This really helped organize my thoughts of myself. I waiver in between periods of procrastination and immediacy. sometimes hours apart, sometimes days and even weeks apart but I can relate to both. I am always making lists but I really like how they broke down the lists and then prioritized the items in the list.
I usually accomplish these right away.
I need to write my to do list rather than keep a "mental" list. This will help better prioritize the tasks.
Yes identifying those tasks that I dislike need to get off my plate so I can enjoy rewards of free time later
My most important task are always done first. If I have any questions on response time or the deadline of the task, I normally ask for clairification on the urgency of the task. After understanding the urgency of the task, then I can prioritize the task list and move things around. I don't hesitate to point out what is on my plate and how the new task will change what gets done first.
I do prioritize my tasks, but I learned this the hard way like most things in my life. I have learned to complete the most urgent tasks first.
In the classroom I prioritize my tasks for the day's activities and write them on the board, the less urgent tasks for that day if not discussed will be discussed the following class.
I always have a to do list and update it frequently but I definitely feel as though I often get caught up in external tasks and then put my important tasks off for another time. I need to be better at prioritizing the tasks on my list so that I do not feel stressed and anxious knowing that I have not completed an important task before the time I wanted to have it done.
Jacqueline, I like your thinking. Blocking specific times for specific tasks can make a big difference. Sometimes it can be challenging because we take up more time than we thought during a particular time block. If this happens to you often, I recommend building in a buffer block for overflow tasks.
Dr. Melissa Read
Amy, Yes, for many of us, "to do lists" are an essential. Instructors are simply balancing too many tasks at once to keep everything in our heads. When we put our tasks down on paper, we are able to focus on other things.
Dr. Melissa Read
Cesar, That sounds like a wonderful approach. Often times, the most peaceful environments are created by us. We set the tone, others respond and join in.
Dr. Melissa Read
I always try to prioritize in order of importance, but I do have immediacy issues because of my time constraints. I usually try to set aside time for certain tasks so I use time blocking to accomplish my tasks.
Try to use my own efforts and those around me and use some skills I learn to created calmness with some spare time and my life so I can be more focus and my energy and attention and things the really matter
Right now, I think I do a pretty good job of prioritizing tasks. However, I will review and make necessary changes.
try to finish the soones is posible and try to do the most important first
There is nothing in this module that would make me change the way I prioritize tasks. It's actually quite simple: the tasks that need to be done first, are done first. No need to overcontemplate, or overcomplicate, that which is organically simple. As an instructor, my tasks are well-known to me, including their order of priority.
I feel a "to do list" is very important in the classroom and life in general. With busy lifes and classrooms it helps me to keep on task.
I usually try to keep a running to do list in my head at all times. It would be more helpful to actually write it to see how much really needs to be accomplished as well as clearing my head for the more important tasks.
Shantel, Interesting approach and I know where you are coming from. There are some tasks that are so low priority that it seems we never get to them. Sometimes that's ok. It's good to set our expectations with the understanding that not everything will get done. Note that sometimes you can delegate tasks that are a lesser priority.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ivy Joy, That sounds like a great plan. I should note that sometimes instructors find it's nice to knock out a few simple tasks as confidence builders before moving on to their priority tasks. This can work too, as long as we don't spend all our time in this area.
Dr. Melissa Read
Keith, So true. There are some recurring tasks in all our lives like emails and voice mail that have to be dealt with continuously. Some instructors choose to set aside a certain amount of time in their daily schedules to accomplish those tasks, with the understanding that their inboxes will never be empty! It's good to chip away at tasks such as these a little bit at a time.
Dr. Melissa Read
