Purpose Statement
Many ESL students work 40+ hours while trying to juggle
their academic students with their responsibilities as parents or other
personal responsibilities. This conflict of interest is reflected in high
dropout rates and low grades. This activity is designed to help students manage
their time more efficiently and to set more realistic goals for their academic
and personal life.
Description of
Activity
The instructor writes the proverb “Time is Money” on the
board and invites students to comment on the saying or to contribute other
proverbs relating to time.
Students are then asked to break up into small groups and brainstorm on time
management strategies. A timekeeper is assigned by each group to keep track of
the group’s progress and the time spent on the assignment. Groups list time
management strategies on a piece of butcher paper. At the end of the group
activity, groups post their list of strategies on the classroom walls. Students
are encouraged to comment on each other’s lists. If necessary, the instructor
provides additional information by adding to the lists.
Strategies to be mentioned during the discussion:
1. Planning a weekly schedule in advance (including all fixed commitments as well
as planned social engagements and recreational activities)
2. Color-coding different types of commitments (academic work, paid work, etc.)
3. Listing assignments with their weighting and due dates
4. Prioritizing the importance of assignments (considering due dates,
weighting, and complexity of the assignment)
5. Establishing a regular routine of studying, working, eating, sleeping,
relaxation
6. Scheduling the most difficult tasks during the most productive hours
7. Being realistic about one’s goals
8. Dividing assignments into small, manageable tasks
9. Starting assignments early and leaving time to finish the assignments
10. Rewarding oneself for accomplishments
Materials Needed
Butcher paper, markers, and tape.
Application
This activity seems to work best if done in small groups.
Students usually feel more comfortable contributing to small group discussions
and become more personally engaged in the activity.
The activity should be followed by the following homework assignment.
Homework Assignment: Weekly Calendar
Students are asked to develop a weekly calendar as a homework assignment.
Students fill in their fixed commitments first, then include social and
recreational commitments. Throughout the week, students are required to bring
their calendars to class, to refer to it, to make any necessary changes or
additions, and to check off all completed tasks and commitments. At the end of
the week, students are asked to compare their accomplishments with their list
of goals for the week. If necessary, students should try to identify problems
and to find ways to improve their efficiency.
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web page was created on 3/12/99 at 10:49:28 AM
and modified on 3/12/99 at 10:49:28 AM