Top 4 Time Management Problems for Students (With Solutions!)
As the new school semester starts, your child may find themselves under increasing pressure to complete their revision and prepare for their year-end exams. One of the most important things for students to do is manage their time wisely. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. It is common for some students to try to do everything at once and end up feeling overwhelmed. Others may procrastinate because they are not sure where to start.
There are a number of reasons why your secondary school child may struggle with time management when it comes to studying for exams.
Factors that affect time management of students
1. Procrastination
For starters, procrastination can be a major obstacle to effective time management. Many students battle with procrastination when it is time to hit the books. After a long day at school, it can be difficult to muster up the motivation to sit down, do homework and revise. However, leaving revision to the last minute is often ineffective and can even lead to poorer performance on exams.
When your child puts off studying, they often try to cram all of the material into their brain in a short period of time. This can lead to information overload and make it difficult to retain what was learned. As a result, your child may feel underprepared on the day of the exam.
2. Multitasking
When your child is constantly trying to do two or more things at once, they don’t have the opportunity to practise focusing on one task and seeing it through to completion. As they are jumping back and forth between tasks, this may impair your child’s best thinking and lead to confusion or forgetfulness. Your child may also have trouble when it comes to tasks that require sustained attention, such as homework or studying for a test.
3. Distractions
Additionally, it can be tempting for children to take frequent breaks or allow themselves to be distracted by their phones or social media when they should be focusing on their studies. However, this can lead to them not being able to complete their revision within the time available. It is therefore important to help your child identify and avoid distractions while improving their concentration.
4. Poor planning
Overall, there are countless things to consider when it comes to revising any subject – from what material to cover to how much time to dedicate to studying. In fact, one of the most important aspects of exam preparation is planning. Without a well-thought-out plan, it can be easy to get sidetracked or focus on topics that are not as important. This can lead to rushed efforts that leave key topics uncovered.
Superstar Teacher’s tips
Fortunately, there are a few ways to improve your child’s time management and help them stay on track. For example, you can guide your child in creating a study schedule and sticking to it. Dedicating a certain amount of time each day to studying will help to break the revision process into manageable chunks and make it feel less overwhelming. A study schedule can declutter their day and make it easier for them to focus on one thing at a time.
By carving out specific periods for homework, studying, and relaxation, a study schedule can also help your child use their time wisely. When your child knows what to expect, they can feel more motivated and in control of their day. Furthermore, revision should be started early enough that your child has time to review the material thoroughly and make any necessary adjustments to their studying strategy.
That’s not all! Your child can also better plan and organise their time via Superstar Teacher’s online learning platform in Singapore. By having access to PSLE papers, past-year secondary school exams and more, your child can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition, our Instant Homework Help can provide your child with tailored feedback and support, helping them to better understand the material and avoid falling behind. As a result, our online tuition platform can be a valuable tool for helping your child develop strong time management skills. Create a parent account today to get started.
