# Prioritising your tasks

**Source**: https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/prioritising-your-tasks/
**Parent**: https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/learning-at-university/

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# Prioritising your tasks

- [Analysing questions](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/analysing-questions/)
- [Critical thinking](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/critical-thinking/)
  - [Academic arguments](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/academic-arguments/)
- [Habits of mind](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/habits-of-mind/)
  - [Active learning](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/active-learning/)
  - [Reflection and introspection](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/reflection-and-introspection/)
- [Time management](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/)
  - [SMART goals](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/smart-goals/)
  - [Pomodoro technique](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/pomodoro/)
  - [Scheduling your semester](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/scheduling-your-semester/)
  - [Staying motivated](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/staying-motivated/)
  - [Dealing with procrastination](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/dealing-with-procrastination/)
  - [Prioritising your tasks](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/prioritising-your-tasks/)
- [Note-taking](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/)
  - [Digital note-taking](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/digital/)
  - [Cornell note-taking method](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/cornell/)
  - [Charting note-taking method](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/charting/)
  - [Mind mapping](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/mind-mapping/)

Prioritising your tasks will help you to successfully manage your workload.

## How to determine your priorities

One way to determine your priorities for the week ahead is to use the **Urgent/Important Matrix**. This will help you decide which activities to focus on first and which ones you should avoid.

## How does the Urgent/Important Matrix work?

1. Make a note of key tasks and assignments you need to do this week and any assignments you have coming up.
2. Go through each key task and decide which quadrant it falls into on the matrix.

Download a [PDF](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/files/2019/12/Urgent-Important-Matrix-example.pdf) version of the Urgent/Important Matrix.

Download a blank template of the [Urgent/Important Matrix](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/files/2019/11/The-Urgent-Important-Matrix-blank-template.docx).

### Related topics

- [Transitioning from school to university](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/learning-at-university/transitioning-from-school-to-university/)

### Workshops

- [Academic Skills: Time Management](https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/events?categories=19057)

See all [available workshops](https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/tetumuherenga).

**Short on time? Watch a video on:**

- [Critical thinking](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/critical-thinking) – 6:01
- [Time management](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/time-management) – 5:15
- [Note-taking](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/note-taking) – 5:39

Have any questions?

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