Time Management
Time management in real life and in the workplace
- Duration
- 3 h
- Units
- 3
- Lessons
- 20
- Interactive activities
- 24
Read the transcript
SMILE · Module 7: Time Management · introduction video (English)
This is Zeynep. In the morning, she has a language course. In the afternoon, a part-time job. In the evening, homework and family. Some days, everything happens at once.
So she writes her week on paper. She decides what is urgent and what is important, keeps time for rest, and asks for help early. Now she plans her time, step by step.
It is not only about doing more. A review of one hundred fifty-eight studies, with almost fifty-four thousand people, found that time management was linked with better job and study results. But the link with well-being was stronger.
This module has three units. One: Understanding Time Management, Taking Control of Time. Two: Time Management in the Reality of Young Migrants. Three: Practical Strategies and Good Practices, Time to Put It into Practice.
You will draw your own day map, sort a busy week, look at a week of screen time, and get a certificate at the end.
Ready to take control of your time? Let's start: Module seven, Time Management.
On screen: Source: Aeon, Faber & Panaccio (2021), PLOS ONE
Narration: AI-generated voice (OpenAI)
Music: AI-generated (Google Lyria)
Animation: SMILE project, Smart Leap
A language course in the morning, a shift in the evening, an appointment at an office in between. Calls with family in another time zone, and maybe months of waiting for papers. Many young newcomers live with days that are cut into pieces and often decided by others. This module is not about working harder. It helps you see where your time and energy go, understand what stress, worry and your phone do to your time, and try small, realistic strategies that protect your well-being. You practise with a day map, a self-check, real-life cases and conversations, and you finish by testing one strategy in your own week.
This module places time management at the centre as a core soft skill for life and employability for young migrants navigating new educational, social and professional environments. It approaches time management not as productivity (efficiency) pressure, but as a supportive competence linked to well-being, stress regulation, decision-making and sustainable integration. The module addresses common challenges such as fragmented schedules, emotional overload, digital distraction, procrastination and uncertainty. Through reflection exercises, practical tools, real-life case studies and guided strategies, participants develop awareness of how they use their time, build realistic routines and strengthen their ability to manage their responsibilities while protecting their mental/emotional health.
Duration in the curriculum. Total duration about 3 hours: 1.5 hours of theoretical input and guided discussion, 1.5 hours of practical learning (case studies, exercises, reflection). It can be delivered as one 3-hour session or two shorter sessions.
How this module teaches
- Accessibility. Short theoretical input in accessible and clear language.
- Participant-centred. Guided reflection and group discussions.
- Realistic basis. Case studies based on real-life situations.
- Experiential learning. Practical exercises and chances to try new strategies.
- Self-awareness. Self-diagnosis and reflective tools.
Assessment
Assessment is formative and reflective. The focus is not on performance or grading but on awareness, learning progress and adapting to one's situation. Tools: observation of participation, reflection questions and facilitated group discussion, a self-diagnosis questionnaire and feedback during practical exercises.
Key references of the curriculum
- European Commission (2019). Key Competences for Lifelong Learning.
- European Commission (2022). European Skills Agenda for Sustainable Competitiveness, Social Fairness and Resilience.
- OECD (2019). OECD Skills Outlook 2019: Thriving in a Digital World.
- OECD (2023). Integration of Young Migrants: Key Findings and Policy Recommendations.
- UNESCO (2017). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives.
- UNHCR (2023). Education and Skills Development for Displaced Youth.
- Council of Europe (2020). Youth Work and Social Inclusion.
Suggested balance
- Theory and guided discussion 1 h 30 min
- Practice: cases, role-play, reflection 1 h 30 min
As set in the SMILE curriculum for this module (total 3 h).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Explain what time management means and why it is important for daily life, education and employment.
- Identify the factors that affect their personal use of time, including stress, emotions and digital environments.
- Recognise common time management challenges such as procrastination, overload and distraction.
- Apply simple and realistic tools for prioritisation, planning and attention management.
- Develop small, sustainable routines that support balance and well-being.
- Reflect on their own progress (carry out a self-assessment) and adapt their time management strategies over time.
Who is it for
- Young migrants and refugees (18-30) who juggle work, a language course, appointments and family duties
- Young people who feel stressed, always behind, or stuck in waiting time for papers, decisions or answers
- Youth workers, trainers and mentors who support young newcomers
- Employers and supervisors who want to understand the time realities of young newcomers
What you need
- Basic English (A2-B1). Short sentences are used and key words are explained.
- A phone, tablet or computer with internet
- No earlier training needed
Module challenge: Time on your side
Finish all required activities of the 20 lessons, including your day map, your self-check and your own strategy plan, and pass the knowledge check with at least 60%. You win the module badge and 100 extra XP.
Curriculum
Units and topics in the order of the SMILE curriculum.
Unit 1Understanding Time Management (Taking Control of Time)
- Definition of time management 9 min 1 activities Free preview
- Time management not as productivity pressure, but as a skill that supports life 9 min 1 activities
- Planning, prioritisation and attention management 11 min 1 activities
- Balancing work, learning, rest and personal needs 9 min 1 activities
- Common misconceptions about time management 8 min 1 activities
- Mini activity: Time awareness exercise 9 min 2 activities
Unit 2Time Management in the Reality of Young Migrants
- Perception of time under stress and uncertainty 9 min 1 activities
- Emotional barriers and the habit of procrastination 9 min 1 activities
- Digital distraction and divided attention 9 min 1 activities
- Cultural differences in the perception of time 9 min 1 activities
- Links between time management, problem-solving and well-being 9 min 1 activities
- Case study 10 min 2 activities Free preview
Unit 3Practical Strategies and Good Practices (Time to Put It into Practice)
- Developing awareness of time use 7 min 1 activities
- Prioritising under cognitive and emotional load 8 min 1 activities
- Flexible and realistic planning tools 8 min 1 activities
- Managing attention and digital distractions 7 min 1 activities
- Overcoming procrastination through micro-actions (small steps) 7 min 1 activities
- Building small routines and habits 7 min 1 activities
- Reflection and adapting to the situation 6 min 1 activities
- Hands-on activity 10 min 3 activities
- Knowledge check: Time Management 10 min Knowledge check
Presentation and materials
Questions about this module
Is this module about working harder or being more productive?
No. In this module, time management is a skill that supports your life, your health and your plans. Research links it more strongly with well-being than with performance. You will not be asked to fill every minute.
My shifts and appointments are decided by others. Is this module still useful for me?
Yes. Many young workers do not choose their hours. The module focuses on the part you can shape: how you prepare, how you rest, how you use the gaps, and how you talk about time at work.
Do I need a special app or planner?
No. Paper, a phone calendar or a note on the fridge all work. The best tool is the one you will really use. The module also shows simple phone settings that protect your attention.
Do I have to share private things?
No. You can map an invented day instead of your own, and you never need to tell your migration story. Your answers are saved in your account. Other learners cannot see them.
How long does it take?
About 3 hours in total: 20 short lessons of 6 to 11 minutes and a 10-minute knowledge check. You can learn at your own pace and continue later. The last activity asks you to try one strategy for a few days and then come back.
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