I have Moodle accounts set up for each of my classes. I put a lot of work into them over the summer, but I've recently noticed I'm only really using it with two classes. The two classes I use it with I find it easier because all the kiddos have computer access at home, and I can use discussion forums, podcasts, etc. But my other kiddos, who don't have a lot of internet access? I'm shortchanging them. They benefit from technology usage a lot more than my other classes.
I'm not sure what the problem is. Over the summer, I thought it would be a breeze to create an online activity 1-2 times per week and take them into the computer lab. Now, however, it seems I barely have time to cover the basics; I'm missing something vital in my instruction.
Time management hasn't been a huge issue for me in the past few years. I typically consider myself an organized, hard-working, relatively put-together person who can get a lot done in little time. This year has knocked my socks off. I seem to be struggling in all areas of time management and never seem to get enough done. I'm in my 7th year of teaching, but I'm struggling as much as I did in my 2nd. Is anyone else going through something like this?
To be clear: I do not intend this as a whine. I mostly want to reflect on why I'm having so much trouble so I can fix it. :) Honestly, I think I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself and the pressure is messing with my brain. I know I need to pull it together for my students; every one of my classes has a great group of students.
When I first started teaching, I used to time block before I went to bed. I made lists of what I needed to get done during the day and specifically wrote down an hour-to-hour schedule. Once I was into my third year, I decided I had a pretty good handle on things and rejected the practice.
Regardless of what's going on my my crazy brain, I think I need to set up a similar system. I find myself working on something, then becoming distracted and beginning to work on something else, then become distracted and work on something else. While all this jumping from one thing to the next is probably a great "keeping my brain sharp" activity, I always feel harried and I lack completion of tasks. Back to time blocking! : )
Anyone out there have other suggestions for time management?
I don't think you are alone in feeling time-management-challenged. I feel as if I am often chasing after myself, or running in circles. I am a list maker, and sometimes I feel like I spend too much time making lists. But I think it;s not just about having the lists. I also think that the act of the list making helps me to think and prioritize. Maybe be you are a time blocker!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problems and concerns every day. It doesn't feel good even though it has become my new normal. I really know what you mean about moving from task to task -- I attribute mine up to anxiety -- dept chair, course, life.
ReplyDeleteI too am having access issues with my Blackboard accounts. Most of my AP kids are on with the exception now of two kids. Ironically, the class that I used as a sample in Dave Boardman's class hasn't taken off with Blackboard.
Keeping lists has got to help, so does stopping and taking stock each morning.
Give yourself a break -- that's the hardest thing of all.