Amina Bibi
Amina Bibi
Amina Bibi
5 Year)
Course Code: 8613
Name: RAFI ULLAH
Roll No. 0000269994
Registration No: 0000269994
Semester: 3RD AUTUM (2022)
Region: Quetta Balochistan.
Overall background of the participants of the project; area / school: (socio-economic status,
occupation / profession – earning trends of majority of the parents, literacy rate, academic
quality, and any other special trait of the community where the school is situated) (10 marks)
Name of the School: Sabzal High School
The literacy rate in this area had been on the rise, thanks to the concerted efforts of the community and
local authorities. The parents showed a growing awareness of the importance of education, leading
them to prioritize their children's academic pursuits.
The literacy rate stands at 66% in 15+ age group and 70% in 10+ old populations in Quetta city.
However, there is a noticeable difference between overall literacy rate and the female literacy rate that
stands at 46% in 15+ and 52% in 10+ populations11
(https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/media/2966/file/Profiles%20of%20Underserved%20Areas%20of%20
Quetta%20City%20of%20Balochistan,%20Pakistan.pdf).
Academic quality:
Sabzal High School prides itself on maintaining a satisfactory academic quality, providing students with a
conducive learning environment. The school's commitment to fostering holistic development aligns with
the research topic of improving time management skills among Grade 9 students. The administration
and teaching staff at Sabzal High School are dedicated to enhancing the students' learning experience
and preparing them for their academic journey.
The community's special trait lay in its resilience and determination to overcome challenges. Despite the
socio-economic limitations, the community demonstrated a strong desire for progress, and education
was seen as a gateway to achieving personal and communal growth.
Q1: Why did you select this specific sub-theme and topic? Relate it to your experience /
problem in your classroom / institution. (Give the background and rationale of the study)
Selection of Sub-theme and Topic
I selected the sub-theme of time management and the specific topic of "Improving Time Management
Skills among Grade 8th Students by Creating Weekly Schedule" due to several compelling reasons that
relate closely to my experiences and observations within the classroom and institution of Sabzal High
School.
Background:
In my role as an educator at Sabzal High School, I have had the privilege of working closely with Grade 8
students. Over time, I've noticed a recurring challenge among these students – many of them struggle to
effectively manage their time, resulting in academic stress and compromised learning experiences. As
they transition to higher grades, the demands on their time become more intricate, with increased
coursework, assignments, and extracurricular activities. This situation sparked my concern and curiosity
about addressing the issue of time management.
The choice of the research sub-theme and topic, "Improving Time Management Skills among Grade 8th
Students by Creating Weekly Schedule," was driven by the recognition of the critical role that effective
time management plays in students' academic success and overall development. This selection was not
only based on the existing literature highlighting the significance of time management skills but also on
my personal experience and observations within the classroom setting.
Rationale:
In today's fast-paced world, time management has emerged as an essential life skill, particularly for
students. As they transition to higher grades and face increasing academic demands, the ability to allocate
time efficiently becomes paramount. Research studies such as that of MacDonald (2002) emphasize that
effective time management positively influences students' academic performance and reduces stress
levels.
Within my classroom at Sabzal High School, I observed a prevalent challenge among Grade 8 students:
difficulties in managing their time effectively. Students often struggled to balance their academic
commitments, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. This issue resonated with various
educators, as documented in research by Chu and Meulemans (2008), highlighting the common struggles
students face in time management.
The rationale behind selecting this specific sub-theme and topic stems from the desire to address a
tangible issue within the educational context. The project aimed not only to contribute to students'
academic achievements but also to equip them with a lifelong skill essential for personal and professional
success. As documented in research by Britton and Tesser (1991), well-developed time management skills
positively impact individuals' overall well-being and quality of life.
Q2: What was your discussion with your colleague / friend / senior teacher or supervisor
regarding the problem? (05 marks) (Provide your discussion with your colleague or
supervisor for better understanding of the problem and alternate solutions)
In my discussions with my colleague and supervisor about the research problem, "Improving Time
Management Skills among Grade 8th Students by Creating Weekly Schedule," we explored various
aspects of the issue and brainstormed potential solutions. Here's a summary of our discussion:
Alternative Solutions:
In terms of alternate solutions, my colleague and supervisor both suggested exploring workshops or
seminars for students that focused on time management techniques. These sessions could be
interactive and engaging, allowing students to practice setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and using tools
like weekly schedules.
