With online learning, it is even more important than usual to plan out your time for studying and assignments. All of the distractions so easily accessible, makes it easier to procrastinate. A great way to keep yourself organized is to create a study plan. These following steps should help you formulate that plan which will help support you throughout the rest of the semester!
Evaluate your Current Study Habits, Learning Style and Time Management!
Accessing how you currently study will be useful to help you hone those skills and build upon them. How often do you study? How do you currently manage your time? What is your learning style? These questions will help you understand your own learning. If you do not know what your learning style is you can take this quick quiz I linked.
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml
Develop Your Schedule!
Plan how much time you need to study for each class. Each class has about 1-2 hours of work outside of class time that the professor expects you to spend on it. If it is an asynchronous class it may be more time say 3-4 hours because of the lack of class time. After that plan which subjects you want to study on each day. If you have a busy schedule with work and classes, try out some creative ways to study and do work. Audiobooks in the car or on breaks? Some ebooks will have the option to read it to you. If you need to read an article for a research project, the databases through the Library they also have the listen options. Flashcards? Try taking the flashcards with you places and whenever you have free time take them out to study! Make sure to schedule breaks for yourself!
This template I have linked is printable so you can hang it above your desk!
https://templates.office.com/en-us/schedules
If it is easier for you to keep a schedule if it is online here are some online options, Google calendar, iOS calendar app, Canvas calendar, and outlook calendar. Some study plan apps are, Shovel-study planner, SQA My study plan and My homework. All of those apps are available on Google Play and the iOS App Store.
Adjust Your Calendar Every Week
Each week, identify your learning goals and what you want to accomplish each week. Whenever you need to, make changes! Your assignments and quizzes per week may change which subject you focus on and for how long. Make sure to take Breaks! Maintaining your attention and mental strength is one of the most important things when developing your schedule. Even though you adjust your schedule per week, make sure to maintain your own accountability.
Planning is so important to your success this semester! Keeping a balance between each class, your social life, and rest is essential. Keep all of these tips in mind when you are planning and you will be successful this semester!
-FYM Mackenzie
firstyearsuccess 
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