Important tasks get completed right away. I don't like risking waiting till the last minute with important tasks. I feel that I have a pretty good judgement on importance of tasks and time management of them. The module helped reassure I am doing the right thing.
Yes, I wrote down many notes after reading this and I am set to unscramble and evalute my list.
Yes. I actually fit into three categories. That of control, immediacy and procrastinate. I find this because it depends on which courses I am teaching. If I am teaching a course that I love no matter how many times I teach the course I use the control factor and immediacy in grading and return papers to discuss. If I am teaching a course that I find repetative and boring I can procrastinate. After reading the task prioritization I am rethinking mostly on the procrastination and how I can better improve the class and subject matter to keep me from "putting off".
I tend to be a natural procrastinator. "Working better under pressure" was always a motto. But as of recent, I have had to reprioritize the way I approach them. And now after this module, I will make a concerted effort to accomplish them in a more timely fashion. I also find getting the less desireable tasks out of the way gives me a freedom to revise my to do lists and spend better quality time and effort on more appealing tasks.
I would first prioritize my tasks into a short term and long term. Then I would scale down and move on with my priorities in order to avoid becoming a procrastinated individual.
A difficult challenge indeed John and one that many instructors face. Sometimes the pendulum swings too far in one direction and sometimes the other. Every day, we've got to concentrate on doing our best to live somewhere between procrastination and immediacy.
My biggest issue is with balance of all these ideals. For example, I have days where if I get many things accomplished, I'll be put off that I did not relax enough. If I relax and don't accomplish what I feel was necessary, I feel lazy. Ultimately, I find that balance of making the list based on urgency and prioritization, but there are difficulties I must overcome.
Interesting self analysis Antoinette! People often strive to reach a balance between these two things. It sounds like in your case, the pendulum sometimes swings in one direction and then in another.
Sounds like a great plan Scott! For those of us who have a problem with immediacy, task prioritization s the best solution. At first, holding off on completing all tasks at once may feel uncomfortable, but you get used to it when you experience the benefits of working this way.
After reviewing module 1 , I realize I fall between a the procastinator and immediacy obstacles if that's possible. Sometimes I wait to do things or I rush to get them done because I feel like I won't have enough time . Sometimes I feel like my brain is in over drive given my schedule. However , if I accomplish one task , such as submitting my grades on time , I feel great for a short amount of time :)
I have not had a problem with tasks procrastination but have one with immediacy. I teach 8 F to F classes and one online. My problem has been trying to keep each class in individual compartments and closing the duties when each class is over for the day. What I have learned from task prioritization I will change what I am doing to making lists in order of importance so I can be more effective with time management and less stressed.
Wow, sounds like you are really on top of things Tracy-Ann. That's wonderful. I imagine you are the kind of instructor who has a challenge taking a break. Know that it's ok to take a step back every once in a while and enjoy.
I try my best to prioritize grading my students quizzes, exam, and homework on time. I find if I do not grade them right away then they all get back up.When my PD ask me to do anything for her I usually make sure it is done on time and before it's due. I also, make sure my syllabus and schedule for my next module is done 2 weeks before the module starts. So i do think that I prioritized.
I make "to do" lists for work and home. Each time one of the tasks is completed it comes off the list and then I will add another. At home, I tend to put off till the weekend and really try to accomplish the tasks. The home "to do" list is one that I feel I will be working on forever it seems. I feel much more obligated to the work "to do list" because more people are depending on me to accomplish that list. I will work on changing my order of accomplishing the tasks that may come up at home.
I usually tackle tasks as needed. The probelm that I have is when on a committee and the lead isn't taken responsiblity then I tend to stay back until I get frustrated enough I do it myself. If it weren't for the fact the lead is my boss it would be much easier to approach them as to why they are procrastinating.
But for future tasks I will make the effort to stay on top of it if not for them then for myself.
I do not like to put off anything till the last minute. Life is too short to miss any opportunities that may cross your path. My belief system is to get the job done as soon as possible after analyzing all of the compontents inside of the problem. This allows you more time to fine tune the problem, whereas by limiting your task prioritization will put you at risk of rushing a project and leaving many crucial areas out.
Knowing mty bad habbit of procrastination, I usually do what is easy first. I like the idea of doing what is more important first, it is a change that will have to come in steps but will increse my free time and getting things done.
I have had the tendency in the past to put off certain tasks until the last minute. Lately I have made a concerted effort not to procrastinate on important to do items. Based on what I have learned so far in this module, I will be sure to prioritize my list of to do items in such a way as to get to the most important ones first.
Yes, I have so much to do and no time available I pick the easy ones first to shorten my list just to keep my head up water
Prioritization includes an assessment of the entire situation. The most immediate need will need to be met first.
