Managing Study Time for a Working Adult

Going back to school as an adult learner offers a wonderful opportunity to broaden your knowledge and expand your career options, but earning your Online Degree from Geneva can be a challenge. When you’ve been out of school for years, getting back into a study routine can take some time to get used to. If you’re balancing studies with work, it’s important to find ways to manage your time efficiently so that you’re able to focus on both school and your job. The following time management tips are a valuable resource when you’re adjusting to school as a working adult.

Schedule Study Time

Planning on spending a certain amount of time per day on schoolwork is a good start, but it might not be effective enough. When other things come up, it’s too easy to push studying aside and procrastinate. In order to ensure that you do spend time focusing on schoolwork each day, schedule that time on your calendar. Blocking out a set amount of time for your studies makes it easier for you to stay committed to your goal.

Shut Off Distractions

Whether you’re studying for an exam or doing research for an assignment, it’s important to minimize distractions. Social media can be a major distraction that wastes valuable time. When you’re studying or conducting research online, it’s best to keep those sites closed, so you won’t be tempted to check them.

Create a Checklist

Having a to-do list helps you stay focused on everything you need to accomplish. This list can include all of the tasks you need to get done that day for school, work and home, or you can come up with a checklist just for schoolwork. As you go through this checklist, cross off the tasks you’ve taken care of. Being able to look at a solid list of everything you need to do gives you an easy way to keep track of what you’ve accomplished and what you still need to do before the day is over. Take time each night to create a new checklist for the following day.

Set Up a Study Space

Having an area to go to for doing schoolwork is another good way to help you stay focused and manage your time more efficiently. Set up a study space in a quiet part of your home, and let family members know what this area is for. Fill this space with everything you need to get schoolwork done, such as your textbooks, laptop or pen and paper. When it’s time to work on assignments or get ready for tests, being in your designated study space can make it easier to concentrate on schoolwork right away.

woman working at her laptop

Hold Yourself Accountable

If you’re having trouble focusing on studies, hold yourself accountable. Tell a family member what you need to work on, then let them know when you plan on getting it done. Knowing that someone else is expecting you to reach these goals can help you stay motivated and on schedule to get your schoolwork done.

While earning your degree may be a challenge, you can do it! Employ self-discipline and be mindful of how you use your time and you will have your degree in no time. Learn more about all of the Online Degree Programs that Geneva offers!

Source

http://www.educatedrooster.com/content/10-effective-time-management-strategies-for-college-students-and-adult-learners

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/life-goals/2014/07/five-stress-management-tips-for-adult-college-students/

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Oct 15, 2015

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