In the past I have postponed grading to an unconscionable degree. Really shameful. Part of working through that is realizing how unfair it is to the students, leaving them hanging and uncertain for so long.*
Equally important,however, is creating a framework that allows grading to be done in an efficient, even-handed manner. For a long time I resisted developing rubrics, preferring to detailed written comments on all student work. Then I realized what a crazy amount of my own free (unpaid) time I was dedicating to grading, losing whole weekends; then I came around. Rubrics, checklist-based grading for the more mechanical assignments, a list of the most commons comments so as to avoid repeatedly hand-writing or typing the same thing 12 times over the course of grading a single assignment for the entire class: look for patterns, streamline, eliminate redundant work.
I still do some individual, hand-written commenting, and a couple major projects will take longer than I might like (I just can't help but giving the kind of feedback that I, as a student, would like to have received), but doing a little more work up front and striking a balance has helped me get it done much more quickly. I'm less stressed by my own procrastination (because I'm less likely to procrastinate at all), I'm less burnt out from repetition and being overloaded, and the students are less stressed because they know where they stand at all times.
*Although, on the flipside of that, I am pretty firmly of the belief that there are no surprises in grading. The student knows how they performed, especially if there was a verbal critique of the work; only the least self-aware or least honest student turns in "D" work and is then surprised at the grade they received. Similarly, "A" students are well aware of the quality of their work. I suppose there may be some mild uncertainty among the "B" or "C" set, but really, we know what kind of work we're doing, especially if the assignment was well-crafted, the knowledge-/skill-base needed to do that project well-established, and the grading criteria stated in advance.
"Why put off until tomorrow something that you could put off until sometime next week?"
It's an aphorism worthy of a snarky teenager's t-shirt, but, sadly, it can become a lifestyle. I have always been a procrastinator; simply put, it's so much easier to do something enjoyable now than it is to do something responsible.
This can become a self-perpetuating problem once one discovers that one is exceeding good under pressure, an 11th-hour performer. If procrastination doesn't end up costing you anything other than some sleep on the night before a due date, why bother doing things before then?
Sadly, no matter how good you are at getting things done under the wire, eventually there will be a reckoning. Whether missing an important deadline, or just producing adequate-but-not-as-good-as-it-could-be work, eventually it catches up with you. Been there, done that.
For this reason I'm looking forward to implementing some of the techniques this course promises.
As important, however, is thinking long and hard before one commits one's self to an endeavor that one is not truly committed to. So much procrastination comes from the fact that the task being delayed is a task that the procrastinator would rather not do in the first place.
We hear so much about the virtues of simplifying one's life, but almost all of us continue to commit ourselves to more and more obligations, many of which are not actually conducive to our own fulfillment. Actually analyzing one's own value system, and then making a commitment to those responsibilities that are in line with and in service of those values, that is the real path to eliminating procrastination. Because once you are doing things you want to do, you won't have to put them off in favor of things you want to do: you'll already be doing them.
Jetonga, Sounds like you have a great new approach that will work well for you. Excellent direction! I should note that I understand how tempting it is to complete the quick tasks first. Sometimes it's a nice confidence builder to get a few smaller tasks out of your queue to make room for the bigger ones.
Dr. Melissa Read
I've found a "to do" list can work magic when getting people to focus on what really. Have people go through an exercise like this and all the sudden those impossible tasks become possible.
I definitely can benefit by working at better time management as I feel that it is one of my weaknesses. Task prioritization is a great step towards this improvement. I think that by writing a list of tasks I wish to accomplish and then numbering them by priority I could get more of the important tasks done more efficiently. I tend to work hard and work long but always feel like I never get enough accomplished. By prioritizing better and recording the process I will be able to more clearly see where time is being misapplied and correct it. I am anxious to see how it works out. Do you have any ideas for vehicles to help me in this area? I am thinking that some of the software already available to me at work can help. The calender part of Microsoft Outlook for one. I think it has some places to keep track of tasks as well. I have a droid phone that I could find some apps for my personal tasks prioritization. I am good at making lists on paper but I often loose them and don't always follow up. Following up is a key that I do not want to misplace. Any addition ideas are greatly welcome. Thank You!!!!
Hello,
Normally I complete tasks based on the time it takes to accomplish. I figure if I am able to get the quick solution tasks out of the way, I will have more time to devote to tasks that require additional time. However, based on the lesson within this module, it is important to prioritize tasks based on their urgency. Another issue that I have is that I do tend to procrastinate to the last minute. It is a habit I've had forever but I am slowly working to improve. I will definitely change the order in which I accomplish tasks based on importance and urgency of tasks.
Miyuki, Interesting approach! I like how you've included a buffer in your day for urgent tasks because they are often unexpected. It's easy to forget to plan for the unexpected and when we do, we are often strapped for time.
Dr. Melissa Read
Maria, Sounds like you have your priorities straight! That's wonderful to hear. Yes, urgent tasks typically do need to come first. I find that when I make them a priority, I feel better about my day.
Dr. Melissa Read
The tasks that I prioritize are the tasks that have the urgency. These are the ones that need to be done first.
Jacqui, It sounds like you have a healthy respect for task urgency and priorities. Yes, flexibility can get you far when it comes to time and stress management. On one hand, it's important to make rules to guide us. On the other, thinking critically in the moment about what works and what doesn't is the best approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
I normally tend to accomplish goals that are important for others or that others are depending on me to accomplish before I even begin assessing or prioritizing my personal tasks. I can not honestly say that I will change that method, professionally it has worked thus far.
I have always tried to complete the more urgent tasks first and then re-priortize, and and repeat the process, however I do sometime find that I need to work on an eaiser task just to get the motivational wheels rolling. I believe that just getting that inital sence of accomplishment can make it eaiser to tackle the harder tasks.
I usually plan my entire week ahead. I plan my "grading home work day", "updating grades day", "preparing class day"...etc. However I keep about 1 to 2 hours during the day to take care of urgent matters. This method works the best for me. Otherwise, I am allover the place and don't accomplish much...
Traci, Hmmm, Some instructors do not do well with lists. Perhaps you need to find another method. There are some good computerized programs, available through your desktop computer and mobile phone, that could help. Some people like to talk out their list and have a computer program record and organize their items. Keep searching until you find the method that works best for you!
Dr. Melissa Read
I’m afraid that bad habits are terribly hard to break. Over the years I have come to realize that flexibility is a key trait needed to survive. We have to realize that ‘life’ and ‘job’ are constantly throwing us the proverbial curve ball. So – choosing to accomplish the urgent tasks first will always take priority over those that are not ‘life’ threatening.
I utilize to do lists, but I've learned I fail to repriortize them when needed. This module was very helpful.
I tend to do a few quick and easy tasks first to get a feeling of accomplishment, but after reviewing this module, I will do the more urgent tasks first.
Yes, I update my list morning prior to starting anything to ensure I prioritize my activities prior to effectively use time management principles.
I luckily do chose to accomplish the most urgent tasks right away. What I will procrastinate with are the little tasks that overtime pile up to an overwhelming height. I think the bell went off when I learned the most appropriate and effective way to write a task list. I will write a list but it will be allover the place and that in itself becomes overwhelming.
Emma, Rewards are key and I'm glad to hear they are such powerful motivators for you. You are correct in that there are certainly extrinsic rewards that everyone is driven by. Intrinsic rewards, however, are also so powerful and personal too. For some instructors, they move us the most.
Dr. Melissa Read
