Good teachers manage classrooms. Great teachers start by managing their time.
Well, let’s face it, being a B.Ed. student is like riding a rollercoaster that doesn’t stop, isn’t it? One minute you’re prepping lesson plans for your school internship, and the next, you’re cramming for your pedagogy test. The dual demand of practical training and theoretical assignments can feel devastating.
Nevertheless, here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and time management can be learned.
According to a 2023 survey by Education World, over 68% of B.Ed. students reported stress due to workload mismanagement during their practical semesters. That’s a huge numberand a big reason to adopt smarter time habits now.
Whether you’re attendingteaching sessions, writing insightful journals, or studying for child development theory, these practical tips will help you stay on track without losing your mind (or your sleep).
1. Start with a Smart Doable Weekly Plan
Keep 1-2 hours unclogged for flexibility. Emergencies or abrupt assignments are unavoidable.Think of your week as a mini-project. Start every Sunday evening by planning out your classes, teaching practice, deadlines, and reconsideration goals.
- Use a planner or a digital tool like Google Calendar or Notion.
- Block time for each category: practical tasks, reading, assignments, and breaks.
- Highlight the non-negotiables, like school visits or internal assessments.
2. Use the Pomodoro Method
When motivation slopes, the Pomodoro Technique is your friend:
- 25 minutes of attentive work
- 5-minute break
- After 4 rounds, take a 20-minute break
Apps like Focus Keeper or TomatoTimer can help. It’s great for:
- Typing lesson plans
- Memorizing educational theories
- Completing core assignments
You’ll be amazed how much you get done in small sprints!
3. Arrange Tasks Using the Eisenhower Matrix
It is significant to know the difference between Urgent vs. Important. Create 4 categories:
- Urgent & Important (e.g., lesson due tomorrow)
- Important but Not Urgent (e.g., theory revision for next week)
- Urgent but Not Important (e.g., group meeting without agenda)
- Neither Urgent nor Important (scrolling through teacher memes—guilty?)
This aids you focus on what really matters each day.
4. Leverage Digital Tools
Make technology work for you:
- Trello for tracking assignment progress
- Google Keep for on-the-go note capturing
- Canva for preparing visual teaching aids
- Grammarly for polishing your assignments
Set reminders for submissions and use cloud storage (like Google Drive) to access files across devices.
5. Check in with Yourself Weekly
Self-reflection isn’t just for your teaching journal. Once a week, ask:
- What went well this week?
- What took more time than it should have?
- What will I do differently next week?
This helps you adjust and stay mindful of how you spend your time.
6. Say No (Humbly)
FOMO is real, but so is exhaustion. Learn to say “no” when:
- A group project spirals without direction
- A classmate wants help but you’re behind on your own work
Protect your time like it’s a resource since it is.
7. Limit Multitasking
We think multitasking makes us well-organized but it frequently leads to poor performance. Studies show that multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40%.
As an alternative:
- Focus on one thing at a time: finish the reflective journal before jumping to your pedagogy notes.
- Silence notifications during study or lesson planning blocks.
8. Sync Practical Work with Assignments
Most B.Ed. programs need lesson planning, classroom observation, and student assessments. Instead of treating them as separate, link them with your theory courses.
For example:
- Use your real classroom experience as examples in your pedagogy assignment.
- Reflect on actual teaching feedback when writing journal entries.
This approach saves time and deepens understanding.
9. Follow the ‘Two-Hour Rule’ for Theory
Research suggests that breaking study time into attentive chunks increases retention. Allocate two hours daily (or every alternate day) firmly for theoretical subjects.
- Split it: 1 hour for reading, 1 hour for notes or mock tests.
- Keep your theory materials handy, particularly core subjects like Educational Psychology or Assessment.
This way, you’re not trying to learn an entire unit the night before the exam.
10. Build a Routine That Cares You
Habits shape accomplishment. Try:
- Sleeping at the same time daily
- Studying during your peak energy hours (morning or night?)
- Keeping Sundays for light review or catching up
Even 10-minute daily reviews can reduce last-minute pressure.
Concluding Thoughts
Time management isn’t about embracing every second of your day, it’s about making time work for you. As an online Bachelor of Education student, balancing the strength of practical teaching with theoretical education isn’t easy. However, with a few planned strategies, it’s completely doable.
Remember: being organized doesn’t mean being picture-perfect. It means showing up with a plan and adjusting when required.
