VTO 310: Time Management Basics

Module Outline

• Module title: Methodology of Tourism
• Module code: VTO 310
• Lecturer: Ms Claire Fordred
• University: University of Pretoria

Today's Lesson (Week 12, October 24, 2024)

• Topic: Time management
• Learning objective: Discuss examples of where time management is important
• Subtopic: What is time management and its purpose

Theme 3: Time Management

• Effective self-management depends on time management
• All educators have a responsibility to use time effectively
• Time should not be wasted; work and time should be planned.

Basics of Time Management

• Time management, like other management tasks, benefits from analysis and planning.
• It is a personal process that needs to fit individual work styles and personal circumstances.

Three Tests of Time

• Test of Necessity:
  • Carefully consider if each activity is necessary (urgent/important) for personal or school goals.
  • Overdoing things is common
  • This test can help reduce unnecessary tasks
• Test of Appropriateness:
  • Determine who is best suited to perform each identified task based on their position, skills, and development stage.
• Test of Efficiency:
  • Once essential tasks are determined, ask if there's a better way to perform those tasks.
  • Consider faster/better technology or procedures for routine activities.

Establishing Priorities

• Be clear about priorities and how activities relate to them
• Distinguish between urgent and important tasks
• Setting priorities is a two-step process
  • Step 1: List tasks that need to be done
  • Step 2: Prioritize items on the list

Use the ABC Method to Determine Priorities

• Priority A: Very important and urgent – must be done today
  • Tasks that return the maximum value for the time spent.
  • Tasks that only your skills can accomplish and can’t be delegated.
• Priority B: Less important and less urgent – should be done today
  • Medium value tasks that contribute to improved performance but are not essential or don’t have critical deadlines
• Priority C: Unimportant and may stand over – nice if completed today
  • Lowest value tasks; can be postponed
  • Interesting or easy tasks

Setting Deadlines

• Prioritize tasks and set realistic deadlines to improve time use.
• Know how many hours are available each day for task completion
• Prioritize A tasks before B tasks
• Allocate time slots for significant A tasks and set deadlines

Time Wasters

• Internal:
  • Disorganization
  • Procrastination
  • Inability to say "no"
  • Lack of interest/motivation
• External:
  • Interruptions (e.g., emails, office socialising, unscheduled visitors)

Effective Time Management Planning

• Setting Objectives:
  • Importance of tasks is determined by how they correlate with objectives (e.g., completing a set number of tests within a timeframe)
• Scheduling Time:
  • Schedule tasks according to priority list
  • Account for already scheduled tasks
  • Schedule tasks against a fixed time
  • Break down difficult tasks into "mini-jobs"
  • Group similar activities (e.g. phone calls, correspondence)
  • Allocate time for unexpected/unforeseen activities

Setting up a "To Do" List

• Write down all tasks in random order needed for the upcoming week.
• Prioritize the tasks by importance or urgency.
• Classify tasks as A, B, or C priorities.
• Determine how much time should be spent on each task.

Hints for Effective Time Management

• Physical exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet promote effective time management
• Don’t overload tasks
• Be well-prepared for each teaching day.
• Avoid postponement of decisions
• Finish tasks when you start them
• Don't overload yourself with commitments.
• Be mindful of your diary and prioritise tasks.

Video Recommendations (Links)

• 10 Time Management Tips for Teachers
• Improve Your Time Management as a Teacher
• Cracking the Time Management Code for Teachers

Readings

• Time Management for Teachers

Reference

• Joubert, R., & Prinsloo, S. (2013). Creating Safe and Effective Classrooms. Pretoria: Van Schaik (Pages 94-96)

This quiz focuses on the basics of time management discussed in the VTO 310 module. It covers the importance of effective self-management, the necessity of planning, and various tests to gauge the importance of activities. Explore how time management plays a crucial role in both personal and academic success.