Summary

• Effective time management techniques for students are crucial for academic success and reducing stress.
• Strategies such as setting priorities, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, and utilizing technology can help manage time.
• Autonomy is an important factor in managing time and taking breaks during the day can lead to better recovery and productivity.

Prioritising Tasks

One of the most important time management techniques is prioritizing tasks. Students should identify their most important tasks and give them the highest priority. This technique helps students focus their time and energy on critical tasks and achieve their academic goals.

According to Covey (2004), students should prioritize their tasks based on urgency and importance. Covey introduced a tool called the “Time Management Matrix,” which categorizes tasks into four quadrants:

• Urgent and Important
• Important but not Urgent
• Urgent but not Important
• Not Urgent and Not Important

Students should focus on tasks in Quadrant I and II and avoid tasks in Quadrant III and IV. This approach helps students manage their time effectively and achieve their academic goals.

Creating a Schedule

Creating a schedule is another effective time management technique. Students should create a schedule that outlines their daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. This technique helps students plan their time effectively and ensure that they complete their tasks on time.

According to Lakein (1973), students should create a schedule that reflects their goals and priorities. Students should identify their most important tasks and allocate time for them in their schedule. Lakein introduced a tool called the “ABC Method,” which helps students prioritize their tasks:

• A Tasks: Tasks that are critical and must be completed immediately
• B Tasks: Tasks that are important but can wait
• C Tasks: Tasks that are not critical and can be postponed or delegated

By prioritizing their tasks using the ABC Method and allocating time for them in their schedule, students can manage their time effectively and achieve their academic goals.

Avoiding Procrastination

Procrastination is a common problem among students that can lead to poor time management and academic performance. To avoid procrastination, students should develop good habits, such as setting deadlines, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, and rewarding themselves for completing tasks.

According to Steel (2007), students should develop “implementation intentions” to avoid procrastination. Implementation intentions are plans that specify when, where, and how students will complete their tasks. For example, a student may create an implementation intention by stating, “I will complete my essay on Tuesday evening at the library for two hours.” This approach helps students avoid procrastination by making their intentions concrete and specific.

Using Technology Tools

Technology tools, such as calendars, reminders, and productivity apps, can help students manage their time effectively. These tools help students track their tasks, deadlines, and progress and provide reminders to complete their tasks on time.

According to Ahn and Lee (2015), technology tools can improve students’ time management skills and academic performance. In a study of college students, Ahn and Lee found that students who used productivity apps reported higher levels of time management skills and academic performance than those who did not use productivity apps.

Taking Breaks

Taking breaks is an essential time management technique that helps students refresh their mind and recharge their energy. Students should take short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain their productivity.

According to Trougakos et al. (2015), taking short breaks can improve students’ attention, productivity, and well-being. In a study of employees, Trougakos et al. found that taking short breaks during the workday improved employees’ cognitive function, emotional regulation, and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

This literature review explores effective time management techniques for students, drawing on academic sources such as Covey’s “7 Habits,” Lakein’s “How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life,” and Steel’s research on procrastination. The review also discusses the role of autonomy in managing time, and highlights correlations between time management, academic performance, and stress.