How to create a study schedule that actually works

Introduction

Studying for hours and hours, but still can’t manage? As we know, in the modern era, the curriculum is increasingly challenging, and students must work a bit harder. Instead, they cannot manage their study because they do not follow a proper study schedule. Here is the solution to your problem. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary steps to make an effective study schedule.

What is a study plan?

A study plan/ schedule is a structured and organized way to outline how much time you should give to your study, covering every subject. A study schedule should include time slots, breaks, subjects, and goals. Making a study schedule will improve time management, reduce stress, improve productivity, and boost motivation and consistency. 

What is the importance of making a study plan?

Creating a study plan is essential for effective learning and academic success. The importance of a study plan is time management, which improves focus and concentration. It reduces stress and anxiety and ensures coverage of the syllabus. It is beneficial to set clear goals and maintain a balance. A study schedule acts like a roadmap for your academic journey, making you steady and consistent. It helps to use time efficiently, balance study, increase productivity, and build discipline.

Do I really need a study plan?

This is a good question and an honest one. A study plan is necessary for most of the students. You need a study plan because you want to do well, you have multiple subjects to study, you get distracted, you are preparing for an exam or project, and most importantly, you want time for yourself. By making a study plan, you can manage all the things in parallel. A well-designed study plan eliminates last-minute cramming, improves productivity, and enhances self-discipline.

Steps to create a study plan

Here are some essential steps to follow in creating an effective study plan.

Understanding the importance of a study schedule

Assess your time

First thing you should know is how much time you have available for your study after school hours, sleep, leisure time, family time, and after completing social work. It is necessary as it prevents you from overscheduling yourself, and it ensures a balance between academics, rest, and personal life.

How to assess your time commitments while creating a study schedule

• List your daily and weekly activities
• Track your schedule for 2-3 days
• Avoid using time wasters
• Include free time slots
• Decide how much time you can study

Define your goals

After assessing your time, now it’s time to define your goals. You should recognize whether you are preparing for. It means clearly identifying what you want to achieve in a specific time. Study goals keep you motivated and track your growth and progress. Goals could be short-term or long-term. Short-term goals could be class tests or some sort of assignments, or presentations. Long-term goals may include your goals for the whole semester or year. 

How to define your goals

• Know what you want
• Use SMART goals
• Break larger goals into smaller goals

Identify your productivity hours

Every person has a different personality, and their productivity time also differs. Productivity hours mean the time during which you can you can learn faster, focus, and retain more information. Some people can study more effectively in the early hours, while some people prefer to study at night. It is important because it makes studying easier and more efficient, and helps avoid wasting time in low-energy times.

How to identify your productivity hours

• Observe your energy hours
• Try studying at different times

Schedule your harder tasks during this time and save easier tasks for another time.

Choose a scheduling method that suits you

There are different scheduling methods; you should choose which suits your taste according to your personality, goals, and lifestyle. The types of scheduling methods are given below:

Time-based scheduling

In time-based scheduling, you divide your time and assign different tasks to each interval of time. For example, you make a timetable dividing time and tasks. 

Task-based scheduling

In task-based scheduling, you identify all the tasks you have to do and make a list. After highlighting the tasks, you can complete them whenever you have time.

Pomodoro method

In the Pomodoro method, a schedule is made in such a way that there are short study time sessions of 25 minutes, and after each session, a short break of 5 minutes. After the completion of 4 sessions, take a long break. This makes your schedule well organized.

Hybrid scheduling

In hybrid scheduling, two or more methods are combined to make an effective study schedule.

Divide your tasks and prioritize them

Once you know your goals and scheduling method, the next step is to divide the study tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and prioritize them according to their importance.

• Divide your larger tasks into smaller pieces
• Categorize them 
• Prioritize them according to their importance
• Label them as high priority, medium priority, and low priority

It is an important way for consistent progress and helps to achieve the overwhelming goals by dividing and prioritizing them.

Add breaks and downtime

A good and effective study schedule should also include breaks and free time. Breaks refresh the mind and make things easier to retain, and also prevent mental fatigue and stress. Some people consider breaks a cause of distraction, but they are important as they relax your mind. There are different methods to make a schedule, including breaks and study time. Some important methods are mentioned below:

• Pomodoro method (25 minutes of study, 5 minutes break, repeat this four times, take a long break after four sessions of 25 minutes)
• 52/17 rule (study 52 minutes and rest for 17 minutes)
• 90 minutes focus cycle (long work with long breaks of 20-30 minutes)
• Make study sessions (morning session, afternoon session, evening session)
• Also include a full day off in a week

Review your schedule every week

Reviewing the schedule is important to check whether it is working or not. Also, to check if any improvement is needed. It helps to track your progress and encourage consistency. Sometimes the study plan needs to be changed if it is not working or is not working efficiently. It helps to stay in control and adapt to change. 

How to review the study schedule

• Look at what you have done in the week
• Evaluate your sessions
• Update 
• Adjust according to new goals

Conclusion 

Creating a study schedule is not about just overloading yourself, but about building an organized plan that keeps your goals, lifestyle, and study style in parallel. A study schedule can be made by analyzing your time and goals. A study plan should not be so rigid; it should be made flexible to adapt to changes. In this article, we have provided you with all the necessary steps you should follow while making a study schedule. 

Wants to study tips for exam preparations. Here you go https://shiningstudy.com/tips-for-exam-preparations

See an example of 5 day study planner on https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/the-five-day-study-plan/