Time Management Systems
Mini Time Management Workshops for Teacher Trainings
Develop your own time and attendance management program using these time management ideas.
It is important for teacher to have time management systems. Teachers are always short of time at hand to plan, check and grade work. For a new teacher just starting out, this is of special importance.The first year is rough, with many new tasks, duties, obligations. So, here are a few tips and resources to help the new teacher through that first year.
Tip 1. Don’t collect everything. Plan first.
New teachers often feel a need to collect everything they give in order to build accountability procedures and their own credibility and authority as teacher. Collecting every worksheet, project, classwork, and quiz just increases a new teacher’s workload but doesn't give meaning and precedence to what is actually being taught in the classroom
As a preservice student, I was taught to “Plan more. Collect less.” It is not the issue of quantity but quality in terms of what goes into your teaching. This is where effective planning comes in. Once students can process the new information, then give them that reading comprehension test, quiz or mini-project.
Tip 2. Use Rubrics.
Rubrics are computer generated criteria for marking. Rubrics have become a teacher’s best friend all around. There are rubrics for virtually any task in every subject. It is a good tool to work with as the layout is easy and understandable. Once students know the criteria in advance, it makes both students’ and teachers’ lives easier. I use rubrics for every mini-project and performance task. Check this site here for creating your own rubrics.
Tip 3. Prioritize your Marking Load.
Check first the work that takes the most time leaving the easier stuff for last.
Free in-between lessons or cancelled lessons make great opportunities to check and mark work. Go to the library or find another quiet space to concentrate. You’ll be surprised how much marking you can get done when you work uninterruptedly. You'll have less marking to bring home too.
Tip 4. Peer Assessment.
Rubrics can also be assessed in pairs or in groups. Some students prefer however that the teacher assess them. But it is an option.
Tip 5. Use Marking Keys (For Language Arts / EFL/ESL / Writing / Creative Writing Writers)
Instead of correcting every single word or phrase of students' writing, you might consider using a special key that can encourage students to check and correct their own mistakes on their own.
A sample key for writing
Sp = spelling
Vt = verb tense
P = period
C = capital letter
WW = wrong word
WM = word missing
Sm = small letter
Over to You
How are you expending your time checking students' work? Are you drowing in unnecessary marking? What ways and ideas have been working for you? The discussion boards are open. Drop a note.
Related Reading
Tips for the Beginning Teacher
