“I didn’t have enough time!” This is a common excuse students use when they don’t have their work done when in reality, they have had more than enough time, but they just don’t know how to use it efficiently. Most high schools provide students with a study hall period in their schedule. The amount of work students could get done during the school day often ends up not getting done until the last minute. Ms. Blaise a teacher here at Coral Glades says “Seeing students consistently not utilizing their class time to complete assignments makes me feel disheartened because they are not taking advantage of opportunities, however, I also understand that sometimes a brain break is needed.”
Being in high school means that you not only have 8 classes, but you also must be responsible for doing all the work for each class on time. Many teachers give you time in class to complete your work, along with a study hall period. Your study hall is given time to complete your work, however, students take advantage of this free period and instead of working, they go on their phones, take naps, and have a social hour with their friends. If students used their time in the study hall to study, they would notice an increase in productivity.
Many students also participate in after-school sports and clubs, which could cause them to get home late. If students choose to do their work at home rather than study hall, they must take into consideration their responsibilities beyond school. In the situation where a student has an after-school club meeting and then an out-of-school sports practice, the student will most likely not have time to do their work.
Technology is part of the reason for procrastination. It is so easy to pick up your phone and start playing a game or endlessly scrolling through social media that it becomes hard to pick up a pen and start doing your homework. This results in a last-minute cram session the night before an assignment is due.
When students hear time management, their minds immediately go to this unrealistic idea of studying for 8+ hours, when all time management is about balance. When you learn how to balance your school life and personal life, you will find how much more productive you will be. Some ways you can use your time wisely are by making a study plan. Having a study plan will allow you to organize your time in a way that you get things done while still taking breaks and time for yourself. Vinay Amin a 10th grader at Coral Glades High School says “I used my time wisely last weekend by setting aside a few hours to finish my homework early, which freed up the rest of my Sunday to relax and spend time with friends without stressing about deadlines.”
Students love to blame teachers, saying that they were not given enough time in class to do the work; however, when teachers do give students time to do work, they put it off and decide to do other unproductive things, like talking or going on their phones.
