‘PRIORITISING AND STUDY/HOME LEARNING TIMETABLE’
Most students find it very difficult to just sit down and complete a Study Session unless it is planned ahead of time. When teenagers adopt the ‘spontaneous’ approach of just letting it happen when they feel like studying, usually results in them not completing what they need to or finishing it as a less than personal best standard.
The best way to approach Study and Home Learning is to design a structured timetable that includes all the things that occupy the student’s time, such as:
· Sport training
· Part time jobs
· Study and Home Learning
· Favourite television shows
· Family commitments
· Leisure activities
· Social networking
· Other?
Ask them to brainstorm and write down all the after school activities they are involved in on each day of the week, when they are on and how long they last on the ‘Must and Options’ page. Now the hard part begins, that is, prioritising them in order of importance – the MUSTS and the OPTIONS. If there is a shortage of time then something will have to do, probably one of the Options.
They should look at the Sample Home Learning / Study Timetables for ideas on how to design their own on pages 17 – 19 of the student diary. Then on a copy of the Blank Home Learning / Study Timetable (download from the school website) they are to create their own.
Arranging their time commitments and the required number of Study Sessions is an exercise that encourages students to take greater ownership of their lives and reflect on their progress; their Study Timetable is a contract with themselves. It usually will provide them with more time for themselves by reducing ‘nothing time’ between activities.
To help the students stick to their timetables and maintain harmony in the home, a good idea is to place a copy on the fridge to encourage a team approach.
Should you have any queries or concerns regarding your son/daughter’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact his/her Year Level Coordinator.
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’ Chinese Proverb
