Keys to Success Series

Time Management & Test Taking

Why is this Important


Responses from focus group participants, surveys, and reviewers consistently reinforce what we already know: Time management is one of the most crucial skills your students need to master. According to our student research, time management ranked second only to test taking. We also learned from our research that you want to integrate time management early and frequently in your course.

What Did We Do?


Keys now has more time-management coverage than any other Student Success text. We cover time management in depth early and frequently. Students are taught time-management concepts early in the course and revisit the topic in end-of-part applications and exercises. Numerous chapters discuss the topic further, reinforcing this crucial skill.
Keys has students use their analytical, creative, and practical skills to become better time managers. For instance, exercises have students analyze how their values and goals affect their time-management skills and develop creatvie ways to find more study time.
From the very first page of this text, we use students' time wisely. We begin with "Quick Start to College," a practical reference guide to information that students need to know early in the course--such as calculating GPA, finding student resources, and applying for financial aid.
We cover test taking in time to help students through their first midterm. We introduce some test-taking basics early, cover test taking in more detail midway through the text, and offer more help right before finals.

How Can You Teach with it?


When discussing tests and/or assignments throughout the term, refer students to the syllabus and reinforce the importance of planning out study or work times.


Take advantage of the end-of-part "Get Focused" segments to introduce or reinforce time-management and test preparation topics at key points in your course.


Use the supplemental time-management exercises--both individual and small group--that you'll find in chapter 2 of the IM.


Have students visit the Keys Companion Webstie and complete the time-management journaling activites and exercises.


Assess student progress on time-management and procrastination issues using the review tests on the Keys Companion Website or the test questions from the Instructor Test Bank


View the Prentice Hall Goal Setting and Time Management video/DVD, which is part of the Study Skills series.


Order a Prentice Hall Planner (basic or premier) for students to use in class.


Encourage time-challenged students to review the Prentice Hall SOS Guide, Stop Procrastinating Now! 10 Simple & Successful Steps for Student Success.

Free Phone Assistance  
If you need help thinking through your syllabus, class plans and strategy, or would like guidance on how to use this book, any of its supplements, or technology, please call author Carol Carter toll-free at 877-737-8510

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Meet the authors

Carol J. Carter

Carol J. Carter

Carol is the founder of LifeBound, a student success and transition company, which also trains teachers in academic coaching skills .

More about Carol | Carol's blog | Contact

Joyce Bishop

Joyce Bishop

Joyce holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has won numerous teaching awards. She is in charge of Developmental Studies at Golden West College in Southern California.

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Sarah Lyman Kravits

Sarah Lyman Kravits

Sarah, mother of three, has served as Program Director for LifeSkills, INC., and has run workshops in student success for over 15 years.

More about Sarah | Contact