Introduction
CBSE exams are not a cakewalk for students. Everyone tries to score well in the exams, but only a few manage to outscore others in a perfect way. To understand concepts better and score well in the exams, students enrol in coaching classes. Yet with so much already on their plate – attending school, completing homework, projects, and assignments – coaching classes can sometimes feel like an additional burden.
Managing coaching classes alongside school and self-study can be difficult, so how does one do it?
It all comes down to effective time management, making the best use of the limited amount of time you have available. Knowing how much time to allocate to different activities and which work to do first can make all the difference. Although it seems difficult at the get-go, it is surely not impossible.
What is Time Management?
Time management involves planning, organising, and controlling your time to maximize efficiency, productivity, and goal achievement. It involves choosing to prioritise and use your time wisely to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Time management can boost productivity, reduce stress, and improve work and life quality. Self-discipline, consistent effort, effective planning and time management are needed to maximize daily time.
Importance of Time Management for Students
Here is why time management is important for students:
Academic Success: Effective time management is often the key differentiator between students who excel academically and those who struggle. It allows students to allocate dedicated time for studying, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. By creating a structured study schedule, students can cover course material thoroughly and consistently, which significantly enhances their understanding and retention of information.
Reduced Stress: Poor time management can lead to a cascade of stressful situations for students. Last-minute cramming, missed assignment deadlines, and the pressure of impending exams can all contribute to heightened stress levels. Conversely, students who manage their time effectively experience less stress because they have a well-organized plan to meet their academic responsibilities.
Improved Learning: Effective time management encourages students to engage in active learning. They can allocate focused time for reading, note-taking, problem-solving, and seeking clarification on challenging topics. These activities are integral to deepening their understanding of the subject matter, as opposed to passive cramming, which often results in shallow comprehension and quick forgetting.
Balanced Life: Students lead multifaceted lives, juggling academics with extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, social engagements, and personal time. Time management enables them to strike a balance, ensuring that they don’t neglect other important aspects of their lives. This balance is essential for overall well-being, preventing burnout, and fostering personal growth.
Enhanced Productivity: Effective time management is synonymous with productivity. Students who manage their time well can prioritize tasks, set achievable goals, and avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. This leads to more efficient use of their study sessions, freeing up time for additional activities or relaxation.
Preparation for the Future: Learning time management skills during school prepares students for the demands of adulthood and the workplace. Professionals need time management skills. It helps people meet deadlines, manage projects, and balance work and life, which are essential for career success.
Self-Discipline: Self-control is needed to manage time. Students who learn these skills become more responsible and organised. They learn to focus, stay on task, and follow schedules, which they use throughout their lives.
Long-Term Goals: Students need time management to set and achieve long-term goals.. Whether it’s earning a degree with honors, pursuing further education, or launching a career, effective time management is the foundation upon which these aspirations are built. It allows students to map out the steps needed to reach their objectives and execute them systematically.
Thus, time management for students is a life skill that goes beyond student use. It supports academic success, reduces stress, promotes a balanced life, boosts productivity, prepares students for the future, fosters self-discipline, and empowers them to achieve long-term goals. A skill learned in early education serves people throughout their lives and careers.
Important tips for better time management for students
Here are a few time management tips for students to help manage their time better between self-study and coaching classes:
1. Learn to Prioritize Right
Do you ever get that sinking feeling when you know you have too much work on your plate? When you try to tackle everything by priority, but it feels like everything is important? Even if everything seems equally important at first glance, it never is. To prioritise your tasks better, you can use a simple tool called the ‘Important & Urgent Matrix’.
Here you divide your tasks according to their urgency and importance, as below:
For example, you have four tasks in a day that you need to complete.
Task 1- Prepare for tomorrow’s math test.
Task 2- Submit the English assignment within 4 days.
Task 3- Play a football match with friends in the evening.
Task 4- Attend a distant relative’s wedding at night.
So, in order to prioritize your tasks, you need to keep in mind the importance and urgency of those tasks. Task 1 is clearly important and urgent, hence it should be done right away. Whereas Task 2 is important but not urgent, and thus, you still have time to plan for its preparation. Task 3 is urgent but not important, so maybe you can avoid it. Task 4 is neither important nor urgent so you can just eliminate it altogether from your list.
