I have a mixed approach to task completion. I try to follow the JIT model. I'm not sure I will change my prioritization, but I do need to finish all the projects that I start by breaking them down into sub tasks. I sometimes start with enthusiasm, then get bogged down and don't finish.
Nicole, That sounds like a good strategy. Priority tasks need time and focused attention. When we don't focus, we often end up having to do rework. So it's important to do tasks once and do them right.
Dr. Melissa Read
Although I typically create to-do lists, I don't usually prioritize the elements on the list. Going forward, I'll not only create the list but assign priority to the elements, so I'm sure to complete tasks in order of urgency.
I will prioritize my important tasks from high to low importance. If a task is high importance, I will try not to rush through so that I can cover the material thoroughly.
Well< ut's like this Dr. I have have been "doing " the same course work for years now, can get sort of boring! However I still continue to change the way a teach. My only real urgency is putting more content into my class, in less time! I guess I dole out my tasks...
It depends on the task, yes, absolutely, I will change the order in which I accomplish important and urgent tasks in the future, based on what I have learned so far.
Julie, Yes, when we get to be too busy, immediacy doesn't work so well and we're forced into prioritizing. Sometimes during the busiest times, we are forced to develop better time and task management systems for ourselves.
Dr. Melissa Read
Lisa, A consistent approach is often the winning approach when it comes to great time and task management so I very much appreciate your thinking.
Dr. Melissa Read
Timothy, I like the idea of writing priorities on the board for many reasons. The biggest one for me is that it's a great communication tool for students and helps you set expectations about classroom objectives. When students understand your objectives, their understanding often helps you stay on task.
Dr. Melissa Read
Mark, It sounds like you have a great system already in place and at a guess, you are likely on top of things. Sometimes it's good to optimize when there are opportunities but in your case, you might just try to continue using the system that works so well for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have to agree with several things here. I too do the stacking method. This works best at my day job where I have a desk and a place to put my things.
At my part time teaching job I don't have a place so I work out of a bag. So it is more challenging. The reading schedule helps me know what I need to get to be ready to teach. And if no one interups me and equipment works I will be ready.
I try to get papers etc ready for the next class as I finish this class. Preparing for teaching the materal is done away from the school.
At home... mess
I usually prioritize the task in order of urgency. Anything with a time sensetive deadline will be completed first. I do have a tendancy to answer my students immediatley whether it be via e-mail or phone. I don't like to have to wait even though what they need may not be of an urgent matter.
I think in the future, I will still respond to my students in a timely matter but not like before. The response to them will have a 24 hour window.
I am a big believer in "to-do lists". I always try to accomplish the tasks that are a "must" before the end of the day. If the item is not a "must" I do like to take some time and think about the task and what is involved and try to complete it within the required time frame.
Sondra, Sounds like an approach that will work well for you. Prioritization can give you great piece of mind. You can rest easy knowing the most important tasks will be taken care of.
Dr. Melissa Read
I admit I do prioritize certain tasks, I get to some right away and others get put on the back burner. I use to get to everything immediately. But the busier it gets and the more you take on the more you procrastinate on.
I need to start back and making list and checking off so I can see what I am not getting to.
I have always been pretty good at time managenemt but I do admit there are something that I will change and look to free up some time
I found the idea from this module helpful that I will prioitize task by egergency instead of all at once. I will implete the idea of writing them out based on importance and deadlines.
As a habit from younger years, I enjoy having a clear mind so I usually take care of the necessary task first. I now understand how to group some of the necessary task together to work efficiently.
I am encouraged to become more consistent with my task list. I like the idea of creating one every Monday to reprioritize my tasks. I tried the list and yet I find myself slacking off in that area as well. From this point I plan to be more dedicated to the task of creating a task list, then truly follow through all of the time rather than some of the time.
LT
Wow, yes I'm the instructor that is grading homework and tests as soon as the students turn it in. I think, instead of controlling my own time, I am letting the students control it. Its ok for the students wait until tomorrow for their grade.
