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Kyra, Interesting approach. While most people use circling and highlighting, sounds like you are identifying priority tasks by their positions on your list. If it works for you, keep it up!
Dr. Melissa Read
Yes I have my own system and I put the need to do right now at the top of the list and go from there. Then when it;s finished mark it off and look at what is next.
I have learned the hard way to do just what this module says. I make a 'to do' list and then assign numbers dependent on the urgency and importance both professionally and personally. I finally stopped typing and retyping my list. Found I was spending more time trying to make my 'lists' professional looking then neccessary.
Something else that helped me quite a bit.... I keep a colored 9" x 5" blank, lined spiral notebook for my lists. Each list is dated at the top and I check off each task completed. This is a much easier way to reference 'if' and 'when' the task was completed.
Thank you. Now the test will be to keep track of the priortities, and to make sure that I have prioritized them correctly...
Craig, So true. When we prioritize, we are far more effective as teachers. We are focused on what's important, and this translates to better experiences for our students.
Dr. Melissa Read
William, Excellent to hear! It sounds like you know what you need to change to take a more optimal approach and have a great plan for getting there. That's the best you can really hope for. Yes, prioritization is the key. With it, we have a lot more focus and clarity around what needs to get done when.
Dr. Melissa Read
I would have to agree. I do all my tasks as they come in but at times the ones that are for me. Such as training I have a tendancy to procrastinate and leave till the last minute.
Very interesting module, I naturally, used to prioritize my tasks based on their urgency. However, learning this module, will help me accomplish these tasks more effectively and less stressfully.
Duane, That sounds very frustrating. It is particularly tough to commit to doing work quickly when we don't believe that work is of value or that our priorities should be elsewhere.
Dr. Melissa Read
I keep a running to-do list with priorities. The biggest problem is when the organization requires me to do totally non-productive work with short deadlines.
The tasks that are most important are adddressed right away. This module recommended addressing more important tasks first and lesser important tasks at a later time. Teaching is made much easier using task prioritization.
I think I do a pretty good job of prioritizing my tasks related to teaching
Based off of this module I definately feel that I will change some of my methods for accomplishing tasks. I will benefit grately by not only making a list, but honestly, prioritizing that list. It really didn't occur to me how much that should affect my productivity.
Usually the most urgent tasks are ones I want to complet right away, unles... I know that there is not enough time/resources or information to do that task.
I will definatley change the order, of which i really didn't have any order other than... if there is a task... DO IT. Now i will make a list, WITH proitization.
Jim, Sounds like you have found an approach that works great for you. Excellent to hear. Yes, sometimes list review is important before starting tasks. Emotionally, we may label a task with a number 1 when really it should logically fall lower on the list.
Dr. Melissa Read
Colleen, It sounds like you know yourself well. That's a great start. Sometimes being honest about our strengths and opportunities is the first step toward a more effective path.
Dr. Melissa Read
I try to prioritize my tasks by the urgency they represent. I am now preparing of a class that I have taught before. I don't feel so under the gun to get things done, so I am using my prep time to develop activities and learning projects this time around. I do have a life long habit of being a procrastinator and have really worked on pacing task to be done.
I have been working for some time now to come up with a method to prioritize the tasks I need to accomplish. I have made a list of tasks and numbered the tasks. I then review the list and see if what I made number 1 really needs to be number 1. If it does not I renumber the list until I am satisfied with the order. Then I can begin to accomplish the tasks in the correct order. This method works well for me.
Dawn, While that is not best practice, you'd be amazed at how often instructors take this approach. Completing easy tasks can be great confidence builders before moving on to harder ones.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kesa, Yes, sometimes getting a jump start on organization is all we need to get everything complete. It can be tempting to jump on to completing tasks right away, but the reality is that sometimes a better approach is better planned.
Dr. Melissa Read
I normally accomplish assignments right away; I tend to have more of a problem with immediacy rather than procrastination. In order to fix this, I need to just add everything to a "to-do" list and then plan out what I'll start on first.
Because of the high activity level of my job, i do those tasks that are urgent first thing in the morning while fresh, then consult list for the next thing there. I wish i was as good at home!!!!