Be Organized!
Since most instructors spend more than 50% of their time at work, it is just as important to be organized at your work place as it would be at your home. This will save you alot of time and frustration. Another time saver for instuctors is the use of textbooks that come with supporting materials. Also the use of scan trons is another easy and quick way to grade exams and homework assignments.
I have 5 classes at different times and have color coded each class so that when I see their folder I immediately know which class and what time of day they meet and who they have as their primary instructor.
Having your work on wheels is terrific. Mobility anywhere you go. We have several instructors sharing same material so I try and make my own files, however, can be rather a lot of clutter.
I try and scan materials and keep on my flash drive as well.
I have a workmate and we somewhat share workspace, but it has been a very pleasant experience. I have showed her the things I do to stay organized and she has taken some direction and come up with things on her own that she has, in turn, shared with me. Its nice when 2 people can be open enough to do that.
I would love to have my own file space because we all have such different styles of filing here that it blows my mind. I like things in a orderly manor not all mixed up together.
I agree, when teaching a new course it was time saving to use others power points and then customize them to my style.
I loved the concept of being organize, because like what you said this will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Sherry, Love your approach! This is perfect for instructors who don't have dedicated office space too.
Dr. Melissa Read
I also have a "cart" that I wheel from class to class, and I have found I am much better organized with all my material than when I had a rolling suitcase
I LOVE my cart
To be organized leads to a steady flow of marking of tasks
i have begun to organize all teaching tools that I have devised for previous courses. I label and file, keeping many thing on my thumb drive.
Gary, Working with someone else who has an alternative organizational style can be quite stressful! I'm glad to hear you developed a system that ultimately worked for both of you. Note that sometimes this is not always possible, and the best possible outcome is simply to respect each other's differences.
Dr. Melissa Read
I had a problem with another instructor when he came to my area. We shared the same files and class papers he did not like my system of organizing.We learned to work together to develop a system that works for both of us.
To be organized is 99% of yoye success!
I like to be organized and struggle with keeping organized.
I am an adjunct instructor and I do believe that organization is truly the key to being successful with keeping up with grades and homework assignments. I'm always looking for better ways to track my students progress. I really believe that organization does save time and reduce frustrations which could hinder the students academic learning.
i think its very important to be organized because it makes it easy fo the teacher and the instructor.
I store all material in a designated filing cabinet as well. this helps seperate all my papers from my colleague's
Vincent, That sounds lovely! Having it on wheels means you can take it places too. It's nice to be able to relocate an organization system when you need to!
Dr. Melissa Read
I use a textbook with a quiz bank. I modify the issues I feel need better coverage and eliminate the questions that are not relavant..