Dividing your tasks in this matrix can help you greatly in saving your time by prioritising right.
To-do lists can also prove quite effective in prioritizing tasks. Make a to-do list every morning so that you know what your tasks are for the day. You can always use tools such as Post-It notes, reminder lists, to-do list apps on your phone, or a diary to track it.
2. Correct your Pattern of Study
With coaching classes, you don’t get enough time to focus on self-study. Since self-study time is limited, you should utilize it effectively by allotting different times to different areas and subjects. While you are preparing for a subject, there will be a few topics you would be good/better at, and there would be others that require your attention more.
Instead of spending equal time on every subject and topic, try to work more on those areas you are not comfortable with. Even topics that carry more weightage in the exam should be given greater investment, and the ones that carry minimal marks should be taken care of at the end.
Recommended Read: Simple Tips To Reduce Stress And Manage Your Time Before Exams
3. Revise Smartly and Regularly
You would have heard a lot of times that revising your work over a long period is more effective than studying the night before an exam. It’s true. When we study a particular topic over and over again, the repeated studying helps to consolidate those concepts in our brains.
My advice would be to read through your textbooks first, then make flashcards and test yourself on what you’ve learned. This will help you concentrate and will make it more difficult for your mind to wander.
Revising over time is the best way to prepare yourself to succeed in tests and exams. While revising, we get to know whether we are heading in the right direction or not, how much syllabus we are still left with, and how we can cover it up. As a side note, always try to pay attention in your classes, be it school or coaching. If you are attentive and regular in your classes, your concepts will be stronger, thus, saving you a lot of time on revision later on.
4. Use those Extra Minutes to your Advantage
We all experience at least a few extra minutes (“sponge minutes”) that we can squeeze a little more out of if only we were aware of them. For example, if you reach 10 minutes early for your coaching class, you can make the most of it by going through what was done in your previous class, instead of waiting around for the class to start or chatting with your friends.
You can make the most of your extra minutes by either going through your notes from the class or watching any informational video to save time. When you have too much on your plate, each minute counts.
5. Pay Proper Attention to School Study
Time spent in the school is very important. A lot of students assume that since they are already going to be learning the same concepts in their coaching classes, they don’t need to pay attention in school. However, by carefully listening to what is being taught in class, you get to understand concepts in a better manner.
Learning a concept in school and then going over it in coaching class in an alternative manner (by a different teacher) will help you understand all sides of the concept, thus consolidating your understanding. When you pay attention in class and take good notes, it also saves you a lot of time for revising later at home.
Even if you don’t have coaching on a particular day, you should go through all the topics covered in class later at home, since it will be easier to revise and practice while the concepts are still fresh in your mind.
6. Build a Good Study Plan
You must have a daily timetable, with or without a coaching institute. This can be a good way in managing the huge syllabus and dividing time between different activities. Get up an hour early in the morning to make some time to study before school, as this is the best time for study even if you have a habit of studying late at night.
DO make time for exercise and proper rest to recharge your body for the required hard work. If commuting is there in your plan and it takes a long time, make use of it by revising/practicing during the commute. You should also make sure to devote time to self-study every day since it’s important to be regular with your studies.
7. Know How to Divide your Time Efficiently for Each Subject
Studying a particular subject for 2 to 3 hours at a stretch may become dull and exhaust your mind after a point. Instead, you can study multiple subjects for smaller durations. Pick up topics from certain subjects and allot them proper timings so that your interest remains intact. Don’t study one subject too much and forget that you have several others to catch up on before going to bed. You may want to set a reminder so that when it rings, you know that you need to go to another subject and reset the reminder.
Study smarter, not harder.
8. Avoid Distraction:
Creating an ideal study environment goes beyond just finding a quiet spot and a comfy chair. It’s about crafting a setting that actively bolsters your concentration while simultaneously minimizing potential distractions. Start by choosing a tranquil location where interruptions and ambient noise are minimal; this could be a library, a study room, or even a peaceful corner of your home. Pair this with comfortable seating to ensure physical discomfort doesn’t pull your focus away.
