Setting Priorities

Instructional Support GroupSchool of CS, University of Waterloo

Fall 2010

2

Choose a Tool

• To do list

• Time log

• Priority matrix

• Day planner

• Sticky notes

• Microsoft Outlook

• Checklist

3

• E-mails to yourself

• List of things to do on desk (or to carry with you)

• Unix-based daybook (e.g., emacs ‘diary file’)

To Do List Variations

4

Put First Things First

• What are the first things in your life?

• First thing are always important and are sometimes urgent

5

Activity Classification

• Importance– an activity is important if you personally find it

valuable, and if it contributes to your mission, values, and high-priority goals

• Urgency– an activity is urgent if you or others feel that it

requires immediate attention

6

Time Management Matrix

I II

III IV

NOT URGENTURGENTN

OT

IM

PO

RT

AN

TIM

PO

RT

AN

T

• Crises• Pressing problems• Deadline-driven projects, meetings, preparations

• Preparation• Prevention• Values clarification• Planning• Relationship building

• Interruptions, some telephone calls• some mail,• some meetings

• Some telephone calls• Irrelevant mail• Excessive TV

Manage

Focus

Avoid

Minim

ize

7

How Do I Spend My Time?

• In which quadrant do you spend the largest percentage of time and effort?

• Which quadrant do you spend time in when you’re not in Quadrant I?

• What happens to your body, mind, and organization if you stay in Quadrant I too long?

8

Challenges to Time Management

• Need to get work done, but students need help now because the assignment is due within 1- 2 days

• Possible Solutions?

9

• Jobs taking longer than expected

- Set small deadlines

- Be generous when setting expected time

- Try not to get discouraged - perseverance!

Challenges to Time Management cont’d

10

• Students arriving at the end of scheduled office hour time and expecting tutor to stay and answer questions

Challenges to Time Management cont’d

11

• People that can provide quick and easy answers not around when needed

Challenges to Time Management cont’d

• Illnesws, lack of sleep

12

Thank you!