Cognitive Function and Learning Explained

Module Six

Time Management

Goal: Students will create mindful daily morning and night routines. Students will reinforce the priority protocols from the previous module to determine how they are balancing the various areas of life (health, school, work, relationships, etc.). Students will understand the value of effective time management and its principles. 

Essential Questions:

  1. Why is time management important?
  2. How can we determine whether we are managing our time effectively?
  3. How do poor time management and chronic procrastination affect mental health? In contrast, how does mental health affect time management and chronic procrastination?
  4. What strategies can be implemented to help with time management?

Students will know:

  • Why we procrastinate
  • Why sleep and exercise are important
  • How to use tools, including time blocking and time strategies

Students will be able to:

  • Evaluate and determine their valued areas of life
  • Create balanced schedules with a realistic understanding of time
  • Utilize strategies to prevent procrastination
  • Create daily routines that allow for flexibility and prioritization

Assessment Evidence:

  • Performance Tasks:
    • Self-Assessment 
    • Case studies or scenarios where students apply planning and prioritization concepts.
    • Student reflections/journals.
  • Other Evidence:
    • Observations and discussions during class activities.

Resources and Materials:

  • Module Six Slideshow/PDF
  • Brainstorming and writing tools (whiteboard, paper, pencils, notebooks, etc.)
  • Optional: Planners, digital tools, or planning printouts.

Part One: Importance of Time Management

Objective: Students will understand why time management is important and how it contributes to overall well-being.

  1. Start with a video or discussion on the benefits of effective time management in achieving goals and reducing stress. Videos on time management and procrastination can be found on YouTube. Some favorites can be found here.
  2. Using the Module Six Slideshow/PDF, introduce the concept of time management and its principles, such as setting priorities, allocating time wisely, and avoiding procrastination.
  3. Explain how poor time management can lead to stress, missed opportunities, and decreased productivity.
  4. Have students complete the “Time Management Self-Assessment.”
  5. Encourage discussion that allows students to reflect on their experiences with time management.
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Two: Assessing Time Management Skills

Objective: Students will evaluate their current time management skills and identify areas for improvement.

  1. Provide the “Time Management Case Study” in the Module Six Slideshow/PDF or present scenarios where effective time management is crucial (e.g., balancing school, work, and social activities).
  2. Introduce tools and techniques for assessing time management skills, such as time logs or trackers, accountability partners, and time blocking.
  3. Discuss common challenges to effective time management (e.g., procrastination, lack of prioritization).
  4. Have students identify tools or techniques that could be effective in the “Time Management Case Study.”
  5. Encourage students to complete a time log for a day or week to track how they spend their time and identify time-wasting activities. Templates for a daily and weekly log can be found here or in the Module Six PDF.
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Three: Impact of Time Management on Mental Health

Objective: Students will explore how poor time management and chronic procrastination affect mental health and vice versa.

  1. Discuss the connection between time management, stress, and mental health. Tip: Begin with a question such as “Since we’ve been exploring time management techniques, why do you think it matters for your mental health?” or “What does it feel like when you’ve waited until the last minute to do a major project or study for an important test?”
  2. Introduce research findings on how poor time management and procrastination contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout using the Module Six Slideshow/PDF.
  3. Explain the role of sleep, exercise, and self-care in maintaining mental well-being and effective time management. Videos on the importance of sleep and exercise can be found on YouTube. Some favorites can be found here.
  4. Have students analyze the “Time Management Case Study” again through the lens of how the scenarios may impact the students’ mental health. If appropriate, personal experiences related to the impact of time management on mental health can be shared.
  5. Have students write a reflection on a time they managed their time in a way that affected their well-being. 
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Four: Strategies for Effective Time Management

Objective: Students will learn and practice strategies to improve time management skills.

  1. Discuss strategies such as time blocking, setting SMART goals, prioritizing tasks, and using productivity tools.
  2. Provide examples and demonstrations of how these strategies can be applied to daily routines and schedules. The Module Six Slideshow and PDF provide examples. 
  3. Discuss the importance of flexibility and adaptability in time management strategies.
  4. Have students create daily or weekly SMART goals and a time management plan using the strategies learned.
  5. Review the goals and plans individually or as a group.
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Five: Creating Mindful Daily Routines

Objective: Students will develop mindful daily morning and night routines that promote balance, productivity, and well-being.

  1. Discuss the benefits of mindful routines in starting and ending the day on a positive note. Begin with questions such as “What does your average morning look like?” or “What do you usually do before bed?” 
  2. Introduce elements of a mindful routine, such as meditation, journaling, exercise, and goal setting.
  3. Explain how mindful routines can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. The Module Six Slideshow and PDF provide references and details.
  4. Guide students in creating their own mindful morning and night routines, incorporating time management principles and self-care activities.
  5. Have students reflect on the impact of their routines on daily life, productivity, and well-being through discussion or written responses.
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.
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