Time Management
There were some valuable suggestions on helping me to utilize my time more effectively on a daily basis.
Wow, sounds like you have a very organized system Matthew. But you're right, sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day. It's a bit frustrating - especially for those who really try hard to keep things in order.
Dr. Melissa Read
I totally agree with the statement that there just arent enough hours in the day. Some instructors schedules are packed. They begin their day running and dont get off of their feet until they leave at night. Pre-planning does help quite a bit. I have all of my daily lesson plans mapped out to the minute. This may seem a bit much but for me, it helps.
Daily game planning is critical for the success for the instructor as well as the students. Without time; many things can get lost in the process and enable further prolonging of events.
daily game plan is something I do as well. Also since our classes are only 6 weeks long, I know that every 6 weeks or so I'll be back to the same kind of day and I'll review my game plan from the last go round to see if I forgot anything or can improve
I agree Jan. I call this a "buffer" but "catch up time" works too. Ultimately, we've got to plan for the unknowns and make sure we have enough bandwidth to deal with them as they arise.
Game plans are required. However interruptions are also a part of every day. It is wise to build in "catch up time" to allow for the interruptions and end the day with completed tasks.
Time management is the most effective tool that we have to manage our time effectively. I never bite off more than I can chew. This is very crucial in the classroom and in the clinical setting.
I am very proficient at managing my personal & professional time/activities & I assist other instructors & receive their assistance with this area as well
That's a great strategy Josh! Really love the way the white board can be used to display the schedule to everyone who sees it. This method must really keep everyone on the same page.
For me good time management begins with a solid game plan and sticking to it. I utilize a white board and actually write the activity and a specific time amount associated with that activity. For Example:
Lecture 6:00-6:45
Break 6:45-7:00
Production 7:00-9:15
Clean-up 9:15-10:00
Go home
Candy - that is a constant time management "drainer" for me...I need to get better at not 'checking my class' all the time...I need to get on a schedule to check in the mornings and evenings - and not check in between - because when I do I feel that "urge" to take care of the situation.
Thanks for sharing!
Toni
I think that's a great idea! Another thing I do - because we have so many supplimental materials available in the course that I teach - is I give the students a survey at the end - asking them to evaluate the supplimental materials/games/tools I used - rating them on a 1- 5 scale. This gives me feedback as to whether or not I should use these same tools in future classes.
Thanks for sharing!
Toni
I am constantly in a battle against the clock. Lots of material to cover and never enough time to do it. I have learned little tricks to help me accomplish everything I set out to do for the day, such as pre-planning it on paper. I call it my daily gameplan.
I like to manage my time effieciently & I am able on most days to saty on top of all I need to do. I only check my e-mail twice a day & respond or do what is requried. I also like to grade the homework & record it as I grade. I like to take a few minutes on friday, to copy everything I need for the next week & then that is out of the way during the next week.
Having family, work requires a great balance of time management. What has work for me is identifying my best work time. Mornings are my high peak hours so here is where I do my homework, grade papers and balance any on clinical site work. Afternoon hours usually I can relax and give my students complete attention.
