SPARK: Student Papers and Academic Research Kit: Planning Ahead & Backwards

Planning Ahead

Effective planning is crucial for avoiding stress and ensuring high-quality work, especially when facing tight deadlines. A successful strategy involves breaking down the essay preparation into distinct phases, estimating the time needed for each phase, and using these estimates to create a structured plan. 

The Assignment Task Checklist available in Resources can assist you in identifying the major phases and tasks associated with writing an essay, as well as help you gauge the time required for each task. 

Keep in mind that there is no fixed linear order to the essay preparation process, nor is there a standard formula for dedicating time to each phase (refer to the Writing Step by Step module for more details). You'll need to reflect on your personal writing process and assess your assignments individually to determine the appropriate time allocation for each phase in your initial plan. As you progress with your essay, revisit your plan regularly and adjust the time estimates based on your advancements.

Backwards Planning

One effective strategy is to plan backwards from your assignment due date. Start by entering the due date of an assignment or essay for one of your courses into your calendar.

Next, use the Assignment Task Checklist to break down your preparation time into phases and estimate the number of hours needed to complete each phase. Identify specific times in your calendar dedicated to working on major assignments and essays. 

Starting from the due date, schedule the estimated hours for each phase of the assignment, working backwards until you reach the initial phase of the project. By scheduling the first phase of the writing process last, you will determine your project’s starting date.

It’s important to regularly review and adjust your initial plan. As you progress with your work, you may find that the time allocated for certain phases needs to be modified. The better you understand your time management and the time needed for different aspects of your work, the more effectively you will manage your workload. For example, you might need to move activities from one part of your calendar to another to accommodate your progress.