Task management is important for online school programs because it helps students stay organized, focused, and motivated. There are many methods of task management that students can use to work and study efficiently. When students learn how to manage their tasks effectively, they can complete assignments on time and to the best of their abilities.
What Is Task Management?
Task management is the practice of efficiently handling multiple tasks. Task management involves the following actions:
- Monitoring tasks through each stage from beginning to end
- Making decisions to accommodate changes
- Prioritizing important tasks
- Tracking goals and milestones
- Managing and meeting deadlines
- Managing time
Cyber school programs require students to practice self-discipline and complete their schoolwork efficiently. Task management is essential for cyber school students because it helps them keep track of their responsibilities and complete tasks on time.
Understanding Task Management vs. Time Management
Task management is the act of juggling multiple tasks, while time management involves the amount of time spent on tasks. Effective time management involves tracking how much time you spend on each particular task to avoid spending too much time on unproductive activities.
Time management is a strategy students can use to complete their schoolwork and projects on time. When cyber school students create and follow a schedule, they can prioritize projects and manage their tasks effectively.
5 Task Management Tips for Cyber School Students
Task management is an excellent skill for students to develop, especially if they take classes online. Let’s consider some helpful task management tips for students.
1. Eat the Frog
Students can reduce stress and increase productivity by tackling their most difficult tasks at the beginning of their day. Whether it’s a stressful assignment, a large project, or a challenging lesson, students can metaphorically “eat the frog” and get their most daunting task out of the way first thing in the morning.
Students may have more than one “frog” to complete each day. They can start their day with the tasks they don’t want to do but need to do before moving on to the tasks they both want and need to do. Once these tasks are complete, students can work on tasks they don’t need to do but enjoy, such as extracurricular activities or hobbies.
When students complete a difficult task, they often feel a sense of accomplishment. Achieving a goal, especially a challenging goal, releases pleasure-increasing dopamine in the brain. Completing challenging tasks at the beginning of the day can help students feel confidence and clarity as they continue their day so they feel motivated to complete more tasks.
2. Follow a Routine
A productive routine has several benefits for students and their success. Students can follow a routine before, during, and after class. This can help them manage tasks, reduce stress, and be more productive each day.
Students can start each day with a routine involving a healthy breakfast and time to have fun before they start their day. Your child should wake to an alarm at the same time each day so they have enough time to get ready, eat breakfast, and engage in a fun activity such as journaling, exercising, or playing with a pet.
Your child will most likely follow a set online class schedule, so make sure they set aside a few minutes before their first class to prepare. They can gather their materials for the day, write down any questions, and feel ready to start their day.
If your child does not have to follow a set online class schedule, help them create one so they set aside time to complete each lesson and assignment. They can prioritize significant or challenging tasks for the beginning of their day and plan to complete certain tasks or classes at the same time each day.
It’s also best to schedule lunch and an evening routine. Students should create a schedule that includes what times they will eat lunch, relax after their school day, eat dinner, and study. Completing these tasks at the same time each day can help to create positive habits.
3. Set SMART Goals
Students can set SMART goals to complete tasks and assignments successfully. SMART goals consist of the following characteristics:
- Specific: Students should clearly define their goals. They can specify an assignment’s details or write down a project’s specifications.
- Measurable: A SMART goal needs a measurable point of reference to track progress. For example, a student may plan to dedicate a certain amount of time to studying a subject each evening or plan to write a certain amount of words for an assignment each day.
- Attainable: A student’s SMART goal should be realistic to their abilities, and they should make sure they have the resources they need to achieve the goal.
- Relevant: A SMART goal should be important to a student. For example, it could relate to a particular project, class, assignment, or another academic goal.
- Time-bound: Students should also plan how much time they want to dedicate to reaching their SMART goal and when they want to achieve it.
A student might set a SMART goal by planning to study for one hour each night to prepare for a big exam. If they have an important paper to write, they might decide to dedicate an hour each evening to writing 400 words. Each SMART goal should be specific to a student’s assignments and other schoolwork.
4. Avoid Multitasking
Focusing on one task at a time can increase productivity. By dedicating a certain amount of time to one task, students can place all of their attention and effort on that task before moving on to the next one. They can concentrate and complete each task to the best of their ability.
Students can avoid multitasking by creating a to-do list and eliminating distractions. By working on one task at a time, they can reduce stress and complete tasks efficiently.
5. Eliminate Distractions
Distractions such as social media, web browsing, and television shows can be tempting. Students should eliminate distractions while working on tasks to ensure they can dedicate their attention to the task at hand. They should place their phone in a spot outside of their study area.
Students can also set timers to stay focused. Setting a timer for 25-30 minutes to work on schoolwork and then taking a five-minute break can help students work efficiently and reduce distractions.
Careers That Require Strong Task Management Skills
Task management skills are beneficial for completing schoolwork, and students can carry these skills into their careers. Task management skills are essential for the following career fields:
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Construction
- Pharmaceuticals
- Advertising
- Project management
Learn Important Time and Task Management Skills at Commonwealth Charter Academy
Learning proper task management is important for students enrolled in cyber school. Task management skills help students complete their schoolwork while staying organized and motivated. Students can learn effective time and task management skills at CCA.
CCA offers students flexibility so they can learn at their own pace and manage their tasks in a schedule that works for them. Our student-centered learning approach allows students to actively participate in their education and make decisions about their learning. Request information to learn more about how CCA can help your child learn task management skills, or contact us to get started today.