However, the most potent distraction often comes from your smartphone and social media. To combat this, place your phone on silent mode or stow it away in another room entirely. Consider employing productivity self study apps and website blockers that temporarily restrict access to distracting sites and applications. Establish clear boundaries with friends and family, making it known that certain hours are dedicated to focused study. Additionally, time management techniques such as time blocking and scheduled breaks can help you stay on track without constantly succumbing to the urge of checking notifications. Building a distraction-free study environment is an ongoing process, but with persistence, you can refine your habits and substantially enhance productivity.
9. Use Technology Wisely:
In today’s digital age, harnessing the potential of technology is paramount for effective self-study and research. Educational self study apps, online resources, and digital tools offer a treasure trove of opportunities to optimize your learning process. Start by identifying your specific needs and areas where technology can be a boon. Whether you’re striving to grasp complex concepts, delve into research, or maintain meticulous organization, there’s a tech solution to cater to your goals.
Educational self study apps have redefined self-study, providing interactive lessons, quizzes, and customizable learning experiences. Whether you’re mastering a subject, acquiring a new language, or preparing for exams, these apps offer flexibility and convenience. Moreover, online resources like e-books, video tutorials, and freely accessible journals serve as invaluable references. When engaged in research, digital tools such as citation managers, data analysis software, and collaborative platforms can expedite tasks and elevate the quality of your work. While technology’s potential is immense, it’s essential to strike a harmonious balance, ensuring it augments your learning journey while preserving the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. When employed judiciously, technology becomes a potent ally, enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of self-study and research endeavors.
10. Take Advantage of Your Coach:
Making the most of your coaching classes is a strategic approach to optimizing your learning journey. When enrolled in such classes, your instructors become invaluable guides on your educational path. Active participation is needed to maximise this resource. Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and show interest. Instructors appreciate students who take initiative and demonstrate a thirst for knowledge.
Another crucial aspect is diligent note-taking. During your coaching sessions, take thorough and organized notes, capturing key points, examples, and insights. These notes will serve as a valuable reference for your self-study efforts, reducing the necessity for extensive review later. Additionally, don’t hesitate to utilize the office hours or additional help sessions often offered by instructors. These one-on-one opportunities provide a platform for addressing any challenges you encounter and seeking personalized guidance. By embracing these strategies and actively participating in your coaching classes, you not only enrich your learning experience but also align your self-study efforts with the course content, ultimately contributing to your academic success.
11. Seek Help When Needed:
Seeking help when you encounter academic challenges is a strategic move that can greatly benefit your learning journey. Understanding that asking for help is a proactive approach to mastering difficult subjects or concepts is crucial. Teachers, mentors, and classmates can offer insights, explanations, and guidance to help you overcome challenges and improve your understanding.
One benefit of seeking help is a supportive learning environment. When you acknowledge your struggles and actively seek assistance, you open the door to addressing misunderstandings promptly. Collaborative learning not only deepens your comprehension but also reinforces the idea that it’s perfectly acceptable to seek help when necessary – a crucial life skill. Additionally, seeking help fosters a growth mindset, allowing you to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. This mindset shift can lead to more profound personal development and a greater willingness to confront academic difficulties head-on. Embracing the diverse perspectives and experiences offered by those you seek help from can broaden your horizons and provide fresh insights, enriching your overall educational experience. In conclusion, don’t hesitate to reach out to tutors, mentors, or classmates when facing academic hurdles; it’s a proactive step toward becoming a more resilient and knowledgeable learner.
12. Do Not Procrastinate:
Time management is difficult without understanding procrastination’s causes and effects. Lack of motivation, perfectionism, task overwhelm, poor time management, and distractions all contribute to procrastination. These factors can delay important tasks, causing wasted time, stress, poor work quality, and missed deadlines.
Actionable strategies can help you overcome procrastination and improve time management. Set clear, specific task goals to motivate yourself. Break complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm. Treat tasks like appointments by scheduling them in time blocks. Use online distraction blockers and a tidy workspace to reduce distractions. Practising the Pomodoro Technique, visualising success, seeking accountability from a trusted person, and rewarding yourself after completing tasks can boost productivity. A therapist or counsellor can help with procrastination. Understanding procrastination and acting wisely can improve your productivity.
