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Study Skills : Using an Assignment Tracker
Using an Assignment Tracker: sub-module 4 of 4 of time management
This module will show you how to plan out the time you need to complete your assignments. If a task seems too difficult or you don’t know where to start, breaking it into smaller tasks can help make it easier to do. An assignment tracker is a document that you can use to break big assignments into smaller, more manageable steps.
Tips
- Plan enough time.Be prepared to invest an average of 2 solid hours for every 5% an assignment is worth.
- Start planning your time early in the semester.The earlier you start managing your time, the easier it is. Get into good habits early so you don’t fall behind.
- Start assignments early.Start at least two weeks before the due date. Give yourself enough time to complete your assignment properly.
- Spread out the work.Break your assignment into smaller chunks. Spread your work out instead of doing it all at the last minute.
- Take advantage of the resources available for research help.If your assignment involves research, set aside time to check out your library’s resources. Take a look at the Research Hub for more info, or
Assignment Tracker Templates
Breaking Down Tasks
Breaking Down Tasks to Complete Assignments
Breaking down an assignment into smaller tasks makes it easier to manage and less overwhelming. Instead of tackling everything at once, you can focus on one step at a time, from brainstorming ideas to final edits. An assignment tracker can help with this process by organizing each stage, setting mini-deadlines, and keeping your progress on track.
Watch this video to learn why it’s useful to break tasks into smaller pieces.
Breaking Down Assignments
- Access and Save the Assignment If you can, download or print a copy of the assignment instructions. Having a saved version on your device or a printed copy makes it easier to refer back to important details without losing track. You can also highlight key points or add notes digitally for quick reference.
- Read the Assignment Thoroughly and Aloud Read through the entire assignment carefully. Try reading it out loud. This helps you catch details you might miss when reading silently and ensures you fully understand what’s being asked. Pay attention to requirements like format, length, deadlines, and specific questions to answer.
- Brainstorm and Capture Your Initial Ideas Take some time to brainstorm all your thoughts related to the assignment topic. Use tools like mind maps, bullet lists, or digital note apps to capture ideas freely. Don’t worry about order or structure yet. Just get your ideas out so you can start organizing them in the next steps.
Use the chart below to estimate how much time you should dedicate to each assignment based on its weight in your course. As a general guideline, for every 5% the assignment is worth toward your final grade, plan to spend about 2 hours working on it. This helps ensure you allocate enough time to complete the task thoroughly without leaving it until the last minute. Adjust this estimate if you know the assignment requires more research or complex work.
| Percent of Grade | Time spent on Assignment |
| 5% | 2 hours |
| 10% | 4 hours |
| 15% | 6 hours |
| 20% | 8 hours |
| 25% | 10 hours |
| 30% | 12 hours |
| 35% | 14 hours |
| 40% | 16 hours |
Fill out your assignment tracker. Try using the templates below.
Explore more about assignment trackers in the next tab.
How to Use an Assignment Tracker
An assignment tracker is a tool that helps you stay organized and on top of your coursework by keeping all your tasks and deadlines in one place. It breaks larger assignments into smaller, manageable steps, assigns mini-deadlines for each stage, and allows you to track your progress from start to finish. Using an assignment tracker can reduce stress, prevent last-minute work, and make it easier to manage multiple projects at once.
Watch this video to learn how to use an assignment tracker to ensure you stay on schedule and meet your final due dates with less stress.
Instructions for filling out the assignment tracker template
- Add Course and Assignment Details Start by filling in the top of the form with the course name, the title of the assignment, and its value or weight toward your final grade. Include the estimated hours of work required, today’s date, and the official due date. This information helps you see both the importance of the task and how much time you’ll need to complete it.
- Break the Assignment into Stages In the ‘Stages’ column, list every step required to finish the assignment. For example, you might include tasks such as brainstorming ideas, conducting research, creating an outline, writing a rough draft, revising, and proofreading. Use a separate line for each stage so you can track progress easily and ensure no step is overlooked.
- Set Mini-Deadlines Assign a completion deadline for each stage of the assignment. These smaller due dates help you spread the work out over time and prevent last-minute rushing. Be realistic with your time estimates, leaving some buffer space in case a step takes longer than expected.
- Track and Check Off Progress As you complete each task, check it off on your tracker. This not only shows your progress but can also boost motivation by giving you a sense of accomplishment along the way.