5.2: Part II- Calendar Scheduling and Time Management

Community college students often juggle many demands of family, work, home, community service, and of course studying for college. Now is the best time to schedule the calendar by designating at least two hours per day for studying, research, and writing assignments.

Students probably realize they need to make some temporary sacrifices by eliminating or minimizing certain things. Perhaps the hobby needs to be put on hold, or the TV turned off? How much time is spent on social media? Remember the priority is school because it can be a ticket to a better life.

By putting regular study time on the calendar then actually using that time for study, students should be able to submit their assignments on time (or maybe early). Students who work ahead whenever possible avoid the stress of submitting late assignments and prevent late penalties lowering their class grades.

Setting Up Your Calendar

A detailed calendar can lead to college success. To build a calendar with class assignment due dates, follow these steps. Calendaring steps are arranged below in the best order from start to finish.

• Step 1: Get an annual planner or calendar. Begin with a monthly calendar for each month of your current (or future) college term. Example: for the fall semester or quarter, you may need monthly calendars for August, September, October, November, and December. You may also use the calendar function on your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Step 2: Assemble class dates, times, and locations as well as term paper due dates, work schedule, family responsibilities schedule and other commitments, such as church, community, recreation, or leadership.
• Step 3: Enter or write in “hard” appointment times, that is, times that are set and cannot be changed, such as class meeting times and work schedule. Insert each of your classes on the calendar. Check the syllabi and notes for your classes for due dates of tests, term papers, and other assignments and add those to the calendar as well. Insert daily reading and study times.
• Step 4: Pencil in “soft” appointment times, that is, times that are flexible, such as study times, meal times, house cleaning, recreation. Schedule time to prepare your assignments. For example, if you have a face-to-face class on Mondays and Wednesdays, schedule study time on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Keep in mind that each hour spent in a college class usually requires three hours of study time.
• Step 5: Monitor every day and adjust as needed. Be flexible when you need to be! If you realize you are falling behind, however, it might be time to rearrange the schedule–or review the motivation tips from Module ____ to help you avoid procrastination.

Practice Zone

Build a calendar with your classes, assignment due dates, and study time as detailed above. Then, enter or write in your work schedule, family time, meal time, and daily household tasks. Review the schedule to make sure it is realistic. Did you enter sufficient study time?

Study Schedule

Successful students practice good planning and scheduling habits. An example of using daily time efficiently would be taking the textbook to work and studying during lunch hour. The scheduling tips provided below will help lead to high productivity and academic achievement.

Planning Time

• The best daily planning time is 30 minutes before bedtime.
• The best weekly planning time is Sunday night, one hour before bedtime.

Daily Schedule

• Review the day’s schedule early in the morning.
• Check off “to do” items throughout the day.

Focus

Distractions lurk around every corner–phone calls, video games, that favorite TV program, and the endless scrolling of social media. Resisting them takes discipline and focus. Learn to avoid procrastination and wasting your valuable time. Cramming for an exam or stressing to finish writing a paper does not foster good learning; rather, it often leads to short-term memorization without a deep understanding of the material. Additionally, the anxiety and pressure associated with last-minute studying can hinder thinking, making recall or articulating ideas more difficult. Instead, consistent and spaced-out study sessions, coupled with a focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts, promote long-term retention and meaningful learning experiences.

Study Time

What is the best use of time when studying for a class? The most effective way to use your study time depends on the specific goal you are trying to achieve. Preparing for a high-stakes test demands a different approach than crafting a well-researched paper. For exams, practicing with past questions and active recall techniques can solidify knowledge and identify areas needing more attention. When tackling a research paper, in-depth reading, summarizing sources, and building outlines become the priority. Actively participating in discussions often benefits from brainstorming key points beforehand and formulating clear, concise responses to anticipated questions. To maximize your learning and achieve better results, tailor your study sessions to the specific task you are facing.

