Online, accelerated programs tend to attract students who are balancing many competing priorities including working full time and supporting and caring for their families. This means these students have to be experts in time management, and without those time management skills, they are more likely drop from your course or program. According to Risepoint’s 2024 Voice of the Online Learner report, 25% of students who left their online programs within the first year cited balancing work and school commitments as the primary reason they stepped out.
As a faculty member, you can play a critical role in helping students manage their time effectively by setting clear expectations and offering practical tools. Adopt the Student Time Management Planning Worksheet to guide students as they organizing their schedules to balance coursework and other commitments.
Supporting Students with Time Management
Step 1: Download the Worksheet
Download the Time Management Planning Worksheet. Each tab represents a module or week of your course and can be completed to assess the time on task of learning materials and assessments week-by-week.
By completing the Student Time Management Planning Worksheet yourself, you’re not just modeling time management… you’re giving students a head start and setting a tone of transparency and support. You’re showing students that you’ve considered their time and want to help them succeed academically and personally.
Step 2: Adjust for Your Course
Adjust the worksheet so that it contains the correct number of weeks or modules in your course. Then, complete each tab by entering in the number of learning materials and assessments in your course week-over-week. The total number of hours students can expect to spend will begin to calculate in each tab.
Using the worksheet allows you to reflect on the workload you’re assigning. By analyzing time on task, you can ensure your expectations are reasonable and align with the course’s learning objectives. This not only helps prevent overwhelming students but also enhances the quality of their learning experience. When you communicate how much time specific tasks should take—such as reading, discussion posts, or assessments—you’re giving students the clarity they need to succeed.
Step 3: Share the Time on Task Estimates
On the Course Time on Task tab, you should now see a calculated week-by-week estimated time on task total. Either save the workbook as a PDF or copy and paste the estimates to your syllabus. You can also use our template announcement below to announce this helpful information to students early in the term.
Hello [Course Name],
Welcome to the first week of our course! I’m excited to start this journey with you. As we kick off, I want to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of time commitments week-by-week.
Here is a quick summary:
[Course Time on Task Table]
These weekly estimates include important course activities like readings, discussions, assignments, and projects. Some weeks may require a bit more time, especially when major deliverables are due, so it’s important to plan ahead.
This week, take a moment to review the syllabus, mark key deadlines on your calendar, and consider the estimated hours above. Think carefully about how you’ll fit coursework into your weekly schedule. Developing strong time management strategies now will help you stay on track and reduce stress later in the semester!
Remember, I’m here to support you—please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need guidance. Let’s make this a great semester together!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
By equipping students with a clear understanding of what lies ahead, you’re helping them build the time management skills they’ll need—not just for your course, but throughout their academic and professional journeys.
Clear expectations and thoughtful planning are small steps that can have a big impact on your students’ success. With the Student Time Management Planning Worksheet, you’re giving students more than just a tool—you’re offering them a lifeline in navigating the complexities of balancing life and learning. So, take the time to fill out the worksheet for your course and make it available to your students. It’s a simple yet powerful way to set them up for success from the start. After all, when students feel prepared and supported, they’re much more likely to thrive.
