Going back to school for an allied healthcare degree might be challenging if you're trying to balance your work and academic life. With new assignments and projects being doled out each week, you have to be sure to properly manage your work to get everything done on time. Here are four important tips to remember.
- Develop a strategy.
According to U.S. News and World Report, students who take classes online need structure and planning to adequately divide their time among assignments.1 One of the best ways to handle the task is by using your syllabi to generate a study calendar. Many due dates for papers and exams might be better prepared for if you are fully aware of them beforehand. Rigid deadlines may help you better manage your time between school, work and home.
- Study in bursts.
Rather than cramming all of your studying into long nights before exams, steadily chip away at your textbooks and class notes during the week, Best Online Universities suggested.2 Sometimes, students will not begin reviewing for tests until test dates begin to inch closer on their schedules. However, by fitting in multiple small study sessions, you might manage your workload more effectively. Take 15-20 minutes before bed each night to look over new topics – this may help you learn and retain the information better.
- Find a learning space.
Everyone approaches studying differently, from the methods of reviewing subjects to the specific area used for finishing schoolwork. The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center explained that your learning space might have an impact on your academic performance.3 If you choose to study in noisy, crowded environments, you may have difficulty learning effectively. A comfortable and well-lit space, such as a library or local coffee shop, may be preferable over your own house or apartment.
- Learn to prioritize.
Learners.com explained that one of the most important aspects of proper time management is being able to prioritize your workload.4 There might be assignments with short-term deadlines that you must adhere to, but there may also be long-term projects that you can steadily work on over time. Switching back and forth between assignments might help keep things fresh and interesting.
With these tips, you might be able to properly prioritize and finish assignments, getting ahead of your work and preparing yourself for exams and papers. Good luck!
2http://bestonlineuniversities.com/7-important-time-management-tips-for-online-students/
3http://www.valrc.org/tutorials/onlinelearner/organization.htm