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Time management

Time management

The key to a successful placement is undoubtedly organisation!

Get into good habits from the very beginning and you’ll reap the benefits throughout your placement. Sometimes you’ll feel so tired that getting all your paperwork done promptly or filing important documents is hard to do – it really is worth making that extra effort!

Organising yourself

Remember to leave yourself sufficient time to set out any learning resources required for lessons. Find out the availability and working order of any equipment to be used beforehand, and ensure you book specialist rooms and organise tasks such as photocopying well in advance.

Punctuality and deadlines

One of the hallmarks of a professional is that they are always in the right place at the right time. Within the school, it is important to realise that you will inconvenience others if you don’t stick strictly to the school timetable. It goes without saying that you should also aim to attend meetings on time, and keep to the deadlines set by your mentor or colleagues.

Time management

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Most teachers, if questioned, say that they never have enough time - they always feel that more could be done.
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Most teachers, if questioned, say that they never have enough time - they always feel that more could be done. Your placement will give you a good idea of the tasks you will have to juggle and how much time is required to complete them. 

Make sure you use this experience to work out how to organise yourself and manage your time effectively. Remember to:

  • ensure that college paperwork is kept up-to-date and that forms are handed in on time; also make sure you know when your college tutor is coming in to observe you, and that you are thoroughly prepared to discuss progress
  • plan ahead and prioritise your tasks according to deadlines
  • earmark particular tasks for particular times so that you can establish a routine
  • set up a suitable filing system and file things straightaway so that you don’t waste valuable time hunting for important information
  • batch homework to be marked in separate piles in a safe place; if a pupil hands in work late add it to the right batch immediately to avoid losing it
  • clear up as you go along - however hard it is, try to remain free of clutter!        

 Download ATL's free publication for students, Into the classroom, for further advice on how to get the most out of your studies.

Help and support 
For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff (029 2046 5000) or Belfast office (02890 327 990) or email info@atl.org.uk.

For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time).

If you are not a member, join now.

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