I read this brief summary article from Faculty Focus called, “Time Management Strategies for Student Writers.” The idea of thinking about writing as a process can be difficult for some students who haven’t been introduced to the concept before. Breaking down any kind process into parts is always a good way to proceed to your final outcome. The summary talks about having a discussion with the student to explain just what a process is – not only how it relates to writing but using examples like cooking or getting a machine (car, bike, electronics) to run or wining a video game.

Once you know what the process is and the steps involved, assign a set time to each of the steps to help move from one to the other. Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part so setting a time goal can help get the student on the way! For beginning students you might have to help them establish these time goals but after they practice and get a feel for the process the student should be able to do it for him or herself.