Making a list has always helped me. I find that it helps when I share this list with my students in cases where we need to get cirtain subjects covered . I start the class setting the time line and then refure to it as I try to keep students engaged with what the class has to offer.
Interesting technique Thomas. When you share your list with others, it probably helps you to feel a little more accountable. And the feeling of accountability can definitely help get things done.
No, I tend to prioritize in the afore mentioned fashion, when I make a to-do list. I have recently noticed that when I fail to make a priority list because I feel that all is in control, I cannot get my mind to shut off at night and lose sleep. This causes stress until I return to making a to-do list. I worry that I will forget things, which happens more as I get older.
Yes, when our tasks are documented on paper it is a lot easier to focus on other more important things.
A student that will not listen is a frustrating moment for me.
Its important to prioritze daily tasks. We also need to be flexible and be able to make adjustments when somthing of greater importance comes up.
I usually set aside time at the beginning and end of my school day to read/answer e-mails; grade tests, organize my desk for the next day. I usually place my daily tasks in order of priority, and usually make out a list of "things to accomplish" for my next class day.
I'm fortunate that I rarely have "urgent tasks" to attend to. I think I keep my daily tasks well organized so that an urgent task rarely occurs.
I don't think I'll change the order or prioritization of my tasks because my daily school/teaching tasks are the same every day. Occasionally a meeting with a student will take priority over other tasks, and in that instance I will have to change the priority a bit for that day.
Robert, I like the way you set aside time each day to actually work on the to do list. Though it’s an extra step, it’s a great time investment as you describe.
No, probably not. I already do things in the order they need to get done. If it's urgent it goes first. So no, I won't be changing the order in which I do tasks.
Jennifer, if you’ve got a system that’s working for you, there’s no need to change. Do what makes sense for you.
I will try to use a number system comined with a list to prioritize my time.
I am a manager over instructors and my listing changes on a sometimes hourly basis. What I have found that works for me is to have an inbox for the immediate / emergency task and to have a prioritized plan for everyday management tasks.
Great point William! Sometimes when all emails come to a single inbox, it can feel overwhelming and hard to focus on what’s important. Segmenting your inbox into multiple folders is a great way to stay organized and get highest priority tasks accomplished.
The to do list is not a problem. Prioritizing is usually not an issue. The problem lyes in estimating the time involved per project. It always seams to take longer to complete the task than estimated. Any suggestions?
I have the same issues at times. What I found works is to simply add on 20% more time than thought for unforseen isssues.
Great question Thomas. One of the easiest ways to address this problem is to calculate the percent of time you typically go over on estimated projects. Then add that percent to project estimations in the future. So for example, if you always seem to be going 10% over on project timelines, go ahead and pad your project time estimations by 10% in the future.
As I had already mentioned earlier, the most important step for me, over the years, been priortizing the tasks. In order to priortize, of course, I have to first list the tasks. It also gives me an opportunity to review my "to do list" so as to check if my priorities have changed during the past week or so.
It's not about being ambitious, Eva. I, too, am good at making the list & prioritization, but too many chores , private & professional, sometimes stand in the way of achieving the things you want to achieve. You don't create those situations; they're created for you. In such circumstances, I just go down the list doing what I can & keep moving the priorities as I go. Otherwise, I feel I run into frustrations. Do what you can, and move on - but do it right initially, so that you don't have to repeat the tasks.
My personal struggle is getting started. I put things off till tomorrow or later and when I finally get started on the project, it took less time and effort than I percived. I have learned to make a list, prioritize, start and complete the project if possible. Starting this course is a good example of my procrastination. I first logged in months ago. This course will help with my own time management issues and hopefully help me help others.
In most cases if I am teaching the same class for a while I dont have to make a list because it has become automatic.Now I think to propigate the process I will make a list in the begining and build on it as I progress.
