Learning+Strategies+4+&+5+-+Goal+Setting+&+Time+Management

=Learning Strategies 4 & 5 - Goal Setting & Time Management =

**Goal Setting**
Goals are about making changes in ourselves or our environment for the near or distant future. These goals determine what actions we need to take today. The most overwhelming threat to achieving goals is PROCRASTINATION!! 1. Specific--it describes what you want to accomplish with as much detail as possible.
 * The 5 Elements of a Useful Goal**

2. Measurable--a useful goal is described in terms that can be clearly evaluated.
 * Poor example**: "I want to read better."
 * Good example**: "I will increase my reading comprehension score 10% by the end of the semester."

3. Challenging--It takes energy, effort, and discipline to accomplish.
 * Poor ex**. "I want to lose weight this year."
 * Good ex**. "I will lose 15 pounds by my cousin's wedding two months from now."

4. Realistic--A realistic goal is one you are capable of attaining. This is the most difficult of the 5 elements. Making this determination requires a judgment. Making this judgment requires an adequate knowledge base, strategies for accessing it effectively, metacognitive awareness, metacognitive knowledge, and executive control.
 * Poor example**. "I want to get to all of my classes on Thursday."
 * Good example**. "I will complete the assignments and be prepared for my classes on Thursday."

5. Set in Time--A completion date must be established. For long term goals, it may be important to identify shorter-term enabling goals. Target completion dates could be specified for these shorter-term goals that lead to the desired endpoint.
 * Poor example**. "I want to become the editor of the student newspaper in my first semester."
 * Good example**. "I will become the editor of the student paper by my Junior year in school."


 * Poor example**. "I want to do a lot of professional writing in my lifetime."
 * Good example**. "I will complete a short story by the end of the semester."

**Time Management**
Managing time is one of the keys to success. Students need to be confident in using time effectively to schedule classes and activities in such a way as to meet appropriate goals. * Recommended Reading: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
 * Goals**
 * 1) To learn the principles of scheduling.
 * 2) To learn effective time management skills.
 * Tips for Scheduling Your Time**
 * 1) Make a master schedule for the term and fill in your fixed activities--rising, retiring, meals, classes, and weekend time. The empty spaces will represent hours which you schedule for study.
 * 2) Consider your weekly assignments, estimated study time for each subject, and the due dates for your assignments.
 * 3) Use time between classes for studying. For courses in which you recite and discuss, it is an advantage to study just before class so the material will be fresh in your mind.
 * 4) When making a schedule, do not study similar courses right behind one another.
 * 5) Your schedule should be flexible. However, when possible study the same thing at the same hour. This will become habit.
 * 6) Be sure to schedule recreational time.
 * 7) Take a break if you feel the need.
 * 8) Fit your schedule to your needs and don't be afraid to change it as emergencies arise.
 * 9) Post your schedule in your study headquarters.
 * 10) Distribute material to be learned over a period of time.
 * Most Common Time Management Problems**
 * 1) Getting started
 * 2) Using your time ineffectively
 * 3) Not studying enough
 * Reasons for Procrastination**
 * 1) Fear of failure (or fear of success)
 * 2) Being overwhelmed by details
 * 3) Striving for perfection
 * 4) Feeling you don't have enough time
 * 5) Not seeing the benefit of the project
 * 6) Doing fun or less important things first
 * 7) Not knowing how to look to the future to determine what to do today (goal setting skills)
 * Adapted from Harding University, Academic Resources, online information