Probably not. I do try to prioritize and get the most urgent tasks accomplished first. I am also comfortable leaving some tasks for another day as more pressing matters come up. I may be guilty of a little procrastination.
that is a good idea -- i will make that adjustment down the road
of course there is always the one off students
thanks for the info.
L
It sounds like you have a good system for staying organized Don. Note that everyone is guilty of a little procrastination every once in a while.
While making a task list for the particular day, I will list each task under the co-worker I have to get back with. As I pass their area/office/classroom I can maximize my time.
on some tasks a little adjustment may be helpful in the future.
For those tasks that are truly critical in timing, I will focus on them first. For tasks that are perhaps more important, but I have a extended time to complete them, I work best by accomplishing them in incremental steps and evaluating my completion as I go along until all of the task has been completed. John Eliassen
I have gotten into the practice in doing lists which does help me priortize my day, but with lesser tasks of importance I end up procrastating. Any advice would help.
Based on what I have learned in this module I will be more disciplined in regularly creating and updating to-do lists. I have a tendency to do them mentally and on very busy days or when something unexpected pops up, I get nervous about possibly forgeting something. Prioritizing will be moved to the forefront as well.
Great question Lawrence! Most people have the opposite problem. I would recommend getting all of your tasks on that list, including the ones of lesser importance. This way, you'll be able to make better choices on prioritization by seeing everything all at once.
I see for me the obstacle of immediacy! I agree that with the problems that comes with this....longer hours, mistakes and one starts to work slower. I always have a to do list, but I normally do not prioritize it and this will be my is my next step.
I think its important not only to prioritize your to do list but also put a reasonable timeline. This will keep you from having to do everything at once.
I believe in task prioritization. It keeps me focused and stress level down.
Indeed. Setting reasonable expectations for yourself and others on timing can significantly reduce stress.
I am very good at prioritizing in the short term. Where I fall short is longer-term planning (outside of a few hours or into the next days/weeks).
I also suffer from self-indulgence. While much of my time is spent focused on curriculum, lessons, etc., I tend to get bogged down in looking for ways to enhance or improve, rather than doing things like grading papers, administrative paperwork, and other mundane tasks.
How can one approach a solution to these types of problems?
Perry:
I am also a member of the "bogged down club". I can appreciate your need for innovation as I have a similar instructional style which benefits students we need to keep motivated. I tend to do better when I include 1 mundane task on my most important things to do list and complete it first so that I can spend more time on those tasks I enjoy. Also try not to accomplish all of your grading or administrative tasks all at once. Approach the "Elephant one bite at a time".
Good luck!
Wanda
Thanks for sharing Perry. Many instructors struggle with long term planning. One great way to overcome this is to break long term goals into chunks that can be completed sequentially. With this method, working toward the long term happens in the short term. Eventually you do reach some of your bigger goals.
I tend to put the harder ones until the end because if I can finish more of the easier tasks I can concentrate on a harder task better. This may not be right but it is how I seem to do it most often.
I am noticing it more now as I have embarked on going back to school. My assignments get completed in the order of how hard they are it seems.
Honestly it depends on how palatable the task is. Generally speaking the more I dread doing it the longer it goes undone until I have no choice. I always get it done by the deadline but I do tend to procrastinate those things I simply hate doing. Will I change that behavior? Honestly, I'll try but probably not. LOL
For years I have been making "to do" lists and without a doubt, the more difficult tasks or the critical tasks I try to move to the bottom of the list. Doing this I am hoping the task will be less difficult to do. In most cases this is not the truth.
Many times I must grit my teeth and face the task. There is a huge sense of accomplishment when the list is complete.
I must say, I do try to prioritize the tasks and check them off in order as best as I can.
Marshall, I know difficult and critical tasks can feel daunting. Sometimes breaking them up into smaller pieces, and attacking those pieces can help substantially.
