4 common reasons why students arent good with managing time

Online learning environment has attracted many students to sign up for various online courses. Students who assume online classes to be easy and flexible eventually find them in troubled waters when they realize the truth. Yes, online courses have academic workload similar to regular degree programs. You must have a disciplined approach and dedication to complete the course successfully. But not all students are capable of doing it correctly. There are many ways in which students mismanage their time and struggle to stay on track. Let us look at why students struggle with time management and what they can do to manage their time efficiently. 

Procrastination 

Procrastination is one of the ways students mismanage their time. A recently study reveals that about 25% of students become chronic procrastinators in their class. Why do students procrastinate? Activities and behaviors, such as watching TV, sleeping, playing video games, browsing online without any purpose, and wasting time on mobile phones. Procrastination will lead to several consequences in a student’s life. You may fail to work on your assignments or take classes, and you may perform badly in your exams or get poor grades. 

Apart from poor academic performance, procrastination will also wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. You may go through negative emotions, such as guilt, shame, sadness, and frustration. 

How can you deal with procrastination and stay on top of your academics? You can break large tasks into manageable small tasks and work on them. Wake up early and try to complete all important work beforehand to stay relaxed. Stay focused and motivated to achieve your goals. 

Distractions

When we highlight four ways in which students mismanage their time, distraction is certainly one of the most common reasons for time mismanagement. Our lifestyle today has become busy, and we involve in a wide range of activities each. On top of that, mobile phones have become indispensable part of our lives, which help us to do everything. From checking social media notifications, updates, messages, and alerts to shopping and working, we indulge in a plethora of activities on the mobile phone. We tend to use them even if they are not essential. Students use mobile phones while taking classes and lose track on their studies. 

Apart from phones, television, web series, video games, and many other things keep us engaged in some ways. Too much of engagement is also one of the main reasons why students struggle with time management. 

How can students eliminate this distraction and manage their time efficiently? Rewarding yourself is an easy way to beat distractions. You can earn the reward of playing video games after completing an assignment or homework, or watch Netflix after accomplishing your academic goals. 

Multitasking 

You may wonder why do students struggle with time management despite having a flexible schedule? Many students try to multitask while studying. Experts say it’s a harmful habit that can decrease your productivity. Multitasking is all about performing two or more tasks simultaneously, switching back and forth from one task to another. People who multitask are less likely to develop their creative thinking ability, and it can have long-term negative impact as well. 

If you’re wondering how to refrain from multitasking, which is one of the ways students mismanage their time, the following tips will help you.

• Create a list of priorities and focus on one task at a time. 
• Eliminate external distractions. 
• Learn to say no, and this will help you focus your priorities. 
• Turn off social media notifications while studying online. 
• Find a distraction-free environment to complete your most important task. 
• Get enough rest when you’re tired. 

Lack Of Punctuality 

Online students will have plenty of classes, assignments, essays, exams, or group projects. Some of the tasks will come with deadlines that should not be missed. Being punctual to online classes will also have an impact on grade calculation. But many students tend to ignore this aspect of being punctual. It has become one of the ways in which students mismanage their time. 

Lack of punctuality will lead to poor grades, embarrassment, and an unsuccessful career. If you like to manage your time efficiently, you must take steps to maintain punctuality in your online classes. Here are the things you can do to be punctual in your online classes and manage time effectively. 

• Make a conscious decision of being punctual to your online classes. 
• Use a timer to manage your time. 
• Log in on time. 
• Stick to your to do list and follow it like a ritual. 
• You can use your mobile phone to set reminders about certain tasks and online classes. 
• Track how much time you spend on each task. 

As you have gone through the highlights of four ways in which students mismanage their time, you will very well know what to do with your time. Make sure to follow the guidelines and earn top grades in your online classes. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Time Management

1. How can I manage time efficiently as an online student?

Create a schedule and stick to it. Prioritize your tasks and submit all assignments on time. If you need help, hire an online class tutor to manage your coursework. 

2. What is the best way to stop procrastination and focus on studies?

You can try to break a large work into manageable pieces of small tasks and focus on them one by one. It will help you move forward with ease and achieve success gradually. 

3. Is multitasking good for online learning?

No, multitasking will decrease your productivity and cause long-term negative impact. Focus on one task at a time and score better grades in your online classes. 

4. How can I avoid distractions while taking online classes?

Turn off your social media alerts, block access to distracting websites, take a break, get some rest, and get into study routine. These tips will help you avoid distractions in online classes. 

We have given all the right answers for the question of, “Why do students struggle with time management?” It’s your duty now to follow them and stay top of your online classes.