13. Collaborate With Fellow Students:
Studying with peers is an effective method for enriching your learning experience and mastering challenging subjects. Group discussions and study sessions with classmates or colleagues create a dynamic environment that encourages knowledge sharing and diverse perspectives, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.
One of the primary benefits of peer collaboration is the collective approach to tackling complex topics. In group discussions, different viewpoints and explanations are exchanged, providing a more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter. Additionally, group study sessions help bridge knowledge gaps as each member brings unique strengths and expertise. If you encounter difficulties with a concept, someone in the group may offer explanations that resonate with you. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive learning community, enhancing overall comprehension.
Bonus Tip:
Reward Yourself:
Rewarding yourself for reaching study goals is a potent motivator that can substantially enhance productivity and make learning more enjoyable. By establishing a system of rewards and treating yourself to something enjoyable after a productive study session, you create positive reinforcement for your efforts.
Rewards stimulate brain pleasure centers for immediate gratification. Studying with positive rewards, like a well-deserved treat or break, boosts motivation and helps you focus. Clear and achievable study goals are essential to implementing this system. These goals may include completing tasks, solving problems, or studying a certain amount. After reaching these goals, reward yourself with a favourite snack, a short walk, or time spent on a hobby you love. Keep rewards proportional and aligned with long-term goals for a balanced approach that doesn’t hinder progress. In conclusion, a reward system for study goals can boost motivation and productivity. It makes studying more enjoyable and helps you meet your academic goals. Treat yourself after a good study session to show your appreciation and boost your motivation.
In the pursuit of effective time management, while juggling between school and coaching classes, one invaluable piece of advice stands out: the power of undivided attention. It’s paramount to invest your full concentration when you’re at school or in your coaching class. Active listening, engaging with your instructors, and participating wholeheartedly in class discussions are essential to absorb as much knowledge as possible during these crucial learning moments.
While academic life is hectic, it’s important to remember that learning isn’t a marathon. Like a well-maintained machine, you need rest to perform well. In this context, relaxation and exercise are essential. Short, well-deserved breaks refresh and refocus your mind. Relaxation and exercise improve mental and physical health and help you focus in school. A successful journey requires balancing these elements. So, as you navigate the dual worlds of school and coaching classes, remember to approach each with intent and dedication, yet also allow yourself the grace of breaks and self-care. In doing so, you’re not just managing time; you’re cultivating a holistic approach to education and life. Best of luck on your academic journey!
FAQs
Q: How to manage time with coaching and self-study?
Answer: Prioritise and schedule tasks to manage coaching and self-study time. Pick the most important tasks to complete. Set aside time for coaching, self-study, and other commitments. Know your time and how long each task will take.
Q: How to manage time as a student in class 11?
Answer: Class 11 students should be organised, start early, and ask for help to manage time. Use a notebook or planner to organise assignments and due dates. Start assignments early to have time to finish and do your best. If you need help with an assignment or concept, ask your teacher, tutor, or classmates.
Q: How do you manage school and coaching at the same time?
Answer: To manage school and coaching at the same time, try to combine your studies whenever possible. For example, if you are learning about a particular topic in school, you can also review that topic in coaching. Use your breaks wisely to study or review your notes. Take advantage of weekends to catch up on any school or coaching work that you fell behind on during the week.
Q: How do you manage self-study and online classes?
Answer: Self-study and online classes can be managed with a dedicated study space and schedule. Self-study should be scheduled like a class and followed as much as possible. Break every 25-30 minutes to avoid burnout. Use online resources to learn new concepts and practice your skills.
Q: Why is time management important in coaching?
Answer: In coaching, time management helps you reach your goals. Time management helps you maximise coaching sessions and reach your goals faster.
Q: What are some good time management skills?
Answer: Some good time management skills include goal setting, prioritizing, planning, time tracking, and delegation.
Q: How do you coach time management skills?
Answer: To teach time management, help your client set goals, create a plan, and prioritise tasks. Teach them to make and follow a schedule. Help them to identify and eliminate distractions. If applicable, teach them how to delegate tasks to others.
Q: Suggest few tips for self study?
Answer: To self-study effectively, set clear goals, find a quiet place to study, take breaks, use active learning strategies, and reward yourself. When you engage with the material in a meaningful way and regularly track your progress, you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals. So, you got you tips for self study.
