I will definitely reevaluate my task prioritization based on what I have learned in this course. I will first create a list categorizing emergent duties. I will then review the consequences of each duty /task.
As I complete each task I will revisit the list to ensure that I have accurately prioritized the task based on immediate need and level of consequences because circumstances sometimes may change the level of urgency.
Monica, Indeed true. Short cuts often lead to more work because we have to complete tasks a second and third time. I believe in doing things once and right!
Dr. Melissa Read
Joe, It sounds like you've had some important learning experiences that guide your time and stress management techniques today. That's great to hear. Now you are in a position to better manage your stress and to teach others about what works and what doesn't. It is rare for instructors to start out perfect in the way they manage themselves. These techniques take time, trial and error.
Dr. Melissa Read
Gay, Sounds like you have some interesting challenges, given your line of work. At the same time, your work situation may present some unique opportunities. Some instructors who work in spas leverage spa services to deal with stress. If this opportunity is available to you, you might give it a try!
Dr. Melissa Read
Hi Dr. Read,
I certainly am going to reconsider how I prioritize tasks. Typically, I tend to knock out the easier tasks first and leave the more complicated, complex tasks for later. It truly makes more sense to prioritize tasks by level of consequence. After all, priority means "first"; You certainly should complete the tasks with the highest level of consequence first.
I agree there is a process / method to accomplishing task therefore, short cuts do not always result in a successful completed mission.
It is good practice to prioritize your task and complete them in that same order to have good results.
I believe I will slightly change my previous methods of completing task.Based on the topic of discussions I had a sense of procrastination and a sense of urgency.
The procrastination came with knowing it would not take me long to complete a task therefore, I would wait until the last possible minute to accomplish the task.
The urgency came into play with now my time is limited to complete a task therefore, I am now rushing to do so.
I try to stay in-step with my to-do list... For many years I simply did not allow enough time to accomplish my responsibilities... Now I try to arrive at least 1 hour before the start of each of my classes & then during my off time each week I will devote at least one 8 hour day to accomplish my out-of-class responsibilities... I have been doing this for several years and I find that I am in pace with my school responsibilities... I believe one formula to success is the tme-management of the tasks I am responsible for...
Although on occasion some-things fall off the table and are done with a great sense of urgency - like this class for example :~0
Fortunately I have been teaching for quite some time and have suffered from the ailments listed in this module. Through experience and trials, setting priorities, and finishing them, has been somewhat easy. Although, after being burnt by my own insecurities and procastination. I now utilize to do lists and setting priorities on a daily basis.
I always make a "to do " list every day. I try to complete my every day task but sometimes because of unavoidable reasons you have put off some task for another time, but it is very rare. I prioritize my tasks according to the urgency and importance and the consequences if the task is not accomplished.I learned this from a collegue of mine. I never used a "to do" list in my life before i saw him doing everything on time. I had to do everything in rush at the last minute. It was ambarassing for me. Then i asked him the secret of doing everything on time and learned about "to do' list. Now, I am always on the top of every thing.
I usually try to complete urgent tasks immediately. If a task is not really urgent (i.e. can be completed within 2 days or more without a negative consequence), I have tended to put them off until they become more urgent. This choice is unfortunate as things tend to pile up or new conflicting tasks also appear out of nowhere and may be equally urgent.
I think I understand how to prioritize tasks in terms of urgency, but in terms of importance, I sometimes neglect administrative requirements, such as updating my professional development profile or replying sooner to RSVP's for social events. I sometimes neglect to get these tasks on time because I perceive my teaching duties to be more important and/or time-consuming. These are issues I think will be easier to tackle with detailed To-Do lists, similar to the ones in the module.
I think it is reasonable to be able to indicate that the timing for covering some material may change from the syllabus based on student needs. I try to leave a little "wiggle room". In a recent live class we zipped through something I thought would take longer and then we spent more time on something that I thought we would fly through.
I am in a rather unique position, in that I am not only an instructor, but I also work in the Massage Therapy Program's spa. It is difficult to prioritize tasks that are geared towards two different jobs, and many of the Spa tasks have an urgency to them that relates to client retention. I often do both jobs the same day, and I find it very difficult to prioritize my tasks related to teaching when I don't know how much time my spa job will leave me to accomplish them.
Hello, my name is Betty and I am a procrastinator. LOL!
I know this fact very well. I used to be a light procrastinator but when I became more busy (more distracted), I became more of a procrastinator.
I know I have to get back into habits I used to maintain and become more disciplined; e.g. creating "To Do" Lists, completing small tasks immediately, getting rest, etc.
I know it is something I must do in order for best results.
Hi Mario,
I agree with your post.Every week and usually every day, I organize my schedules and daily task. This method keeps me on task and helps me maintain a healthy teaching environment for my students.
I usually complete tasks according to their importance and urgency. There are times when I find myself procrastinating, but I always find a way to complete the important tasks on time. In the future and because of the information from this module I think I will better be able to prioritize my tasks.
The way I like to take arrange my tasks is by writing a to do list each day. I write my tasks down as they come up throughout the day. I am a goal orientated person as well as a visual person and feel gratified as my tasks get done. Making sure my most important get done. What I feel I need to do going forward is rewrite my tasks and the end of the day and have them prioritized. From the most important task to the least important task. To keep my more organized. I can slack off a little bit at times.
Lorraine, Yes, the best approach is to eliminate as many stressors as you can up front. When they are off your plate and out of your life, it's much easier to focus on reducing and coping with what's left. Some stressors cannot be eliminated and that's ok. Just try to take a step back and assess the total stress landscape, then move forward with your plan of attack.
Dr. Melissa Read
Donna, Breaking down tasks into manageable pieces can be a great strategy for instructors. It gives us a wonderful sense of accomplishment and helps keep us motivated to chip away at our goals.
Dr. Melissa Read
Michael, Some instructors simply perform better under pressure. If you're one of them, it's ok to go with this as long as it doesn't impact your productivity. Try to balance doing what's right for you with keeping up appearances.
Dr. Melissa Read
