As we are starting a new semester the list of things to accomplish and to remember (e.g., finish and publish the Canvas course site, schedule office hours, create rubrics for assignments, etc.) may already be long and daunting. Further, even if you cracked the code for time management and productivity, the list keeps growing or at least stays busy for the rest of the year.
Being prepared is crucial for a smooth semester of teaching and staying with your task list helps you stay on top of the things you can control and consequently deal more effectively with the issues coming at you out of left field (e.g., snow days). Below is a list of strategies we try to follow and encourage educators to try as well. You do not need to experiment with each strategy 100% right away – just pick one or two to get started!
SMART objectives for this semester: Think about your objectives for the next months. What teaching goals do you have (e.g., grading efficiency, more class engagement, try out a new pedagogical strategy)? Once you determine 1-3 objectives, write them as SMART goals and hang them in a place you will see frequently. Share your goals with students if you like and encourage them to do the same. You can even hold each other accountable and check in on progress.
Calendar reminders: It can be difficult to keep track of all the little tasks and deadlines such as frequent announcements, monitoring grades, checking in on students, and other tasks. Think about the tasks you tend to forget or that are recurring and list them out. Then, set calendar reminders for yourself to accomplish them. Bonus points if you also block out the required work time for these tasks on your schedule!
Schedule send emails: Google email and Canvas announcements have a feature to schedule emails and notifications to be sent automatically on a desired day and time. Use this tool to check back in with struggling students or colleagues, send evaluation reminders to your class, or to connect with someone in the future when things are less busy, for example.
Teaching log: Keep track of how your classes are going and reflect on your teaching progress and goal via a teaching log or journal. You can pursue a daily or weekly routine or just write as things come up. A teaching log is a helpful reflection tool and collection of observations when the time comes to adjust your classes again. It might also reveal some insightful growth points you experienced and want to incorporate in your annual evaluation.
Teaching development: Schedules fill up quickly. Take a couple of minutes to browse the CTL’s event offerings and sign up for a workshop, consultation, teaching observation, mid-semester assessment, etc.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a consultation with a CTL staff member to discuss or brainstorm how you can make progress in your teaching this semester.