Managing assignments
It can feel hard and overwhelming to complete all the assignments you need to do, especially
when they’re complex or when multiple things are due at once. One way to manage this stress is
by creating a plan that breaks down tasks into manageable steps. We can do this by setting
SMART goals to help us stay on track and break down big tasks into smaller, more achievable
steps. Here’s what SMART stands for:
- S – Specific: Clearly define the goal and what needs to be done.
- M – Measurable: Set an exact endpoint so you know when you’re done.
- A – Attainable: Make sure the goal is something you can realistically achieve.
- R – Relevant/Realistic: The goal should be reasonable and related to what needs to be done.
- T – Time-limited: Set a timeline or deadline to make the task manageable.
Chunking
Completing an entire project or assignment at once can be overwhelming. One helpful strategy is
to break large projects or assignments into smaller, more manageable chunks. This strategy is
called chunking. This makes the task feel less intimidating because each step is clear and
achievable.
To stay organized, create artificial due dates for each of these steps and write them in your
agenda. By doing this, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you check off each chunk of the
task.
Managing your Time
We won’t always have enough time or energy to complete all the goals we set, and that’s okay! The
important thing is to try and complete as much as we can and stick to parts of the plan.
Sometimes, it’s helpful to start with the easiest part of the task, or just get something down on
paper to get the momentum going. It’s much easier to get started than to sit and do nothing. Even
if you can’t complete everything, doing something is better than doing nothing.
Time Management
Effective time management is essential to staying on top of your work. It involves:
- Recognizing what needs to be done to complete the task
- Estimating how long each part will take
- Prioritizing the most important tasks
For example, if you have three assignments due, take a moment to ask yourself:
- Which assignment will take the longest?
- Which one is worth the most (in terms of grade or impact)?
- Which is due first?
- Do I need help or have questions about the task?
To avoid underestimating how long tasks will take, it can be helpful to double the amount of
time you think you’ll need. This gives you extra buffer time for unexpected delays.
Feeling Stuck
Sometimes, we get stuck or frustrated with a part of an assignment. When that happens, it’s
helpful to have a plan for how to move forward. Having a plan in place helps us keep moving
forward, even if we encounter difficulties.
Ask yourself: “What can I do if I get stuck on a problem?”
Here’s an example of a flexible approach:
- Look at the example again
- Reread the text or instructions
- Ask for help from a teacher, tutor, or classmate
Check out this article about learning to stay focused!
