Schedules, Calendars, Planners, and “To Do” Lists

Study Skill 4.3 Schedules, Calendars, Planners, and “To Do” Lists

learning strategiesorganization

Introduction

As soon as you are informed of an upcoming assignment, exam, or project, carefully record the due date in your Calendar. Then, think backward. What steps do you need to do for the assignment? How much time will you need? Break this project down into smaller chunks that are easier to complete.

Use your “Weekly To Do” lists to keep track of what’s due weekly. As you complete assignments, mark them “Done.” Use the facing page to jot down how you’re going to complete smaller pieces of larger projects. Having “To Do” lists is important: The act of writing things down forces you to think and to plan. When creating a to-do list:

  • Be consistent.
  • Keep it short and simple.
  • Don't forget the fun stuff!
  • Review, prioritize and track your progress.

Finally, make sure you record everything: homework, deadlines (assignments, projects), exams, and other major obligations such as extracurricular activities. The major purpose in developing a planner is to allow you to decide in advance how you will divide your available time among study, work, and fun.

Watch

  • Thomas Frank “My 3-Tier Planning System for Getting Stuff Done - College Info Geek” (YT 04:36)

  • Big Think “Is Your To Do List Functioning as Mood Repair or Enhancing Your Productivity? Charles Duhigg” (YT 02:14)

Key Ideas

  • Break larger assignments into manageable bits to make studying more efficient.
  • A daily schedule can help organize your tasks and stay on top of deadlines.
  • Prioritizing activities in a to-do list makes it more effective.
  • Look for ways to reflect on and adjust your “to do list” to suit your needs.

Apply

  • In your Study Skills planner, record upcoming exams, quizzes, projects, and other assignments due in the next four to six weeks. Working backwards, add each step that needs to be completed. 
  • Create a daily schedule. Once you’ve done this, stick to it! Then, evaluate your schedule. What works well? What needs to be changed?
  • Make a “to do list” every day. At the end of the week, evaluate how useful the list was in helping you stay on track and finish your goals.

Quick Check

It's a good idea to break larger assignments into manageable bits when writing a "to do" list to make studying more efficient.

Check Answer

Quick Check

You should think about what you need to do every week, but it's not always important to write down the tasks in a list.

Check Answer