The number one time management issues that I have found is studying. i find that the students do not really know how to study, and as such they do not effectively utilize study time and are unable to maximize their studying. I try to teach the students in SOP's to study using the SQ4R learning method. I tell them to Survey a page looking for highlighted text, underlined, text, bold text, paragraph headings, captions under charts or photos. I then tell them to make up Questions regarding those things that they have found. Then the Read the material, starting at the summary, then going to the introduction, and finally reading the body, and make sure that they can find those answers to the questions. Then I tell them to Relate the information to something that they already know. I then tell them to Recite the information in their own words. and those things that they cannot recite, that is what they need to Review. I find that this maximizes their studying and saves time.
You bring up an important point Jason. We often tell students to study and expect them to know how. When they don't, they feel stressed and may be to shy to reach out. Giving students the techniques you described above is a great way to help them manage time and stress in their day.
It is very clear that most students don't know how to effectively manage and prioritize their time. I have attempted to add structure to the class by providing a syllabus, task sheets, and a timeline for completion. These students are from the WIFM("What's in it for me")generation. If they don't see value in training and tasks they don't engage well in learning. I try to keep them informed on the importance of striving for goals and dreams in their lives and not always sweating the "small stuff" temporary financial and personal issues.
Late arriving to class, leaving early. I can try to instill the value of being on time. For many students this is some what new for them. Future employers look close at their attendance. One thing I could say is they [ the employer ] would wonder if you the student will be reliable since you are spending alot to attend school and do not show up on time.
This is true Dean. Sometimes when students are not paying for their school attendance, they value the experience less. I find that these are often the ones who don't show up on time or sometimes at all. It always surprises me though when I meet a student who is paying their own way but still exhibits these behaviors.
It sounds like you are doing what you can to keep good structure and student interest high Gregory. I know it's a challenge. Really like the WIFM acronym. I think as instructors we really have to keep that in mind.
How to prioritize their life. Set timely gaols
From the first day in SOP's and through out the rest of the course I try to teach the idea of balance and priority. Since I am old enough to be the grandfather of most of my students, I some time use examples of mistakes that I've made in my life to show the results of ignoring priorties or not balancing personal life with the job or education. I try to do this as an interesting story rather than from a soapbox. I think in a lot of cases it sinks in.
Chuck Peters
That sounds like a great method Charles. Sometimes our students learn best by examples. We can come off as too preachy when we tell them what to do with no context about why.
I think these basic, old school methods of learning have been largely passed over in favor of less rigorous, feel good approaches. These newer ways of approaching lesson plans may work for some, but as we all know, every student learns differently. Getting students to realize the importance of their education can be challenging, especially if they have not yet developed effective study habits and time management skills. Great idea, bringing back the SQ3R. Also, having the students map out priorities for the week and sticking to their assignment goals can give them a visual/actual component to their time management challenges.
The issue I most often see is the students not properly prioritizing their tasks. Since for a majority of our students this is their first time really on their own they often start to do poorly on tests and arrive late and tired to class. What I coach them to do is realize that what they chose to do outside of class can and usually does affect their success here. By making them aware of the great opportunities that our available to them if they can graduate it can help them refocus on what is really important presently so they can enjoy a great future.
That's a great point Lyle. I think it's important to remind students of the end-game. It's not about getting a good grade. It's about successfully entering the workforce and capitalizing on great opportunities once there.
I like the idea of asking students to map out priorities for the week Gina. That's a great way to help them learn how to set goals and achieve them.
Priorities, is the number 1 issue. They don't understand that while at school that should be their number 1 priority. If they got that then they could put just about everything second (family is the only one that could top this). They are here for a short time to learn a new job skill & they don't put it first they are more than likely wasting their time. Once they organize their time to school first mentallity, they can fit in everything else around that.
Yes, students often struggle with prioritization. Helping them focus on what's most important while in class is key. Often, the best way to do this is to remind them of the outcomes. "If you focus now, here's where you will end up in the future. If you don't, there are alternatives."
Students that are coming to school and have a full time job. This limits their time spent to put forth an extra effort in school and affects their grades. This tends to stress them out and most see no solution to the problem. I suggest to them that even though it is necessary for them to work, that free time is equally important. Most have no idea how to balance their time between work and school to allow for this, so I try to make suggestions on how they can do it and even suggest things that they might do to relax and unwind.
Sounds like you are taking the right approach Bob. It is hard for students to balance work and school, but students often need to work to have enough for tuition. Anything you can do to help them find balance between the two can positively impact their grades and what they can do once they graduate. Sometimes you need to focus on the job you want and not the job you have.
I see students working hard at balancing school, work, and social life and social life for some trumps all and that’s where the get in trouble with attendance and studying.
The prioritization of social activities can be a real problem for students these days Kenneth. Refocusing students back to school or at least helping them balance priorities is key.
The number one thing that i see is that they come to a task and it takes longer then they expected I can coach them on this to get all there facts before they start EX:tools parts jacks jack stands they need to be set up to suseed
