Start Smart - Time Management
Manage your Time using this
2-Step Start Smart procedure
If you want to meet with a
Learning Strategies Coach
in-person or on video, contact us.
304-534-7878
We will help you through the process, print things out, and provide aids.
You also can watch our Self-Help Video Module that takes you step-by-step through the
Start Smart Time Management process.
Start Smart - Time Management Procedure
Part 1: Semester Planning
TIme: 1-2 hours one time only in the first week of school each semester
What you need for Part 1:
week Planner
See the Week Planner at the bottom of this page (click on it to print it as a PDF), or you can use an Excel spreadsheet or Google Sheet set up in the format of the Week Planner.
Your Class syllabuses
The syllabus (the first portion that lists your class information and test/exam dates) and a list of class assignments with due dates (if included in your Blackboard) for each of your classes. Both should be available on Blackboard on the first day of class.
Monthly calendars
Paper or phone/computer apps - whichever works best for you. The webpage Time Management Apps in this website has information about apps.
To print monthly calendar pages, go to one of the links below.
A folder or binder
To organize the information, store it in a folder or binder that you take with you for your classes to note new information.
Our office can give you a 3-ring binder with dividers at no cost.
project planners (optional)
If you have a project that needs to be divided into several tasks with deadlines, you might find it helpful to complete a Project Planner. To print one out, click on the Project Planner Sheet at the bottom of this page.
Step 1 - Fill out the Week Planner
Creating a Week Planner gives you the bigger picture of how you will spend your time (e.g., personal responsibilities, recreation, attending classes, studying, job) on an "average" week.
Looking at your Week Planner throughout the semester lets you see other times you can do something in the event you have a conflict on your monthly calendar. Like needing to study for a Tuesday exam after work on Monday and it is also your best friend's birthday party. This allows you to look at the entire week to see how you can accommodate both. (You study on Sunday, study flashcards at lunch on Monday, and review on Tuesday before the test).
Using the Week Planner (printed from the bottom of this page) or creating one (Excel spreadsheet, Google Sheet), begin entering information about what you do on an average week.
Put in the times on the left side column
Start with the earliest time that you wake up.
End with the lasted time that you go to bed.
Fill in the times in between waking up and going to bed.
Some people use highlighters in different colors to make the entries easier to determine (ex., green for household things, yellow for school classes and studying)
See examples below.
Include recreation like having Friday dinner with friends.
If you have kids or other responsibilities, list them. (ex., like picking up son from daycare)
Include travel time to and from school, job, etc.
Put time at the beginning of each week to create your weekly to-do list
Put time each morning to look at your weekly or daily to-do list
When you are done, all white areas are free time for you!
When you finish something early or don't need to do it, that is free time also.
Watch the Self-Help video below for step-by-step instructions about completing the Week Planner.
Pierpont's Structure Your Week Video
Below are PDF options of transcripts of the video above Structure Your Week Video
Table Version
Story Version
Step 2 - Put dates on the Monthly Calendar Pages
The next step is going through your syllabuses and activities for each of your classes that you printed out from Blackboard.
Look for test/quiz dates, assignment start and due dates, etc., and put those on your monthly calendars.
Include all of your personal or family appointments and other dates.
If you are using computer or phone apps, put these into the calendars on those apps.
Click the link below for more information about setting up your monthly calendars for the semester including how to find Pierpont's calendar and more.
Step 3 - Complete a Project Planner (optional)
A project is anything that takes effort and that has a beginning and an end.
This includes planning an evening with friends (e.g., making sure you have transportation, money for dinner, etc.) and college class assignments (e.g., 5-page English paper).
The Project Planner Sheet (printed from the bottom of this page) can be used to help break large projects down into smaller, do-able pieces with a start and end date for each. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed or stressed, especially if the project ends up taking much more time than you originally thought it would. You can use the planner on this website or create one in an Excel spreadsheet or Google sheet.
To the left is an example of a completed Project Planner Sheet for a Communications class presentation.
