Chapter 3: Introduction
Chapter Outline
3.1 The Benefits of Time Management
3.2 Time Management in College
3.3 Procrastination: The Enemy Within
3.5 Prioritization: Self-Management of What You Do and When You Do It
3.6 Goal Setting and Motivation
3.7 Enhanced Strategies for Time and Task Management
3.11 Where do you go from here?
Student Survey
How do you feel about your time management abilities? Take this quick survey to figure it out, ranking questions on a scale of 1–4, 1 meaning “least like me” and 4 meaning “most like me.” These questions will help you determine how the chapter concepts relate to you right now. As you are introduced to new concepts and practices, it can be informative to reflect on how your understanding changes over time. We’ll revisit these questions at the end of the chapter to see whether your feelings have changed.
- I regularly procrastinate completing tasks that don’t interest me or seem challenging.
- I use specific time management strategies to complete tasks.
- I find it difficult to prioritize tasks because I am not sure what is really important.
- I am pleased with my ability to manage my time.
You can also take the Chapter 3 survey anonymously online.
Student Profile
“The first semester of college has been overwhelming. I was not organized and did not know how to manage all my tasks. In the EDUC 1300 class, I learned that I needed to create a schedule, remove all my distractions and set priorities. My professor taught me to take notes, use apps on my phone and computer to track assignments and tasks so I no longer missed deadlines. Then, I could reward myself, take short breaks if I needed it. Now that I think about it, this free time kept me motivated to study more and not rush through my assignments.”
Anaia Ramclam — Biology Major, Palo Alto College
About This Chapter
In this chapter you will learn about two of the most valuable tools used for academic success: prioritizing and time management. By the time you complete this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
- Articulate the ways in which time management differs from high school to college.
- Outline reasons and effects of procrastination, and provide strategies to overcome it.
- Describe ways to evaluate your own time management skills.
- Discuss the importance and the process of prioritization.
- Articulate the importance of goal setting and motivation.
- Detail strategies and specific tactics for managing your time.
