Managing Time and Subject Load
With another term and year beginning, students will face a wave of new challenges regarding managing their time and subject load. Whether students are taking on electives, a Year 12 subject for the first time, beginning their IB journey, or merely starting a higher year level, they will need to establish dependable methods to support them in handling a new subject load and academic timetable.
Time Management Tactics
Students have different needs and preferences in how they manage their study, making Term 1 an excellent time to experiment with various strategies. Importantly, students should discover what time blocking works best for them; for some this could look like longer study periods with more substantive rests, whereas others may model their studying off the Pomodoro method and favour regular short breaks. Additionally, it is useful for students to note that how they spend their time outside of schoolwork is just as important as what a student does during their study blocks. Practising purposeful and constructive rest through exercising, getting appropriate sleep, socialising, and enjoying hobbies will lead to overall improved wellbeing which will support students in feeling energised and motivated towards school, as well as assisting their retention of information.
Methods for Balancing Study
Beginning all new subjects can be daunting, especially for those starting Year 12 and IB subjects or senior electives where the expected workload is much greater. Students can aptly delegate their study time by adopting the following methods:
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Implementing a consistent weekly subject rotation: It is unrealistic for students to tackle all 5-6 of their subjects effectively in a single night. Starting a rotation, such as 3 on one day and the remaining 3 on the next, will thus ensure that all homework and revision requirements are addressed whilst still guaranteeing a high quality of work.
- Categorising subjects into important, not-important, urgent, and not-urgent: This strategy helps students recognise the order to best complete their work. By dealing with the important and urgent tasks first, students are equipped with the mindset to manage an overwhelming to-do list, permitting them to meet their weekly deadlines whilst also addressing subjects that need more attention.
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Implementing a consistent weekly subject rotation: It is unrealistic for students to tackle all 5-6 of their subjects effectively in a single night. Starting a rotation, such as 3 on one day and the remaining 3 on the next, will thus ensure that all homework and revision requirements are addressed whilst still guaranteeing a high quality of work.
Short- and Long-Term Focus
A common challenge faced by students is working towards exam and assessment revision on top of completing their weekly schoolwork. Nevertheless, maintaining both this short- and long-term focus on their subjects is imperative for students in achieving their personal best. Students can attend to this by:
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- Working to ensure that there is no carry over residual work from one week into the next.
- Adopting a 3 subject weekly revision cycle.
- Spending 10 minutes at the beginning of each study session going through past flashcards for the unit.
- Making summary notes and mindmaps at the conclusion of each topic.
Support From Avivo
At Avivo, students are guided through this challenging and uncertain terrain, which then offers students time to extend themselves whilst simulatenously holding them accountable to complete the expected workload.
If you feel now is the time to engage a tutor, please complete our enquiry form and we will be touch to discuss your child's learning needs.
Written by Sonia Francis | Founder | Managing Director | Avivo Elite Tutoring