Reading Textbooks and Taking Notes

Actively engaging with your textbook is crucial for academic success. Here are some strategies to maximize your learning:

• Deepen Understanding Through Active Reading: Don't just passively skim the text. Underline or highlight key terms and concepts as you read. Pause periodically to ask yourself questions about the material, such as "What is the main point of this section?" or "How does this concept relate to what I already know?" This active approach will help you focus on important information and solidify your understanding.
  

• Transform Reading into Effective Notes: Re-read the text with the specific goal of taking detailed notes. Use a note-taking format that works for you, such as mind maps, outlines, or Cornell method. Include key points, definitions, supporting details, and any questions you may have. The act of summarizing and organizing information in your own words promotes better comprehension and recall.
  

• Combine Textbook Knowledge with Class Insights: Integrate classroom learning into your study routine. Review your notes from class lectures alongside your textbook notes to help you identify any gaps in understanding or connections among concepts. Look for places where your professor elaborated on textbook material or offered additional examples. By combining these resources, you'll gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Writing the Assignment

Effective writing requires organization and clear thinking. Before diving into paragraphs, take some time to plan and structure your assignment. The following steps will guide you through this process, ensuring a well-organized and well-developed final product.

• Plan Ahead: Read the instructions for each assignment and note the due date. Do not wait until the last minute! Underline or highlight key details, such as the assignment prompt, required resources, and importantly, the due date.
  

• Organize Your Thoughts: In your notebook, outline your response to the assignment prompt. Once you understand the assignment requirements, take some time to brainstorm and organize your ideas. Jot down key points, arguments, or evidence you plan to use. Structure this information into an outline format that reflects the flow of your response. This will help you stay focused and ensure your writing covers all the essential aspects of the prompt.
  

• Craft Your Response: Using your outline, write or type your content using sentences. Ensure your writing effectively incorporates supporting evidence and maintains a logical flow of ideas. Proofread and edit your work carefully before submitting it to ensure that clarity, grammar, and mechanics are all as good as you can make them.
  

Proofreading and Submitting

Final steps are crucial. Take the time to proofread thoroughly and double-check to ensure that all requirements have been met. Let's explore essential closing steps.

• Proofread and Polish: Catch errors and enhance clarity. Proofread your response using multiple tools: use Grammarly for advanced grammar checks and spell-check to catch typos. Read your work aloud to identify awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.
• Double-Check: Ensure you have met all requirements. Before hitting submit, take a final moment to ensure everything is in order. Re-read the assignment instructions to confirm you have addressed all key points and included all required elements.
• Submit: Following the submission instructions is crucial - this might involve uploading your document to a specific platform or using a designated email address. By reviewing these details, you can avoid any last-minute problems and ensure your well-crafted assignment gets into the right hands.

Communication is the key to college success in a class. If students are struggling, they should reach out to the instructor early and often. It is a sign of strength when a student can advocate for themselves and ensure they are getting assistance needed to succeed.

Time Management

Time management is the process of scheduling and prioritizing tasks to achieve maximum productivity. It involves deciding which tasks to tackle first and creating an effective schedule tailored to priorities. Building an effective schedule requires practice, but over time, good time management becomes a habit. One effective method to help students manage their time is "time blocking," allocating specific blocks of time on their calendars for different tasks. You did some time blocking in an earlier section of this module.

A few points for effective time management include the following.

• Establish realistic deadlines for tasks. Setting achievable deadlines for tasks helps maintain focus and motivation.
• Use your most productive time period to study (usually 9:00 am – 11:00 am).
• Eat the “frog” first. Tackling the most challenging or dreaded task first helps avoid procrastination.
• Take short breaks. Get up and walk around. Break up study sessions with short breaks to recharge and maintain focus.
• Delegate and automate tasks to free up time for important goals.
• Focus on the task at hand. Concentrate on the task at hand and minimize distractions.
• Set boundaries so you do not get distracted.
• Set reminders, whether on your phone or calendar, to stay on track with tasks and deadlines.

Preparation and planning ahead are essential ingredients of effective time management. When scheduling appointments, allocate extra time ito allow for unexpected delays. Creating good academic habits, such as submitting assignments early, can also contribute to a smoother schedule.

