I, apparently approach the to-do lists in the same manner. I make the effort to TRY and get done what I plan to get done, but freequently, due to some very good questions from students, this does not always happen.
I have typically responded to more desirable tasks first. Those things that I don't like to do are always put on the back burner. I like the example of doing those things that are urgent and important first. Making priorities and marking them off as complete, certainly does serve as a sense of accomplishment.
My first priority is typically response to students. I do tend to get wrapped up in serving the students. As a result of information provided and learned in this module, I will change my approach. While it is very important to respond to my students, every situation is not urgent, and I can gain more insights by reviewing information first or not stopping in the middle of one task to complete another. Focus and organization are key factors. :-)
In the past, I have preferred to talk with students rather than grading papers. Prioritization is important.
I try and prioritize tasks related to level of importance and urgency. I also try and condense similiar tasks to consolidate time spent. That does seem to work. However, due to the nature of my job there are times everything goes out the window! I often provide both crisis and casemanagement services to students. If someone is in crisis that obviously takes priority over anything else. I need to build in flexibility with my schedule and if it does not get done that day I need to carry it into the next until it gets done.
My class comes first!!! I have to be flexable, fire drills, 3/4 of my students being pulled out of class for grad interviews, computer failures or power failures all take priority. Training comes second and I procrastinate, favoring organizing the class on a daily basis.
The balance between teaching and administrative work that also includes staff work and suspenses are always at the fore front of my day and working to delegate as much as I can.
The dichotomy is the preparation for a 2 hour class always requires much more effort to make sure of my credibility and currency on the topic being taught.
The most important point learned in this module was to prioritize and that I do not have to answer every email or respond to every phone message with a sense of urgency over other larger priorities that require creativity, thought and a deliverable.
I have had a more haphazard way of using lists. The numbering system for order of importance is a good idea, since I have found myself choosing the shortest of a group of tasks first.
I tend to procrastinate often but always meet deadlines. I always tell myself that I am not going to do this next time. But somehow it always ends up that I do. I need to force myself to have more self-discipline then I will change my order of accomplishing tasks and hopefully do them in a timely manner.
Task prioritization and effectively managing to-do lists are essentially skills for success.
I tend to put things off. I have learned that papers need to be graded sooner than later to monitor student progress. I have started giving myself time limits to grade things (ex: within 24 hours or the next day of class)
Yes indeed,typically I tend to put off those tasks that I don't typically care to perform. However, this actually generates stress because it is tucked away in your gray matter as an unresolved task.
My priority would be to refocus and do the unpleasant task first.
Michael Wynne
Interesting approach Kevin. Sounds like it will work for you. Yes, if we invest in doing tasks we don't like early, we get them out of the way and often can more fully enjoy the tasks we enjoy later.
I tend to over obsess about email--I check it far too frequently. Yet with other tasks, I really have to set firm deadlines for myself to get them done in time. The module helped me learn to better prioritize my tasks to give me more balance in work and life. I always find I do better with a to-do list--I just often forget to make them.
Yes, I will. Typically I put off those tasks that I don't personally enjoy doing however, this only takes away from tasks that I enjoy doing later.
So as a way of self discipline I will begin to do my least favorite things first to save more room for those things that I really enjoy doing later.
Kevin
I tend to be a procrastinator, except when it comes to email--with email I'm all about immediacy. So I've learned from this module to step back from the emails and to prioritize my to-do's. Setting deadlines for myself is the best way for me to avoid procrastination.
Excellent to hear Shauna! Yes, a good approach is to strive to accomplish tasks right away, understanding that sometimes we cannot do so and because reasonable with ourselves when we can't.
I strive to accomplish task right away. This module helped me to continue to stay focus and prioritize.
I am king of making to-do list! I will even put make a to-do list on the list so I have something to cross off. I think I will try to roll my old to-do list over into a new one after reading this rather than just making a new one ever time I get busy.
Generally speaking, I have set patterns of preparation and presentation for class lectures. I have put these at the bottom of my-to do list. At the bottom, I can have a clear mind to be creative with the class presentations and reflect more positively to the class. Not having that nagging feeling that I have to get something done right after class helps me and the learners benefit by allowing me to focus on what needs to be focused on, the learners. I defiantly used to be a procrastinator but have chosen to prioritize important tasks and complete them as soon as possible; it has relieved my stress hugely
Excellent to hear Amber. Yes, sometimes instructors who take this course simply validate that they are moving in the right direction. Sometimes it's nice just to confirm your direction and feel confident about moving forward.
