Managing Time as An Adult Learner - Research Paper Example

 Abstract Conducting studies as an adult is not an easy undertaking. Adult learners face greater challenges with regard to managing their time than those faced by the average student. This is saying something since the challenges faced by the average student are enormous by themselves. A student has to dedicate a large part of his time to his studies, which are of course, his first priority in school. However, co-curricular activities are also indispensable in order to develop the all-rounded individual, who can not only apply knowledge and skills learned in class, but also has effective interpersonal and critical analysis skills, which will enable him to conduct successful relations with others and make good judgment regarding everyday life issues. In addition to these endeavors, adult learners often have to dedicate part of their time to work and to their family. Therefore, they require time management skills of the highest level in order to avoid deterioration of their academic performance, work performance, and familial relations (MacCann, Fogarty & Roberts, 2012). Managing Time as an Adult Learner Introduction The consequences of poor time management are profoundly negative. Poor academic performance is most likely to follow, and this may translate to poor grades at the end of studies which will compromise adult learner’s career development goals. Dropping out of college is another likely option, especially if the adult learner cannot afford to let his work performance suffer. However, this should not be the preferred option owing to the importance of higher education in this age and time. Effective time management makes it possible for adult learners to register exemplary performance in both their studies and their work, and still find enough time for their families (Van Der Meer, Jansen & Torenbeek, 2010). Thesis: Time management measures make it possible for adult learners to register good performance in their studies, and still find enough time to undertake other activities such as work and family activities. Skills of Effective Time Management The following measures make it possible for adult learners to manage their time effectively: Create a time schedule – A time schedule is of vital importance for allocating sufficient time to all planned activities and those of highest priority. It makes it much less likely to postpone or forget to carry out tasks that should be carried out during the day. Therefore, it is imperative that this time schedule to be created in the morning before setting out on any activity. It is a constant reminder of the tasks and activities that need to be carried out, increases their chances of getting undertaken and, consequently, aids in the effective management of time for the adult learner. Avoid interruptions – getting interrupted during study time eats large chunks out of valuable study time and serves as a distraction that causes the adult learner to lose concentration. This is a very unfortunate way of losing study time considering that interruptions are easily avoidable. The adult learner can avoid interruptions by studying at places where he is least likely to get interrupted such as the library. If this option is not available, interruptions can be avoided by informing friends, family members or roommates not to cause disturbance while studying. Hanging a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door to the room of study will achieve this end to a great effect. Putting phones on voice mail will also contribute significantly towards the avoidance of interruptions during study time (Siebert & Karr, 2008). Use a Calendar – A study calendar contains exam dates, deadlines for class or work projects, and dates for submission of assignments. A calendar serves to supplement the functions provided by a time schedule. It makes it impossible to forget dates for tasks and activities since information from all classes is recorded in one central location making it easily accessible. It serves as a constant reminder that ensures the adult learner undertakes planned and scheduled tasks and activities within the scheduled time and, therefore, prevents the piling up of unaccomplished activities due to postponement. Establish a routine - Establishing a daily routine ensures that there is always time to carry out all pending tasks and activities. It can be a daily or a weekly routine such as conducting studies in the library every evening or every Tuesday respectively. A routine reduces the likelihood of diverting precious time to activities of low priority, such as going to a party when there is a pile up of pending tasks. It ensures the availability of study time on a regular basis. It is also helpful because it avails time outside the routine to important activities such as work and spending time with family (NSU Counseling Center, 1998). Learning to be flexible – Although studies should be given utmost priority, sometimes it is necessary to attend to emerging issues of high importance, especially emergencies. Effective time management necessitates the need to recover time lost to unplanned for activities. Having flexibility makes it possible to recover lost time easily. Flexibility entails being able to seize any free time that becomes available or squeeze studies into other activities. For example, one can read short notes from a note book while waiting in a long queue at a bank in order to recover lost time. However, attaining significant levels of flexibility requires focus and high levels of discipline since it often involves making sacrifices. Take breaks – Studying for long periods of time can be physically and mentally taxing. Sitting in one place for an extended period can cause tiredness, whereas reading for a long time can lead to excessive mental strain that may lead to stress. Therefore, it is beneficial for the adult learner to take short breaks at intervals during studying in order to avoid these undesirable effects. These effects should be avoided since they make it difficult to maintain focus and concentration while studying. Therefore, short breaks during studying should be an integral part of an adult learner’s study plan since they make it possible to maximize limited study time (Siebert & Karr, 2008). Conclusion Evidently, time management skills are a vital part of any schedule of an adult learner who wishes to excel in his studies, without compromising other activities such as work. Although such skills can be easily acquired through learning and experience, the adult learner requires utmost discipline in order to utilize them effectively. When used appropriately, they make it possible for an adult learner to plan his tasks efficiently, and complete them in good time without experiencing pressure over deadlines. In addition, they facilitate effective studying; whereby the adult learner studies less but grasps more than when he studies excessively without understanding the content of the course. Therefore, every adult learner should make attempts of learning the time management skills highlighted in this research because they improve academic performance without exerting compromise on other daily activities. References MacCann, C., Fogarty, G. J., & Roberts, R. D. (2012). “Strategies for Success in Education: Time management is More Important for Part-time than Full-time Community College Students”. Learning & Individual Differences, 22(5), 618-623. NSU Counseling Center (1998). Time Management for College Students. Retrieved 23 Dec 2012, from http://www.nicholls.edu/counseling/newsletters/time-management-for-college-students/ Siebert, A., & Karr, M. (2008). Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success. Philadelphia: Practical Psychology Press.   Van der Meer, J., Jansen, E., & Torenbeek, M. (2010). 'It's almost a mindset that teachers need to change': first-year students' need to be inducted into time management. Studies in Higher Education, 35(7), 777-791.  Read More