I tend to procrastinate quite a bit and end up rushing around to finish tasks. By implementing a weekly 'to do' list and prioritizing, I can definatley relax and manage my time better.
I find that the more work I have to do the more I procrastinate. In prioritizing I have a difficult time deciding which tasks are more important and prioritizing comes down to when things are due. Whatever is due right away is most important. I don't particularly like working this way but my plate is so full it seems to be the only option. I feel like this makes my lessons suffer.
If I keep my sense of immediacy then I usually can stay on top of things and don't have to take as much work home. So I find I have to balance being stressed out by immediacy and taking work home. If I keep that high stress pace going the trade off is not as much homework. I'm not sure which is better for longevity.
Yes, immediacy can work for some people - especially those who stress out about seeing too many items on a list!
I usually try to accomplish as many tasks on my "To Do" list ASAP. I think I can be more productive by using the task prioitization presented in this course. Thanks.
Jo,
It's great to have a list & expect to get tasks done, but I find, with a home based business, (in addition to teaching) that your time is sometimes interrupted. The point of having a home based business is to have flexibility, so even though I have expectations of completing the tasks on my list - it doesn't always work out that way. Still
I lists my tasks- it keeps me focused & my head clear.
Interesting Deb. Your 'other' category sounds very much like 'administrative' and 'operations' categories that other instructors use.
On my "to do" list, in additiona to tasks for each class, I include a section for "other" than includes contacting students, timesheets, paperwork, entering information into the database etc. It does help--when I remember to put them on the list.
When it comes to accomplishing tasks related to my classes, I'm pretty good at getting things done quickly with the help of to do lists. I keep a notebook that has my list of classes and what needs to be done for each one. This list gets updated weekly.
It's the other taks related to teaching but that don't directly involve the classes themselves that tend to cause me some problems. For example professional development tasks and some other paperwork tend to get put off more easily than preparing activities or grading tests.
I make "to-do lists" and I do them in the order of ease or challenge. I do need to change that to order of importance and urgency so that these "to-do items" don't turn into procrastinated items!
I am a list maker and an Immediate "doer" as a teacher. I want to be on top of my game at all times, be the best teacher possible, so I get everything done right away and do not procrastinate with my professional life! However, my homelife is slightly different. I make lists, and accomplish some of the items. I definitely need to work harder at being less of a procrastinator at home! (I don't feel tired from my work at school but maybe I am fooling myself and need to take a harder look at myself.)
This is a good system Anthony. If the level of difficulty is hard or the time is lengthy, sometimes is is good to prioritize.
I change my order by importence also by the level of difficulty/time it takes to complete.
Yes use lists only if you need them Paul. If you have a mental system that works for you, go with that instead until it doesn't work any longer!
I make every possible effort to complete urgent tasks as soon as I can. Sometimes I have to put my tasks on temporary hold because a student(s) is(are) having difficulty. My number 1 priority is the student, and their ability to comprehend the material presented.
Even though I set a task prioritization list, it has to be subject to change to assist the students.
I am pretty organized and like to keep it all straight in my head. I have never used lists. I may find some day that I can no longer keep it all straight in my head and need to write things down.
yes i would change the order regarding task proioritizing.
Yes, there is something about writing list items down that can really move you to action.
The module did give ways for task prioritization. I am a firm believer in making to do lists, but to take it to another level and writing what needs to be accomplished first is really the key. I am going to attempt to implement that part of managing my time.
I keep two separate to do lists, the first is a daily list of prioritized tasks to be accomplised by the end of my workday the second list is reserved for more involed tasks that may require a larger investment of time and energy. This list is updated weekly or when new opportunities present themselves.
I love this idea. It matches with the teaching idea of giving students points for what they do, rather than removing points for errors. One drawback to the plan is the loss of the great feeling of satisfaction in crossing something off the list/checking the box that says done. Perhaps I can have two lists, one at the begining of the day, one at the end...I will have to play around with the concept. Maybe one list on the computer, and items get cut and pasted from the "to do" column into the "done" column?!