For individuals with children, studying with them or creating a dedicated study area at home without distractions can enhance productivity. Housework can wait temporarily; prioritize schoolwork and postpone other tasks until homework is completed. Sacrificing recreational activities, social media, or leisure time temporarily can also contribute to achieving academic goals.

Mastering time management techniques is essential for maximizing efficiency and productivity. By implementing strategies such as setting realistic deadlines, leveraging peak productivity hours, and avoiding distractions, individuals can effectively manage their time and achieve their academic and personal goals.

Class Success Techniques

This section discusses methods that students can apply to enhance success in their college courses. The instructor’s syllabus is the first document with which students must familiarize themselves. The next steps are class attendance, note-taking, and textbook study skills. Before submitting assignments, students should take time to proofread their work. Lastly, students who are struggling should reach out to the instructor for assistance.

Seven Steps Toward Success

These seven steps will give you the tools you need to excel in every class.

1. Be Prepared: Obtain your textbook before the first day – it will be the information backbone throughout the course.

2. Know What's Expected: Take a deep dive into your syllabus. This map for the class will outline everything from grading policies to assignment due dates. Understanding what your instructor expects makes a difference!

3. Plan Your Time: Block out class time and dedicated study periods in your schedule. This will help you stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambling.

4. Show Up and Be Engaged: Regular attendance is expected. Actively participate in discussions – ask questions, share insights, and bounce ideas off your classmates and the instructor. This is one important way you have of clarifying ideas and information as well as demonstrating to the instructor that you understand the material.

5. Submit Assignments: Don't wait until the last minute! Aim to submit all assignments well before the deadline. Your work will be higher quality and you will avoid the stress of last-minute submissions.

6. Find a Study Buddy: Connect with classmates who share your drive to succeed. Studying with a group can help reinforce your understanding of the material and make learning more enjoyable.

7. Ask for Help: Not clear about a concept? Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out to your instructor before or after class or during office hours or tap into available resources like tutors. Remember, there's no shame in seeking help!

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful and rewarding semester!

Textbook

College and university courses typically require one or more textbooks for learning and completing assignments. The instructor’s lessons and assessments are often aligned with the textbook material, making it critical for learning and retaining important knowledge. Community colleges have published various studies that show much higher success rates for students who read the textbook compared to those who do not, so if at all possible, obtain the textbooks for your courses!

Textbooks: Print Version

The printed version of the textbook is typically available from the campus bookstore and can be purchased via cash, credit card, debit card, or financial aid voucher. Most textbooks are also available online from Amazon and other sources; however, financial aid funds do not cover these purchases. Various websites rent textbooks, Chegg.com, Amazon.com, campusbookrentals.com, and eCampus.com among them. For a list and access to the top ten textbook online rental sources, see Top 10 Best College Textbook Rental Websites for 2024 .

If you order online, select the quickest guaranteed shipping time so you will have the book prior to the class start date. Note that loose leaf textbooks shrink wrapped and need a three-hole binder of approximately to fit.

Textbooks: Digital Version

The advantages of a digital textbook (PDF format) are (1) that it may cost a few dollars less, (2) it can be accessed immediately after purchasing, and (3) it is portable, that is, students can access it from anywhere they have internet access. The disadvantages are that (1) students must be connected to the internet to access it, (2) highlighting key points is more difficult, and (3) for some students reading and comprehending advanced topics online can be challenging. Another disadvantage is working on a computer all day can result in "eye fatigue." Overall, the main disadvantage is that an online book is a short-term rental (several months), and the book disappears when the rental period concludes, meaning students cannot use it later if needed for an exam. Students should weigh the advantages and disadvantages prior to purchasing or renting an online or digital textbook.

Access to digital textbooks is sometimes sold or rented by the campus bookstore. RedShelf.com, VitalSource.com, and Chegg.com also sell or rent them. Some colleges provide the digital version or a link for purchasing it inside Canvas or whatever learning management system they use. Check with your instructor or the LMS for details.