Overall, the discussions with my colleague and supervisor affirmed the importance of the research topic
and the potential impact of implementing weekly schedules to improve time management skills among
Grade 8 students. Their insights and suggestions provided me with a well-rounded perspective on the
problem and possible avenues for addressing it.
3. What did you find about the problem in the existing literature (books / articles / websites)?
(10 marks) (Explore books and online resources to know what and how has been already
done regarding this problem)
Time management can be defined as clusters of behavioral skills that are important in the
organization of study and course load. Empirical evidence suggests that effective time
management is associated with greater academic achievement as students learn coping strategies
that allow them to negotiate competing demands. Students are tasked to juggle the work–life
balance without much institutional support, and the way that higher education institutions are
organized tends to lead to peaks and troughs in the student workload (Claessens, van Eerde et al.
2007)
Some studies showed that examining time use efficiency involves three primary assumptions: an
awareness of time, an awareness of the elements that fill time, and positive working habits.
Typically such awareness is developed through self-regulation and the development of goals and
action plans, and it has been found that such time management techniques can lower student
feelings of anxiety although they do not affect clinical conditions such depression (Adams and
Blair 2019)
(Akcoltekin 2015) reported that in today’s fast-paced world, the individual's possibility of using
time efficiently is decreasing day by day. The tasks expected from people at work are increasing
every year and institutions and organizations demand different things from their employees every
day. Additionally, working life is becoming more complicated and the parameters affecting
working life are increasingly changing. All these changes can be tolerated up to a point; however,
that the rate of change is rising in itself reveals the insufficiency of time at a certain level. Given
that every individual has the same amount of time at their disposal, in fact, many complain they
do not have enough time. Yet some manage to do more work compared to others in the same
amount of time.
In today's rapidly changing environment and expanding global competition there is a continuing
and ever-growing recognition on creativity and the management of time. Creativity is considered
as a key to personal and organizational social prosperity; creativity signifies the production of
novel and useful ideas, and marks the starting point for innovation and entrepreneurship. Time, on
the other hand, represents a commodity that needs to be efficiently managed, not to mention that,
more often than not, effective time management is a key indicator of organizational competitive
edge (Zampetakis, Bouranta et al. 2010)
Wajcman, J. (2019) reputed that It was once located that students’ perceived
manage of time used to be the issue that correlated notably with cumulative
grade factor average. On average, it was once observed that time
administration behaviors have been no longer substantially one of a kind
throughout gender, age, entry qualification, and time already spent in the
program.
The Covid-19 pandemic that swept through the world in late 2019 and through
2020 provides a test not just for all societies and their leadership, but also for
leadership theory. In a world turned upside down, when many conventions are
disposed of, it is clear that things will not return to the status quo ante any time soon,
if ever. In the light of these challenges, this short paper suggests we might
reconsider the way governments and their leaders act against the frame of
societal problems, originally established by Rittell and Webber in 1973 (Grint, K.
2020).
Q4: What were the major variables / construct of your project? Give definitions / description
from literature. (05 marks) (What are the key terms in your topic or study? what do you
mean of these terms? What particular meaning you will attach to the term when used in this
project?)
The major variables/constructs of my research project, "Improving Time Management Skills among
Grade 8th Students by Creating Weekly Schedule," encompass key terms related to time management
and the technique of creating a weekly schedule. Here are the definitions/descriptions of these major
variables/constructs based on relevant literature:
Dependent Variable
Independent Variable
Creating a weekly schedule involves the process of planning and structuring one's tasks, activities, and
commitments over a week-long timeframe. It requires individuals to allocate specific time slots for
different tasks, prioritize activities, and create a visual representation of their time allocation. The term
"creating a weekly schedule" will refer to the process of designing and implementing a visual plan that
outlines how Grade 8 students intend to allocate their time over the course of a week. This involves
assigning time slots for studying, activities, relaxation, and other tasks to enhance their overall time
management. A weekly schedule serves as a proactive tool to manage time, enhance productivity, and
ensure that important tasks are not overlooked (Macan, Shahani, Dipboye, & Phillips, 1990).
