Key Strategies for Supporting Time Management and Self-Regulation

1. Emphasize Transparency in Task Expectations

Building on the TILT (Transparency in Learning and Teaching) framework, instructors can design assignments and activities that are clear and accessible to all students.

• Clearly Define Tasks
  • Provide detailed instructions that outline what students are expected to do, how they will be assessed, and why the task is important.
  • Example: Instead of assigning “Write a paper on X,” specify: “Write a 3-5 page analytical paper discussing X, using at least three peer-reviewed sources. Submit a draft for feedback by [date].”
• Estimate Time Requirements
  • Include realistic time estimates for each task to help students plan their schedules.
  • Example: “Reading this article should take approximately 30-45 minutes, and writing your reflection will take another 20-30 minutes.”
• Provide Models and Examples
  • Share examples of successful work to give students a clearer understanding of expectations.

2. Embed Feedback Opportunities

Opportunities for feedback help students gauge their progress and adjust their strategies.

• Scaffold Assignments
  • Break larger tasks into smaller components with deadlines and feedback at each stage.
  • Example: A research project could include a topic proposal, annotated bibliography, draft, and final submission, each with time for instructor or peer feedback.
• Offer Self-Check Prompts
  • Include questions or rubrics for students to evaluate their own work before submission.
  • Example: “Have I addressed all parts of the prompt? Is my thesis clear? Have I cited sources correctly?”
• Normalize Iteration
  • Encourage students to view feedback as part of the learning process rather than a final judgment.

3. Share Time Management Tools and Resources

Providing students with practical tools can empower them to organize their time effectively.

• Introduce Planning Tools
  • Share templates for time management, such as weekly planners, study schedules, or online tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion.
  • Example: Offer a downloadable spreadsheet with columns for tasks, deadlines, estimated time, and progress tracking.
• Promote Use of Apps and Software
  • Recommend apps like Pomofocus (Pomodoro technique), Forest (time tracking), or MyStudyLife (task organization).
• Integrate Time Audits
  • Encourage students to track their time for a week to understand how they allocate it and identify areas for improvement.
  • Example: Ask students to record how much time they spend on studying, attending class, and leisure, then reflect on the balance.

4. Build Reflection into Course Activities

Encouraging students to reflect on their time management habits can improve their self-awareness and regulation.

• Include Time Reflection Prompts
  • After a major assignment or project, ask students to reflect on how they planned and managed their time.
  • Example Questions:
    • “How much time did you dedicate to this task? Was it sufficient?”
    • “What strategies worked well for managing your time, and what would you change?”
• Use Mid-Semester Check-Ins
  • Include a reflection activity midway through the term to help students evaluate their time management and make adjustments.
  • Example: “What is one thing you could start, stop, or continue doing to improve your study habits?”
• Incorporate Metacognitive Wrappers
  • Combine reflection with learning by using exam or assignment wrappers.
  • Example: “Before you begin studying for the final, outline how you plan to prepare and how you will track your progress.”

5. Foster a Supportive Environment

Help students feel supported in their efforts to manage time and self-regulate.

• Acknowledge Challenges
  • Validate that time management is a skill to be learned, not an inherent trait.
  • Example: Share stories of your own struggles with time management and how you overcame them.
• Encourage Peer Support
  • Create opportunities for students to share tips and strategies with one another, such as in discussion boards or study groups.
• Provide Flexibility When Possible
  • Recognize that students’ circumstances vary and offer reasonable flexibility with deadlines or extensions when appropriate.

Bringing It All Together: Supporting Lifelong Skills

Instructors who integrate transparency, feedback, tools, and reflection into their courses help students develop critical time management and self-regulation skills. These abilities not only improve academic performance but also prepare students for personal and professional success. By modeling effective strategies and fostering a growth-oriented mindset, instructors empower students to take ownership of their learning and thrive in both academic and non-academic contexts.