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Time management

Before spending time on the Internet or starting research assignments managing your time effectively will help you achieve success.

Time management involves having an overall plan. Set aside time for planning and reflecting on your work.
Put your tasks in priority order. Keep a ‘to do’ list and tick off tasks as they are completed. Do the most difficult task first as this will produce the best results.
Keep a calendar or planner for research or homework. Block out times to spend on different tasks. Here are two examples of planners:

Research topic calendar

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Week 1

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Week 2

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Week 3

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Homework Calendar

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

4.30 – 6.00

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7.00 – 8.00

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8.30 – 10.00

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Give yourself breaks and block out spaces for family commitments, TV and sports practices.
Set a realistic time limit for tasks. This will keep you focused and aware of the time you have to spend on your project.
Check your time online. It is easy to become distracted from your current research assignment and spend unnecessary time surfing on irrelevant topics.
Use technology to help you save time. Set your research assignment up in a word processor with headings. Cut and paste your information in note form as you find it.
If you are working in a group ensure that everyone knows for what tasks they are responsible. Have a timeline and checklist for each member of the group. Also have your work checked by your teacher on a regular basis.