Time Management
I'm often challenged by whether or not to extend an activity beyond the allotted time to make sure that students are "getting it" or to keep a strict clock so that they will understand the real world pressures of the task. I once taught a recording class where I did the former and everybody achieved and understood the objectives; but I ended the class by saying "You guys did good but you have to work much faster in the real word". I wonder if they would have benefitted more by being pushed to perform and think fast.
Hi Gerald,
Wow!! This is the attitude of a lot of students. Perhaps, you can incorporate a participation grade so that if you suggest something and the students don't do it you can take away from their participation grade. Giving grades somehow forces students to do work, otherwise no grade given, they don't want to do the work just for practice.
Patricia Scales
The problem I have seen, is sometimes they feel the pressure, of what looks like a lot of lab work.
No matter how often you remind them. don't rush,,
Get it done right the first time.
You have plenty of time...
They seem to race each other..
The next thing you know.. A full day from the end of the course.. Some run out of tasks to do...
Practice makes perfect... Do it again...
No extra grade???
I'm not doing it then...
Hi David,
Fair enough! For some students it does simply just take more time. Quality practice really does make perfect.
Patricia Scales
When it comes to time management I find that being flexable with time allotment works for me. Each class is different and has unique needs and meeting those needs sometimes means allowing for more time than was originally planned. There is and old saying that practice makes perfect. That's not true only perfect practice makes perfect. However the more often you do a task the faster you get. Get it right first then work on speed.
Do you think it prudent to ever end a session without having completed the lesson plan and to have students do reading (homework) in order to accomplish the desired objective? I sometimes have more questions by some students and don't like to rush - I understand it is my job to manage things, but often a good thought provoking question arises and a thread is pulled. I have found myself 'tugging' at some of those threads and then realize time has gotten away. I'm just wondering what others have done when this happens? (Note: I run a two week course several times a year.)
Hi IDA,
It is definitely the instructor's responsibility to manage the classroom in all areas. Even though students may have group learning going on, the instructor needs to make sure to monitor things accordingly.
Patricia Scales
instructors must be active with student groups to keep them on focus and manage the time allotted for activities.
Hi Catherine,
It is definitely the instructor's responsibility to keep the class on point and to make sure time is being utilized wisely!
Patricia Scales
It depends upon the class and the activity. I always leave room in the schedule to extend time if I feel the students need it. Some students get very involved in the brainstorming process and it branches into very good discussions. I don’t like to stop the process if it is very productive. I will only extend the process if the students are actively participating.
I teach Automotive Electrical and when it come time for the lab activities, I tell the class that they have a specific amount of time to get it done, and if it is not finished, the will lose lab points.
I have found that if you do not give them a time limit, then they will have a tendancy to goof off and not accomplish much.
I also alot a little more time then I tell them for the labs, then if the extra time is needed, I will allow them more time.
Hi Linda,
Awesome! Students must know that time is an important factor on the job! Dental students have to be able to get patients in and out.
Patricia Scales
I believe it is very important for students to be able to connect a time element to a task, especially in the dental field. When I am teaching a new chapter/procedure I allow my students an adequate practice period to master the steps. During this practice period they are each given a timer. Their objective before their final test out is to be able to complete the task in the time period I give them. This definetly pushes the students to understand the importance of time in a real office situation.