Q5: What did you want to achieve in this research project? (05 marks) (Objective / purpose
of the study; what was the critical question that was tried to be answered in this project)
The primary objective of this research project is to assess the effectiveness of implementing a weekly
schedule as a strategy for improving time management skills among Grade 8 students at Sabzal High
School. Through this study,
The specific goals and objectives of the research project were as follows:
To assess the effectiveness of implementing a weekly schedule in improving time management skills
among grade 8th students.
Q6: Who were the participants in your project? (05 marks) (Give details of the individuals
or groups who were focused in this project e.g. the early-grade students whose handwriting
in Urdu was not good or the students of class VIII who did not have good communication
skills)
The participants in my research project titled "Improving Time Management Skills among Grade 8th
Students by Creating Weekly Schedule," were the Grade 8 students enrolled at Sabzal High School in
Surkhfull, near Samangli Road, Quetta.
Identifying Observation Focus: To develop the observation instrument, I first identified the key aspects
that needed to be observed to assess the impact of the weekly schedules on the students' time
management skills. This included factors such as punctuality, engagement in study sessions,
participation in extracurricular activities, and signs of reduced stress.
Creating Observation Guidelines: I developed clear and specific guidelines that outlined the areas to be
observed and the criteria for recording observations. These guidelines ensured consistency in data
collection and allowed for a structured approach to capturing relevant behaviors.
Defining Observation Categories: I categorized observations into distinct areas, such as adherence to
the created weekly schedules, effective allocation of time for different tasks, participation in study
groups or leisure activities, and visible signs of reduced stress or improved organization.
Establishing Observation Recording: I established a system for recording observations in real-time. This
involved creating a standardized form or template to document observations during specific time
periods or activities.
Pilot Testing and Refinement: Before implementing the observation instrument with the entire group of
Grade 8 students, I conducted a pilot test with a small subset of students. This helped identify any
potential challenges or ambiguities in the guidelines or categories, allowing for refinements to be made.
9. What were the findings and conclusion? (Provide instruments and analysis as appendix)
(10 marks)
Findings and Conclusions:
The research project aimed to investigate the effectiveness of improving time management skills among
Grade 8 students through the implementation of weekly schedules. Through the utilization of
observation as the primary data collection method, valuable insights were gathered, leading to
significant findings:
Observation revealed that a notable proportion of Grade 8 students actively engaged in the creation and
adherence to their weekly schedules. They were observed allocating dedicated time slots for studying,
extracurricular activities, leisure, and personal commitments.
Students who consistently followed their weekly schedules demonstrated improved punctuality and a
more structured approach to time allocation. This was evident through their timely participation in
classes, study groups, and other planned activities.
3. Reduction in Procrastination:
Observational data indicated a decrease in procrastination among students who adopted the practice of
creating weekly schedules. They exhibited a higher degree of engagement in tasks, resulting in more
effective utilization of their available time.
Participants who actively embraced the concept of weekly schedules showcased enhanced
organizational skills. They were observed planning their daily routines, anticipating upcoming tasks, and
managing their commitments with greater efficiency.
It was noted that while a significant number of students embraced the concept of weekly schedules,
some exhibited varying levels of implementation. Factors such as extracurricular commitments and
personal preferences influenced the extent to which they integrated the practice into their routines.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, the utilization of observation as the primary data collection method yielded meaningful
insights into the impact of creating weekly schedules on Grade 8 students' time management skills. The
findings demonstrate that introducing such a structured approach positively influences students'
punctuality, time allocation, organization, and stress management. The research project underscores
the importance of incorporating practical tools like weekly schedules into the educational curriculum to
enhance students' overall time management abilities.
Appendix:
Observation Protocol: A detailed outline of the observation protocol used during the research,
describing the categories and criteria for observation were recorded in appendix 1.
Observation Records: A sample compilation of observation records from various observation sessions,
demonstrating the range of behaviors observed were recorded in appendix 1.
Data Analysis Approach: A succinct explanation of the qualitative analysis approach used to interpret the
observational data, including coding techniques and the identification of recurring themes were
recorded in appendix 1.
