09/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2024 10:16
The director of the Academic Resource Center lends ways to work smarter, not harder when trying to organize your schedule efficiently during a new school year
The start of a new school year is an exciting time with a new academic schedule, plenty of extracurricular activities to choose from, and meeting new friends and classmates, but tight deadlines and pressures can suddenly make life overwhelming. That's why time management tools and skills are so important.
So, what exactly is time management?
"Simply put, time management is the planning and blocking of time to focus on completing tasks," says Dr. Erik Albinson, director of the Academic Resource Center, located inside the Lemonis Center for Student Success. "A more nuanced perspective is that effective time management creates a calm, anxiety-reducing workflow that promotes deep learning and smooth productivity."
Below, Albinson shares guidance on wrangling busy schedules and getting the most done in the least amount of time.
Why is it important to get a handle on your schedule at the beginning of the semester before stressful situations come into play?
When you become overwhelmed due to poor time management, two stress hormones are released that negatively influence mental health and learning. Adrenaline results in feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Cortisol causes brain fog and makes it difficult to access memories. Unfortunately, many students interpret this anxiety-ridden brain fog as a personal failure. Students build a false narrative that they are not smart enough to be in college. When they believe this thought distortion, it leads them to not try as hard or quit. In reality, they are just experiencing a normal physiological response to stress.
In your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges/roadblocks for students trying to manage their time effectively?
The biggest challenge for all students, but particularly first-year students, is not realizing how much they need to study. Students consistently underestimate the time it takes to learn their course material, which results in cramming and other maladaptive strategies that will lead to failure. The average high school senior studies six or fewer hours a week outside of class. The average student at Marquette puts in between 20 to 30 hours a week.
As students get settled into their new routines on campus, what are some best practices when trying to manage your time.
If you need more help with time management or ways to achieve your academic best, please reach out to the Lemonis Center for Student Success, located in the former Memorial Library.
Campus Life, Uncategorized
Dr. Douglas E. Christie will give lecture, lead discussion on contemplation, Oct. 1-2