Nancy,
How do you distinguish between an A and a B?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I use a to-do list with only the a-b method. this way I have room for c and the extra tasks or the unforseen.
My A priorities are for essential tasks I need to accomplish that day, such as presentations, meetings, and appointments. The B priorities are generally are tasks that need to be accomplished within three to five days. The C priorities are those I call remainder or ticklers and those are ones that are off in the future or small tasks that do not add value to my day, but I need to keep in the back of my mind to get accomplished.
Barrie,
Thank you for this post. What are some of the factors you consider when establishing your priorities?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I use a Franklin planner to keep track of my tasks and schedule. Every morning I review my tasks and the priority category of “A, B, or Câ€. At the end of the day I review any tasks I did not get completed and assign a priority category and break down each category with a number, (A1, A2, B1, B2 …) for the next day.
Wayne,
Thanks, Wayne. What are one or two things you consider when setting priorities?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I catch myself usually prioritizing my tasks with clipboards. I have a (I guess) a bad habit of keeping clipboards with my to dos. The only I have with this procedure is that I don't have anything wrote down in a particular order. It's more less the position of the board. Trying to organize better now and also apply my outlook calendar using my email more. I've found atleast using my outlook I calendar I can pull this up in any room I'm in at the school. I only wish we access outside the school sometimes.
Henry,
Flexibility in delivery is an important part of teaching. Staying on plan sometimes keeps folks from engaging in other teachable moments that pop up from time to time.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I consider the time allowed for an activity. The equipment needed. The knowledge base of the class I am teaching. The priorites are to get throught the lesson plan for the day but some times they need to be modified do to good discussion on the material.
Henry,
What are the things you consider when setting priorities?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Each day I write down a plan for the day. There are time left open to handle items that were not planned for. This keeps me on track.
Ed,
Most people do not have much luck depending exclusively on their memory.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I suppose I should make a list but I also look at taking time to make a list a waste of time!! I depend upon my memory and ability to prioritize each task as it comes and complete each based upon need and urgency.
Matthew ,
Where are you wasting the most time?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I will revaluate how I prioritze my tasks after taking this course. I have never been in a job that I needed to worry about time. Course 135 has opened my eyes to trying a method to keep track of my time and evaluate where it is wasted and make adjustments accordingly
Wayne,
Outlook is very useful, but one still needs to set priorities. What are the most important things you consider?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I'm with you there, I use outlook for my personal calendar as well as my job calendar. It totally makes organizing a snap
I break down my must do list into two or three things, once I finish those everything else gets easier. I think most people get too bogged down in the small task so they end up trying to do “do it all†and end up not getting anything done.
Great Post, Deb. These are definitely the priorities I hope my faculty members set!
Jeffrey Schillinger
I try to focus first on tasks that relate to what I need in order to teach my classes. This includes preparing my notes for lectures/demonstrations, preparing assignment sheets, quizzes, tests, etc.
The second group of tasks I try to tackle involves grading/checking work in order to provide timely feedback to students. This also involves keeping gradebooks updated.
The next group involves other paperwork, training, etc. that are part of meeting requirements for instructors.
Since I am constantly moving between classrooms, I rely primarily on written to-do lists.