Some textbook publishers, such as Pearson, Cengage, McGraw Hill Publishing, and others offer digital rental options on their websites. Check the website of a specific textbook publisher for details.

Bundles

Some publishers will “bundle” a printed textbook with access to its online version for a discounted price. Check your bookstore for these offers. Having both versions provides maximum flexibility for studying and learning. Students may also be able to purchase the two versions separately, if their budgets allow.

Online and Free

Some colleges offer classes for which the textbook is online and free, thanks to programs such as Online Education Resources (OER) and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC). If this is the case, ensure that you have access when the class begins. Some of these texts may be embedded in the learning management system (Canvas or other); others are accessed separately. OER textbooks, like the one you are reading, are typically posted on LibreTexts or OpenStax. Depending on the college and its scheduling system, courses using OER OR ZTC texts might be flagged in the online schedule.

A final note: Real estate instructors do not recommend digital textbooks for real estate principles or practice because students may need the book later to study for a state or other real estate exam. However, digital texts may work very well for disciplines such as architecture, accounting, photography, economics, and other topics related to careers in real estate.

Syllabus

College courses have a course guide or syllabus. Not all syllabi are created equal! But they should contain the following information:

1. Course Identification & Instructor Details:

• Course name, number, and credits
• Meeting day(s), time, and location
• Instructor's name, title, contact information (email, office hours)

2. Course Description and List of Topics:

A brief overview of the course content, aligning with the official course catalog description. A list of topics may be part of the course description or may be shown separately.

3. Learning Objectives:

• A clear and concise list of what students are expected to learn by the end of the course.
• The objectives should be measurable.

4. Required Course Materials:

• Textbook title(s), author(s), edition (including any digital options)
• Any additional required materials (e.g., online subscriptions, software, supplements)

5. Course Schedule:

• A detailed week-by-week breakdown of topics, readings, assignments, and due dates. This is sometimes presented as a table for easy reference.

6. Grading Policies:

• A clear explanation of how grades are determined, including the weight of each assessment type (e.g., exams, quizzes, projects, participation).
• Late submission policies should also be outlined here or with the course policies.

7. Course Policies:

• Attendance policy (expectations for in-class participation)
• Academic integrity policy (plagiarism and cheating guidelines)
• Late assignments submissions policy
• Communication policy (preferred methods of reaching the instructor)
• Disability services statement (information on obtaining academic accommodations)

8. Optional but Recommended Elements:

• Inclusion statement (promoting a respectful and inclusive learning environment)
• Learning resources (listing additional resources like tutoring services, writing center)

While some syllabi may lack one or more of these components. Check the syllabus for your course and request any missing information from the instructor.

Practice Zone

Reading and understanding the syllabus will reveal the formula students follow to earn an “A” in the class. Read the syllabus for this course or another one. Are there weekly quizzes? Frequent discussions? Activities and term papers? Follow the steps below to for your current class. First, scan the syllabus to see which assignments compose the class grades. Then, write down the due dates of important assignments on your calendar. Next, check to ensure you have the textbook and all required materials. Last, review the instructor’s policy for late assignments and ask any questions.

Class Attendance and Participation

One of the key indicators of student success is regular attendance and active participation in every class session. In online courses, attending class sessions via video conferencing is equally imperative. The student is responsible for adhering to attendance requirements. Refer to the class syllabus for details on minimum attendance and participation expectations.

Instructors may record attendance at each class session. If the instructor uses a sign-in sheet, the students are responsible for signing in upon arrival. For remote classes conducted via video conference, students must log in, identify themselves, and engage in the session. In online classes, attendance is tracked through participation in discussions and submission of assignments.

Punctuality counts. Students are expected to arrive on time and participate until the conclusion of every class session. Some instructors consider late arrival to be an absence. Students who arrive late, leave early, or both, may be marked absent for attendance and grading purposes. For live in-person classes and scheduled online events, missed assignments might not be accepted if the class policy does not allow late submissions.

Taking Notes

Effective note-taking is essential for success in college classes; it enhances learning and retention. While multiple methods of note taking have been documented, research suggests that using a pen and paper may be more beneficial to retention than typing on a computer.

