I tend to put off tasks that involve computer training due to the amount of time required to complete them. I prefer to do short time projects first.
Absolutely. It's one thing to make that list. It's another thing altogether to make sure the priorities are taken care of first. I like the idea of using "consequences" to determine prioritization.
Evan
Try to make sure that the task is a priorty and not something a coworker has not made in a priorty by his or hers own needs. Be careful of what others say.
I already have to prioritize my taks due to the number of classes I teach each week. I use sticky notes and folders for each class. I go through the schedule every Sunday and put a sticky note on each folder marking the day and what is required each day of class for that week. I then add in any other task where it needs to be put. Then when I sit down I know exactly what I have to do for each class every week and what else needs to be done every week.
Josef, Lack of knowledge and the 'fear factor' that you describe are pretty common obstacles for instructors. It's ok to reach out for help when you're given a task to learn more about what is needed and how to get it done. A lot of times, when instructors reach out, they learn that the task is really not as hard or daunting as they once thought.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kevin, Do what works for you. If prioritization is not needed for you to accomplish your goals, just use your list more freely as you do. Everyone is different in the way they complete their tasks and it's important to go with what works.
Dr. Melissa Read
Task prioritization is most inportant because one cant put the cart before the horse.A stich in time saves nine.Certain things must be done in order for the end result to be correct.
I have always been a big fan of lists and sit down every Monday morning early and have a weekly list as well as every month. Does this mean I prioritize? Not always. I wear a lot of hats and often times priorities pop up out of the blue. I try to group the weekly list items in terms of known need. Even if every task is not completed, I know it's out there and will be reviewed. I am guilty of procrastinating especially when there's a fear factor or lack of knowledge, but the job gets done.
I have used ToDo lists semi-regularly, and have found that it makes it easier to accomplish more than trying to work without one. I have not included the step of writing a priority level next to each one - instead, I have regularly scanned mt ToDo list to "priorotize". Reviewing my ToDo list and prioritizing all tasks in advance will make this tool more efffective for me.
I will be more specific when prioritizing tasks in the future, also will not be as likley to procrastinate as well.
Beverly, I like your approach and I have to admit I'm in the same boat. I love rewarding myself with simple tasks. It's a nice way to break up my day - while getting great things accomplished too!
Dr. Melissa Read
It helps me with organization and improve self confidence as I always have down time.
When working on my To-Do List, I "reward" myself with an easy task after completing a more difficult and time-consuming one.
Kenya, Some instructors struggle with time management for years. Others work on continuously improving. You are not alone. Most instructors don't have a perfect system. What's important is to always keep trying and optimizing to become as efficient as possible and get the most out of work and life.
Dr. Melissa Read
I feel the same way Patricia! Being able to check off items on your list gives you a feeling of accomplishment and confidence -- being on top of things. It's a great process to go through and helps you stay motivated and on task.
Dr. Melissa Read
Time management has been an issue I have identified and struggled with all throughtout college and my adult years.When prioritizing task from least important to most important, I find that I do rearrange my to do list to accomplish the task that are most important so that I dont run short of time to do other task that are just as meaningful.
I keep a notebook by my favorite chair at home. I write down what I would like to accomplish, what I forgot to do, and like to continually work on long term projects so that there is not a mad dash at the end to finish. I like that I get to check off an item on my list, makes me feel like I am accomplishing my goals.
Marie, This is a common process for instructors. Often times, it feels less stressful to just knock things off the list completely when they can be addressed quickly. Sometimes this process makes our final to do list feel less daunting.
Dr. Melissa Read
I generally prioritize on according to importance but if there is something that I can get done in 15-20 minutes I will try to get that out of the way first, leaving me with less interruptions during my larger more time-consuming tasks.
Shobha,sounds like you do a great job of setting expectations up front. This is so important to do. When students have a good structure and context to work within, they tend to excel. When they are unclear on our expectations and requirements, they are less successful and less focused.
Dr. Melissa Read
