How to improve time management skills in students

In a world filled with constant notifications, distractions, and demands, supporting our children to master the art of effective time management is increasingly important. However, this isn’t simply about giving them to the tools to schedule their day; it’s about encouraging them to make conscious choices about how they spend their time.

As a school, this means implementing a range of strategies that set our students up for success. In this article, we talk about the benefits of good time management for students – and how we, as a community of staff and parents, can instil lifelong skills from an early age.

The importance of time management

Getting to grips with time management is important for many reasons.

Research shows that students who can effectively manage their time perform better academically, are less stressed, and generally enjoy being at school more. In fact, a University of Pennsylvania study found that self-discipline – the driving force behind time management – is a better predictor of teenagers’ academic performance than their IQ.

Time management helps our students to prioritise their tasks. This enables them to make the most of their time and ensure they’re making progress toward their goals. For example, being good at organising a revision schedule can enable a student to both a) effectively prepare for their exam and b) enjoy some much-needed down time.

An understanding of time management also ensures our students develop the mindset they need to succeed at university, work, and in day-to-day life.

How we improve our students’ time management

So, how do we instil good time management habits in our children?

Like every aspect of the education we offer at BISB, we take a personalised approach. This means finding out what works for each child. Strategies such as goal setting, breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and using planners can all help a student focus and stay on track.

Our commitment to wellbeing – through our PSHE programme – gives our students the tools they need to manage stress and maintain a healthy school-life balance, too.

Effective time management is at the heart of personal and professional success. In the IB@BISB we use our electronic calendars to help us manage our lessons, meetings and tasks. Students are taught how to add a meeting to their Outlook calendars and all of their formal work is scheduled with a dropbox on ManageBac. 

It is important to have consistency with specific tasks to make them more predictable and easier to manage. For example, all official IB tasks are scheduled for submission by 16:00 on Sundays. This also gives students time to prepare for their upcoming week and spend time with their families. 

When planning we teach our students that tasks usually take longer than they think they will. We ask them to schedule time for planning, doing and reflecting. In addition, they 'chunk' their time. Tasks often seem too big to handle, so they break the big task into smaller segments ensuring they don't feel overwhelmed but also can work through the task appropriately. We suggest our students use a timer a set tasks for 20-50 minutes in duration, then take a short break over a couple of hours. This allows them to feel success because they have tangible progress. 

Most importantly students must devise rewards and timetable exercise, social time and rest periods to keep their motivation and energy. The are advised to remember that perfection doesn't exist and that it is important to complete tasks in a timely period to the best of their ability at that time. 

Overcoming challenges to good time management

Effectively managing time isn’t without its challenges, however. And while some students are natural organisers and planners, others need a bit more help.

Common obstacles include procrastination, digital distractions, and the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do. Our staff work with students to identify and address these ‘time wasters’, and implement tailored strategies, like some of those mentioned above, to help them better organise their time.

The importance of good time management skills

From improved wellbeing and reduced stress to increased productivity and more free time, being able to manage time effectively has many benefits.

A balanced schedule

Our students have lots to think about, including lessons, extra-curricular activities, and socialising. Time management helps them to create a balanced schedule, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

Reduced stress

Poor time management can lead to procrastination and last-minute cramming, causing stress and anxiety. By planning and organising their time effectively, students can reduce stress and approach their tasks with a calm and focused mindset.

Increased productivity

When learners manage their time well, they enhance their productivity. They can prioritise tasks, set goals, and work efficiently, leading to better academic performance.

Achieving goals

Time management encourages the setting and achievement of goals. Whether it’s completing a piece of coursework, preparing for IB Diploma exams, or learning a musical instrument, effective study time management helps our students keep track of their progress and work towards their objectives.

Building a strong work ethic

Learning to manage time well contributes to the development of a strong work ethic. This can positively impact on a student’s approach to challenges, responsibilities, and lifelong learning.

More free time

Proper time management can lead to more free time. By efficiently completing tasks, learners can enjoy leisure activities, hobbies, and socialising without the burden of unfinished homework or revision hanging over them.

Ready for the future

Effective time management is something our students need for the future. It’s a skill that’s needed to meet the demands of higher education, work, and life in general.

10 tips for teaching your child about time management

Teaching children about time management can be fun and rewarding. We’ve put together a few practical tips to make learning this essential skill enjoyable for your child.

1. Start early: It’s never too early to start teaching time management. Instilling these skills before the transition from primary to secondary school can provide them with a solid foundation.
2. Establish routines: Daily routines can help children to understand the concept of time and create a sense of structure.
3. Morning and evening rituals: Use morning and evening rituals to teach your child about prioritising tasks and managing their time effectively.
4. Use timers: Introduce timers to activities and games to help your child grasp the concept of time passing.
5. Prioritise activities: Encourage your child to prioritise activities based on importance, helping them understand the value of time.
6. Turn tasks into games: Transform daily tasks into fun games, making the learning process entertaining, and fostering a positive attitude towards time management.
7. Reward system: Implement a reward system to motivate your child to complete tasks within a set time limit, reinforcing positive time management habits.
8. Prepare a to-do list: Help your child to create a to-do list. Stick this to the wall so they can see what needs to be done and when.
9. Problem-solve together: Work together to solve any challenges they encounter when it comes to staying on track, helping them build their independence and resilience.
10. Celebrate achievements: Celebrate your child’s successes in managing their time effectively, boosting their confidence and motivation.