Personalized Research Schedule

Why Bother? Most of the panic and mental agitation that students feel

when writing a research paper is because they lack a writing schedule with a clear START and FINISH date on the calendar.

Setting those dates and all the milestones in between on a calendar in advance programs your subconscious mind to do what it must do to deliver the goods on time. Otherwise one thing leads to another and after having spent precious time chasing after all kinds of distractions and false starts you realize the semester is over and you’re sitting there with nothing.

I know the sense of dread and panic that sets in very well because that's exactly how I felt early in my university career until I realized the importance of working with a strict schedule.

Have mercy on yourself and prepare a writing/research schedule and hang it on your wall, ceiling, refrigerator door or wherever you can see it easily all day long.

What should go on itEVERYTHING!

The time it will take for you to select a topicSeveral hours of research (if you can research

in a hour your paper will not be good!)Time to make the outlineTime to write the rough draftTime to revise by hand (this will usually be

class time, but if you can’t get it done in 48 minutes, be sure to schedule more time)

Time to revise on the computerDon’t forget the submission time

Other considerationsHave a job? Want a life? In theatre or sports? All

of these commitments need to be taken into consideration when planning your writing schedule. Don’t schedule research or writing in a time when you know you have another commitment. It’s like shooting yourself in the foot on purpose!

Are you a person who likes to work for long chunks of time or do you lose focus after a few minutes? Make your schedule fit your learning style.

Do follow your schedule to the best of your ability. This will make your life soooo much easier and will probably ensure a better course grade.

ExampleBlock 1: Getting started Complete by: _______________Time Needed:_______________Goals:

• Understand the assignment and requirements. • Select a topic or narrow a given topic. • Determine the preliminary types of sources to use. • Do preliminary research to discover the

Notes:

Requirements:You need to have times marked out for

ResearchingDraftingYour time for your tutorialEditingTime to meet with me before or after school

(if you like/need)