time management
I think that proper and knowledgeable use of time management will greatly influence the time and order needed to complete a to-do list. I write everything down so I don't forget. I also have my students write down on a post-it when they have requests from me that I can't attend to immediately
John, Yes, so many of us find ourselves wishing for more time. It's tough because there's always too much work to do in our roles. Sometimes I find that I have to push back or reset expectations when time runs out.
Dr. Melissa Read
Time management is so crucial to me,because i get so busy that i am always wishing extra hours could be added to the 24hrs in a day.Infact that is why i chose this topic.
Thank you for the suggestions Dr. Read. The calendar definitely keeps me organized and on top of everything. I will keep your suggestions in mind!
Pearl, Wow, it sounds like you are offering a time management system that is broad enough for your entire family. On one hand, it must feel nice to have everything under control. On the other, it probably feels a bit overwhelming. I might recommend empowering some of the people in your family to make their own calendar updates, within the context of your system. This way, you can take the same organized approach but may save a bit on the heavy lifting.
Dr. Melissa Read
Hi Linka-I also use a calendar large enough for me to write in my husband's shift work schedule, my daughter's school activities, and my class schedule. I also type out a calender for each term and hand in out to the student's that lists exam schedule, tutoring hours, lab hours, and assignments. This allows the students to be able to manage their time wisely between school and their personal/family committments.
Brenda, So glad to hear you are teaching your students what you have learned. It's so important to impart helpful advice and guidance onto them. When they are better at managing their time and are more stress free, everyone around them benefits - including us!
Dr. Melissa Read
Time management is very important. I write things down in the order in which i would like for them to be done. Following a plan will allow you great time management. I tell my students to use a planner and write to do things in planner
Linka, So true. It sounds like you've got a great system in place. I recommend sharing what you have learned with your students. Many students simply don't know where to start when it comes to time and stress management. Giving them guidelines and serving as a role model can be a wonderful gift.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have been using a calendar to help me see my time in "black and white". Using a calendar, I am able to map out my time for work & family life, and whatever else life throws my way because those are the "given" times. Each task is listed in each day block of the calendar, mapped out by the time that task is to start and end. Then I can actually see that I have more time during the day/week than I realized to complete my other tasks (lesson plans, etc.--based on priority). This method will work great for the students as wello to help them manage their time between school, work, and family life to complete their assignments on time. I hope this helps :).
Yes I have to have the students write down and I also write it down.
Melanie, For some instructors, to do lists are not the best method. It's ok to continue to search for the method that works best for you. While there are great guidelines and rules that we can follow, there is not one-size-fits-all approach to time management. Do what is best for you and you'll achieve the best outcome.
Dr. Melissa Read
I would like to write a to do list, but I get so many interuptions at my full time job that sometimes it just seems pointless. I have written them out and I just never seem to get everything completed that I want to get completed in a day. My time management and stress management definately need a great deal of work, at least at my full time job. I seldom feel stressed out in the classroom, but I don't feel like I am under pressure or on a time clock to complete tasks like I am at my full time position.
You are absolutely right. I need a to-do list for every day to stay on schedule and on task.
I update the list every day after class for the next day. Every day I give the students a list
of what our goals are and what we are to accomplish for that day. This also helps the
students to stay on task.
David, Great question. Some of us were good at time management at one time and now have lost our abilities. It's tempting to return to our old routines and see if they work. However the truth is, as time has passed, we have likely changed. Our needs have changed too and our old techniques may not work for us. For the best results, we often need to test new techniques to see what works best for our lives today.
Dr. Melissa Read
I am sad to admit this but this is my achilles heel. It has always been a trouble spot for me since I became a teacher 10 years ago. The funny part is that when I was a sales associate I lived by planned time. What tricks do you see to help someone who seems to have lost the ability to prioritize his time and schedule it accordingly.
thanks
Time management is crucial when teaching one shift, let alone two. "To do lists", Daily class objective list, lab "To do list", attendance, meetings, training and tutoring are things to consider when managing your time in one day. It is work, but to me, the key is to come up with an efficient time management system that works for you. Coming up with it and making it become an involuntary part of your professional day will be the hard part. Once it has become involuntary,it will bring you great results daily.
We need to make sure that the "making you feel good" does not take control. I teach this to new students and that is a warning I give them. I call it the C fever because it does make them feel good to cross tasks off a list.
Kimberly, Excellent to hear that to do lists are working so well for you. Many instructors report that the process of checking things off the list is a rewarding one.
Dr. Melissa Read
I think making a to do list does allow you to work more effetivly and reduces stress. I enjoy checking things off my list as this helps me to feel as though I am making progress.
