Unit 1: How well do you manage time?
How well do you manage time?
What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to
managing time? An example of a time management strength is suggested, can
you think of others that apply to you?
My time management strengths
My time management weaknesses
(Example: being punctual for paid
employment)
Now complete the following time management questionnaire.
Score yourself according to your answers as follows: 2 for ‘always’, 1 for
‘sometimes’, 0 for ‘never’ and total your score at the end of the questionnaire.
Always = 2; Sometimes = 1; Never = 0.
 I prioritise the things that need to be done.
 I usually finish what I set out to do in any day.
 In the past I have always got academic work done on time.
 I feel I make the best use of my time.
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 I can tackle difficult or unpleasant tasks without using delaying tactics and
wasting time
 I force myself to make time for planning my course work.
 I am spending enough time planning ahead.
 I prepare a daily or weekly list of tasks to be accomplished.
 I prioritise my list in order of importance, not urgency (importance is what
you want to do; urgent is what you have to do).
 I am able to meet deadlines with time to spare.
 I can usually keep up-to-date with my reading and course assignments.
 I prevent interruptions from distracting me from high priority tasks.
 I avoid spending too much time on things that divert me from what I
should be doing.
 I feel I spend enough time on course work.
 I plan time for relaxation in my weekly schedule.
 I have a weekly schedule on which I record fixed commitments, such as
lectures and tutorials.
 I try to do the most important tasks during my peak energy periods of the
day.
 I make use of travel time to read course work.
 I regularly reassess my activities in relation to my goals.
 I have made a point of stopping activities that are wasting time.
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 I judge myself by the completion of tasks, rather than by the amount of
activity spent on them.
 I decide what needs to be done and am not controlled by events or what
other people want me to do.
 I have a clear idea of what I want to accomplish during the coming
semester.
 I am satisfied with the way I use my time.
 I usually turn up on time for appointments and other commitments.

Your total score
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Your score
 47 - 50 points: You appear to be an excellent time manager.
You may,
however, be interested to read the remainder of units in this section to compare
your own strategies with those suggested in the units.
 38 - 46 points:
Generally you are a good time manager, but you may find the
remainder of units in this section of interest to you as it will help you to review how
you currently plan your time.
 30 - 37 points: You are managing your time fairly well, but sometimes feel
overwhelmed. We suggest that you read the rest of the units in this section, as
there will be tips in it you may find helpful.
 25 - 36 points: Your degree course is likely to be stressful and less than
satisfying unless you take steps to manage you time more effectively. We
suggest, therefore, that you read the rest of the units in this section and look at
time management books and websites to learn more about time management.
Less than 25 points: Your life is out of control!
We suggest you read the rest
of the units in this section and discuss the difficulties you have managing time
with a study adviser or tutor at your college.
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To improve your time management, what are the two most important things you
need to do? Write in the space below.
I need to…
I need to…
Key points from Unit 1
Many higher education students find managing their time difficult – they are
often juggling with different commitments, including employment, home
responsibilities, as well as course work.
The starting point is about understanding our strengths and weaknesses in
managing time.
We need to make a commitment to ourselves to improve areas of time
management that are proving to be particularly stressful to ourselves and
others.
End of Unit 1
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