Benefits of Handwritten Notes

Taking notes with a notepad and pen activates the creative part of the brain, unlike typing, which primarily engages the task-oriented side of the brain. According to White’s research (YEAR), writing by hand stimulates brain activity, enhancing connectivity and improving memory. This process activates important neural networks that promote learning and retention. In a study analyzed by White, university students who wrote by hand demonstrated increased brain connectivity, whereas those who typed did not exhibit the same cognitive benefits.

Effective Note-Taking Strategies

To maximize the benefits of handwritten notes, many successful students adopt structured note-taking methods. One widely recommended model is the Cornell Note-Taking System. This system is designed to help students organize their notes efficiently and facilitate review and study sessions. Here is a summary of the system.

1. Divide the Page: tart by dividing your paper into three sections: a narrow left-hand column for cues, a larger right-hand column for notes, and a bottom section for a summary. The cue column should take up about one-third of the width of the page, leaving the other two-thirds for the main notes.

2. Take Notes During Class: In the main note-taking area, write down key points, concepts, and details during the lecture. Focus on capturing the essence of the information rather than transcribing everything verbatim. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to organize the material logically.

3. Record Cues: After class, review your notes and write questions or keywords in the cue column. These should relate to the main notes and help trigger your memory during review. This process aids in identifying the most important information and reinforces learning.

4. Summarize: At the bottom of the page, write a brief summary of the notes. This should encapsulate the main ideas and key points of the lecture. Summarizing helps consolidate the information and makes it easier to review later.

5. Review Regularly: Regular review is crucial for retention. Spend a few minutes each day reviewing your notes, focusing on the cues and summaries. This spaced repetition strengthens memory and understanding over time.

Practical Tips for Handwritten Notes

• Use Visuals: Incorporate diagrams, charts, and other visuals to represent information graphically. Visual aids can enhance understanding and make complex information more accessible.
• Highlight and Color-Code: Use different colors to highlight key points and categorize information. Color-coding can make your notes more visually appealing and easier to navigate.
• Stay Organized: Keep your notes in a dedicated notebook or binder. Date each page and use tabs or dividers to separate different subjects or topics.

White (link below).

In a recent study (year) documented by White (link below), researchers analyzed brain

Reference:

Students Who Still Take Notes by Hand Better Off, Say Neuroscientists by Robyn White https://www.newsweek.com/neuroscientists-reveal-trick-help-study-1863968

Practice Zone

Try using the Cornell method of note-taking. Tune in to an iUniversity or other podcast that appeals to you and apply the method. Alternatively, use the method for a lecture in one of your classes.

Proofreading your Work

Always review your written work before submitting it. Start by using Grammarly and running spell check. Next, read the work aloud to find and correct errors. Listen for vagueness that could be misinterpreted, awkward sentences, and misuse of vocabulary. Listen for “flow,” meaning be sure that the organization is logical and does not jump around from thought to thought.

Do the following to review your written work before submission:

• Read your assignment aloud.
• Mark any misspelled words, capitalization, punctuation, or awkward phrases.
• Correct the errors and read your response again. Repeat if needed.
• Ensure that you have not quoted other authors without proper acknowledgement.
• Replace slang terms.
• Replace abbreviations used in text messages, such as small “i” instead of capital “I”.

Assignments are graded based on content, but the grading process also includes written mechanics such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Student work is not expected to be perfect, but it should demonstrate improvement from assignment to assignment.

Find a Study Buddy

Build connections with classmates who are studying the same or similar material. Forming study groups or finding a study buddy promotes accountability and creates opportunity for everyone to learn from each other. Remember, it is your own responsibility to be proactive and reach out for support.

Ask for Help

If you find yourself struggling with a class, reach out to the instructor right away and ask for help. Instructors want to help you succeed (it’s their success, too) and continue your educational journey. See the instructor before or after class or during office hours. If that’s not possible, send an email or a message through Canvas or the LMS being used to ask for an appointment. Most instructors will meet in person, by phone, or via Zoom or other video conferencing.