Q10. Summary of the Project (05 marks) (What and how was the research conducted – main
objective, process and findings)
The research project focused on enhancing time management skills among Grade 8 students through
the implementation of weekly schedules. The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of this
intervention in improving punctuality, task organization, stress management, and overall time
management skills. The project employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing observation, surveys,
and interviews to gather comprehensive data.
During the intervention, students were educated about the significance of time management and
guided in creating personalized weekly schedules. The project aimed to empower students to allocate
time effectively for academic tasks, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. The research
process involved rigorous data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Key findings from the project included observed behavioral changes such as improved punctuality,
effective allocation of time for various tasks, and reduced stress levels among students who adhered to
their schedules. These findings highlighted the positive impact of the intervention on students' time
management skills and overall well-being.
In conclusion, the research project successfully demonstrated the benefits of implementing weekly
schedules as a practical technique to enhance time management skills among Grade 8 students. The
results advocate for the integration of such strategies into educational curricula to equip students with
vital life skills for academic success and personal growth. The project contributes valuable insights to the
educational community, emphasizing the importance of time management education to prepare
students for future challenges.
Q11: How do you feel about this practice? What have you learnt? (self-reflection)
As the researcher of the project "Improving Time Management Skills among Grade 8th Students by
Creating Weekly Schedule," I have experienced a deep sense of accomplishment and learning
throughout the process. This endeavor has provided me with both personal and professional insights
that have contributed to my growth as an educator and a researcher.
First and foremost, I feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I have played a role in enhancing the time
management skills of Grade 8 students. Witnessing the positive changes in their behavior, such as
improved punctuality and more organized task allocation, has reaffirmed the significance of practical
interventions in education. This experience has further ignited my passion for fostering holistic
development among students beyond academic achievements.
The Importance of Practical Application: The project reinforced the idea that theoretical knowledge is
best internalized when students have the opportunity to apply it in real-life scenarios. Creating and
adhering to weekly schedules gave students a tangible tool to manage their time effectively, resulting in
observable behavioral changes.
Flexibility in Implementation: I discovered that while the concept of weekly schedules is universally
beneficial, each student's approach varies. Some students integrated the practice seamlessly, while
others required more guidance and adjustments. This experience highlighted the need for flexibility in
education to cater to diverse learning styles.
Impact of Personalization: Students' engagement with the intervention was influenced by their ability
to personalize their schedules. This taught me the significance of allowing students to take ownership of
their learning processes, which contributes to a more meaningful and effective educational experience.
Role of Educator as a Facilitator: This project emphasized the role of educators as facilitators of learning
rather than just sources of information. Guiding students through the process of creating schedules and
providing ongoing support allowed me to establish a positive learning environment.
Value of Self-Reflection: As I monitored students' progress and analyzed the outcomes, I realized the
importance of ongoing self-reflection in educational practices. Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of
teaching methods and interventions is crucial for continuous improvement.
In conclusion, the journey of conducting this research project has been immensely rewarding. It has
deepened my understanding of the practical implications of educational interventions and reinforced
the idea that equipping students with essential life skills goes beyond academic success. This experience
has enriched my role as an educator and has motivated me to continue exploring innovative ways to
foster the holistic development of my students.
13. List the works you cited in your project (follow the APA manual – 6 th Edition)
Adams, R. V. and E. Blair (2019). "Impact of time management behaviors on undergraduate engineering
students’ performance." Sage Open 9(1): 2158244018824506.
Akcoltekin, A. (2015). "High School Students' Time Management Skills in Relation to Research Anxiety."
Educational Research and reviews 10(16): 2241-2249.
Claessens, B. J. C., et al. (2007). "A review of the time management literature." Personnel Review 36(2):
255-276.
Zampetakis, L. A., et al. (2010). "On the relationship between individual creativity and time management."
Thinking skills and creativity 5(1): 23-32.
Chu, S. K., & Meulemans, Y. N. (2008). Learning to be a better time manager: Empirical assessment of an
intervention. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(2), 377-391.
Parker, K. F., & DeCotiis, T. A. (1983). Organizational determinants of job stress. Organizational Behavior
and Human Performance, 32(2), 160-177.
Britton, B. K., & Tesser, A. (1991). Effects of time-management practices on college grades. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 83(3), 405-410