This actually can be done at a later time, after an assignment is explained during your class. As you go through the syllabuses and assignments in Step 2, you might make a list or fill out the top portion of a Project Planner for assignments for which you think you might need them. That way you won't forget.
If you think you don't need to use these, skip this step.
For more information about the steps involved in completing a Project Planner including a link for a Self-Help video, click below.
Step 4 - Organize Your Materials
Organize your materials into your binder in a way that things are easy for you to find.
Below are steps to help you organize. However, organize your binder in the way that is best to help you easily find what you need.
Using a pencil so you can reuse the divider next semester, put the name of each of your classes on the tab of a separate divider. One divider per class.
In the front of the binder, put your Week Schedule and your Monthly Calendars.
Under each divider, put the syllabus for that class, any assignment lists, any Project Planner Sheets or lists, and any other important information relevant to that class.
TIP: Keep your binder in your backpack so that you always have it with you at your classes and when you do your homework.
You can use the binder to keep your homework for in-person classes.
Part 2: To-Do Lists
What you need for Part 2
Weekly To-Do List
Time: 5-15 minutes at the beginning of each week
Daily To-Do List
Time: 5 minutes at the beginning of each day & check-offs throughout the day when tasks are completed
To-do lists are a list of tasks that an individual needs to complete or accomplish.
Tasks are typically put in order by priority or importance. A to-do list can be written on a piece of paper or by utilizing task management software. Items on the list can pertain to one's personal or professional life.
https://www.g2.com/glossary/to-do-lists
Having and using to-do lists can be crucial in successfully completing tasks and requirements.
You may already have to-do lists that you use. If they are working for you, keep them or modify them to include the needs of your schooling.
Below are suggestions of different ways to create and use to-do lists.
Whether you use weekly or daily to-do lists or use both, they will combine your tasks for the upcoming week and a half from your syllabus, assignment sheets, your class notes, and your monthly calendar into one easy-to-use sheet.
This is when you determine what you will study and when.
If you are using a computer or phone app, you can use a task list or whatever is part of the program you are using.
If you want to use paper, there is a weekly homework schedule at the bottom of this page that can be printed. You also can check the internet for examples.
You can use separate task lists for personal and school or combine both into one list.
If you are only using daily to-do lists, create them at the beginning of the week for the entire upcoming week and a half.
You will need:
- Weekly Planners (paper or on your phone or computer)
- Your Binder
- The syllabuses &/or assignment lists for your classes
- The calendar page for the month
- Your Week Planner
3-Steps to Complete Your Weekly and/or Daily Planners
Calendar pages, syllabuses, assignment lists, etc: Look at the next week and a half to see what will be happening (ex., appointment, test/quizzes, project components, etc.) and what else need to be done.
Weekly and/or Daily Schedule (paper or computer/phone app): Thinking of the times listed on your Week Schedule, enter the tasks you need to do on the appropriate days on your weekly and/or daily schedule.
(Optional) If you want to keep your personal/family tasks separate for your school tasks, use different task lists and make sure that you look at both throughout the day.
Move tasks that could not be done onto another day, checking your Week Schedule to see which day will be best.
Congratulate yourself for what you have done!
When to study a subject is important in remembering the information. Watch the video below to learn how to maximize your studying.
Pierpont's How Memory Works - Study Times Video
Below are PDF options of transcripts of the video above How Memory Works Video
Table Version
Story Version
Below are 2 videos with information about creating and using Weekly and Daily To-Do Lists.
Pierpont's Weekly To-Do Lists Video
Below are PDF options of transcripts of the video above Pierpont's Weekly To-Do Lists
Table Version
Story Version
Pierpont's Daily To-Do Lists Video
Below are PDF options of transcripts of the video above Pierpont's Daily To-Do Lists
Table Version
Story Version
For more information about some apps that are available for phones and computers, click below to go to the webpage Phone Management Apps.
PDF's to Print
more information
Below are pages that provide more information on topics associated with time management.
Links to Self-Help Videos are included.