So, it seems to me that the majority of my students have no concept of time management. None. I have just observed the majority of them just have no idea how to make sure they can get everything done they need to do within the time limit presented to them.
How did I ever come to this conclusion? Mmm.
Let’s start with the number of students I do not see for help on something until the day *of* a quiz/test. Not the day before. Not several days before. (Or, heaven forfend, the day they realize they have no idea what the hell is going on.) But the day I am going to give the quiz/test. It is mind-boggling to me how many of my students do not budget their time to allow them a chance to come in before ‘do or die’ time.
I’ve tried to tell them all how important it is for them to come in as soon – and as often – as possible. I know many of them have extracurricular activities or a job or something else. However. Their academic studies are supposed to come first. Every club/organization/sport tells the members this simple fact. School work comes before anything ‘extra’. And yet, I always hear the same excuses. “But I have to go to work.” or “But I have practice every day right after school.”
Hello? What’s more important here? Practice? Or keeping your grades up in my class? Hrmm. The latter? I would think so, given the fact that if you do poorly enough, you become ineligible to participate in *any* extracurricular activity, be it a sport, a club, the play, what have you.
So, now I need some ideas on how to truly get this thought into the brains of my students. Any thoughts on what works for you? Or what advice you would give?
I’m at the end of my rope, really.
