. Hence, I will avoid procrastination in order to avoid the negative results that emanate from postponing activities. Similarly, I will endeavor to adopt decisions immediately whenever possible. The ability to define and select the most significant action is an excellent tool that facilitates academic success (Ellis &Toft, 2012). Hence, I will attempt to be action oriented to complete the most crucial tasks in the learning process. Similarly, I will embrace setting priorities. Through practice and repetition, the good habits will become a permanent part of my behavior. The design of the human mind gives a positive feeling when one completes a task. Thus, important tasks achieved through proper time management will serve as a trigger for more achievements in my career growth. Developing Schedules Developing schedules is critically important in time management. In effect, I will schedule my time around schoolwork. However, I will spare some time for social life. As indicated in my learning profile, I enjoy being around people. Hence, I would set aside time to socialize and learn from other people. The essence of being in the institutions of higher learning is to study, as well as, develop relationships and a sense of responsibility. Therefore, I will schedule the time for recreational activities that go along with studying. The recreational activities assist in becoming a well-rounded student (Martin, 2010). I aspire to enjoy the benefits of time management such as increased productivity and efficiency, less stress, professional reputation, and greater opportunities to achieve significant career and life goals. Notably, I will set aside twenty-eight hours in a week to attend to my assignments and revise Mathematics. Similarly, I will allocate two hours daily to engage in group discussions because I am a social learner. On top of this, I will have weekly reviews, as well as, updates of my assignments, notes, and calendar. Adherence to my Plan Planning does not yield positive results unless the planner is committed to adhering to the scheme. In this respect, I intend to adhere to my time plan by attending classes within the stipulated time, preparing for the lessons adequately, and reviewing my notes. Similarly, it will be my priority to stick to my weekly schedule in order to complete my papers, as well as, other special assignments. On top of this, I will make a calendar for each module to optimize my learning experience. Advance planning and sticking to the time schemes, students have the advantage of attending to their assignments, making appointments with the tutors, and consulting with other learners in particular areas that present problems. Success in the academic studies and examination is the measure of students’ achievements (Martin, 2010). Hence, students cannot afford to reject studies by their inability to manage time properly. Thus, time management offers students an opportunity to pursue other fields of interest without affecting one’s studies. 2.4 Potential Challenges Attainment of the time management goal is bound to have potential challenges. Notably, it might be challenging to prioritize between the competing demands of the studies and social life (Gilman, 2008). Studies can be overwhelming, and certain subjects such as Mathematics require enough time allocation. However, I will endeavor to track how I spend my time. In this respect, I will keep time logs for about a week in order to identify the time that suits my demanding studies and other intellectual activities. Hence, I will be able to know the most productive times for academic work and the time to engage in social activities. Similarly, procrastination might be a hindrance to adhering to the time management plans and optimizing my academic work. I know the effects of postponing activities are detrimental, and can adversely affect academic performance. I will attempt to practice self-motivation and concentration in order to avoid distractions that can make my tasks seem challenging to complete. 2.5 Effectiveness of My Plan to Meet My Goal I will regularly review my plan to evaluate whether in the right track towards attaining my goal. Notably, I will review and revise my plan on a weekly basis. Similarly, I will keep a record of the activities I have achieved in a week in order to analyze whether they conform to my plans. In essence, a close monitoring of my plan will enable me to evaluate whether it is leading me to the actualization of my goal. Likewise, I will attempt to assess whether my time management has improved by comparing my time spending prior to and after the creation of the plan. 3.1 Conclusion A personal learning plan can assist individual to achieve career, as well as, lifelong goals. The plan enables students in planning and prioritizing their activities. My plan will be critically significant in facilitating the achievement of my goal to manage time properly. I am sure I will improve in my weak academic areas as I look forward to excelling in all subjects, and proceeding to advanced levels in my career. By adhering to and evaluating the plan, I will meet my goal. References Ellis, D., &Toft, D. (2012). Becoming a Master Student Concise. Boston: Cengage Learning. Graham, W. (2013). Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills at Key Stage 3 - Thirty lesson plans with activities and assessment. London: Optimus Education. Levin, P. (2007). Skilful time management!. Maidenhead: Open University Press. Allan, B. (2009). Study Skills for Business and Management Students. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill International (UK) Ltd. Gilman, B. (2008). Challenging highly gifted learners. Waco, TX: Prufrock Press. Martin, A. (2010). Building classroom success: Eliminating academic fear and failure. London: Continuum International Pub. Group. Read More