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 purchased plastic file organizer boxes that I can carry right into the classroom with me. I keep outlines, handouts, tests, etc. in this box only as I use them. It helps me organize day by day by pulling the things I need for that particular less and keeping it organized and portable. Works great, reduces my anxiety !!!!
I keep separate binders for each class I teach. Dividers in each binder are labeled with class materials such as Quizzes, Tests, Handouts, Lecture notes, etc. Another thing that has helped me stay organized since sometimes I do not teach the class until possibly a year later is to put a date on the inside of the binder. This is a reminder to me so I can check for outdated materials.
I always like to use separate binders for each class. I label each binder for easy access.
This also helps you to decrease the amount of thime spent preparing for class esp. when you have taught the class before.
I do plastic file organizer and clipboards as well. Works for me!
I MAKE A SEPARATE FOLDER FOR EACH WEEK OF THE 12 WEEKS AND I WRITE WITH A MARKER: THE CHAPTERS AND WHAT I WILL NEED IN EACH CLASS SO I WILL BE PREPARED!!
Kristi, Binder organizational systems can really help. To your point, they can be nice to reference too in the future when we include dates. As instructors, our fields are evolving so quickly that it is easy to become outdated.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have my own filing cabinet on wheels with labeled folders. This is huge when comes to organization. I never wonder where paperwork is, because it is entered and filed alpha-numerically.
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..
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 store all material in a designated filing cabinet as well. this helps seperate all my papers from my colleague's
i think its very important to be organized because it makes it easy fo the teacher and the instructor.
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 like to be organized and struggle with keeping organized.
To be organized is 99% of yoye success!
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.
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 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.
To be organized leads to a steady flow of marking of tasks
