The Organized Teacher Toolbox — In the Classroom

Classroom Layout 

Classroom layout plays a large role in organization. Not only does it make it easy for you as the teacher to find the materials you need for lessons, but it helps students learn where to find things and where to put things away. This ultimately cuts down on the time it takes to transition students from one activity to another and frees up more time for direct instruction.

An easy way to give students a sense of ownership and pride in their classroom space is by allowing them to help design the layout.

Ask your students for suggestions on how to organize desks or tables. Ask them for input on where office supplies should be stored. See if they have feedback on how to assign roles for classroom jobs. By simply asking students for their thoughts and ideas, students feel valued and respected and will, in turn, show respect to their classroom organization. Ultimately, when a classroom is well organized, students feel safe, and a natural structure is created and cared for.

A Good Filing System

What do you do with all the completed work that comes in during the course of a week? There are several ways to go about organizing student work. For starters, creating a turn-in bin with labeled folders can help you easily check student work and ensure everyone completes their work. These folders are easy to grab and put in your backpack if you plan to save grading for home, as well as help students know exactly where to file the work they’ve completed.

If you prefer to not have another bin sitting around, a different but simple idea is giving each student a fix and finish folder to store in their desk. If students are not done with an assignment when a transition arrives, have them tuck that paper away in their fix and finish folder. Later, when they ask if they can have “free time,” have them check and see that that folder has no incomplete work. This is a simple way to store unfinished items and puts responsibility on the student to make sure they finish all their work.

Utilize Technology 

Working smarter, not harder, is a well-known expression and for a good reason. There is an immense amount of technology out there, so why not utilize a proven system that has already been created. Whether you are looking for a good grade book (ThinkWave), a learning management system that is student friendly (Seesaw), or a way for students to continue their learning after the class period has ended (Flip), technology has a way to stay organized and get work completed.

Additionally, technology often provides an engaging platform for students to interact with, learn from, and easily showcase their work. Whether you openly and eagerly embrace any technology that comes your way or hesitate to change a system that has previously worked for you, technology is worth at least a second thought.

The Organized Teacher Toolbox — Personal Life

Not only is it important to stay organized in your classroom, but the best way to not feel mentally or emotionally weighed down is also to keep an organized personal life.

Prioritizing Tasks

A good start is by learning to prioritize tasks.Create a list of things you need to get done. Then, rank them from the most important or urgent task to the least pressing. At the end of each day, rewrite and re-rank the list so you know where your next day’s energy should be focused on. You may find that just by simply writing down your to-do’s, you already feel more organized. 

Mindful Tech Use

Another way to stay organized in your personal life is to stay mindful of technology use. Technology is great in so many ways but can also drain a lot of time away. It may be helpful for you to have a home base for your phone. If you keep it on the kitchen counter, you will have to make a purposeful choice of getting up to get it. Additionally, instead of picking up your phone when you have just a few minutes to kill before leaving the house, keep a sticky note of tasks that take a short amount of time. Got 5 minutes? Vacuum the kitchen. Have 3 minutes before the chicken nuggets are done? Wipe down a few blinds. It can feel so satisfying to clean just one small area of your house.

Teachers wear so many hats. They teach, they mentor, they learn new technology, and they find a way to stay fulfilled in their personal lives. Staying organized is critical both at school and at home. Teachers can spend more time on instruction by having a thoughtful classroom layout, using a good filing system, and utilizing technology so we can work smarter not harder. At home, prioritizing tasks and being purposeful about technology use and spare moments can help make you feel more mentally present and emotionally healthy. Try out some of these organizational tips in your classroom and home, today!

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Graduate school is a challenging journey that demands vast amounts of dedication, perseverance, and commitment. As graduate students navigate through advanced courses, research projects, and other academic responsibilities, the importance of organization becomes crucial. Graduate students are typically those that are maintaining a full-time career while furthering their education.

Although most graduate schools are understanding of this, the workload from both employment and college courses can be extremely overwhelming and draining if not managed properly. In addition to this, many graduate students are also juggling family obligations and responsibilities from household duties, the raising of children, and sustaining healthy relationships. Because graduate students “wear many different hats,” it is imperative that they employ organizational skills to better manage and maintain their personal and professional lives.

Staying Organized in Graduate School

To assist in success in graduate school and beyond, let us explore several tips and strategies that will aid in the organization process.

Time Management and Study Schedule

One of the cornerstones of organization in graduate school is efficient time management. With the multitude of academic tasks and work or home responsibilities, it can be overwhelming for students to keep track of deadlines and commitments. This is where a well-structured study schedule comes into play. Creating a study schedule allows graduate students to allocate time for different subjects, assignments, and research activities.

By setting aside specific time blocks for studying, research, and personal activities, students can achieve a balanced lifestyle that prevents burnout and enhances productivity. Additionally, graduate students can maintain a healthy work, school, and home life balance. As a mother and doctoral student, I set aside time each night after my daughter went to bed to work on my courses. Spending quality time with my child is extremely important to me, and I did not wish to sacrifice any time with her if at all possible. This study schedule allowed me to uphold my relationship with her and have quiet time to work or study each night.

To-Do Lists 

To-do lists are extremely useful tools for managing daily tasks and assignments. They provide a clear overview of what needs to be accomplished and help prioritize activities based on their deadlines or importance. These lists also assist in ensuring that nothing is missed or forgotten! As graduate students juggle coursework and other various duties, to-do lists serve as direct, visual reminders that keep them on track and focused on their goals. To-do lists also help direct the topic of work to be completed per a study schedule to ensure that no time is wasted or utilized incorrectly.

A Designated Study Space

An organized environment is optimal for continued success and progress in graduate school or any learning endeavor. A cluttered or disorganized study environment can hinder productivity and increase stress levels. Designating a dedicated and organized study space is crucial for effective learning. A clutter-free and well-organized study space promotes focus, concentration, and a conducive atmosphere for studying. This space should be equipped with all necessary materials, resources, and technology to facilitate efficient learning and research.

Digital Organization and Online Calendars

In today’s digital age, online tools and applications offer exceptional advantages for organizing personal and professional commitments. For instance, online calendars provide a centralized platform to track assignments, deadlines, meetings, and other important events. They can be synced across devices, ensuring that students never miss an important date. Furthermore, digital tools allow for the integration of reminders, which can be set in advance to notify students of upcoming due dates and tasks. This digital organization not only enhances time management but also reduces the likelihood of overlooking critical deadlines.

Break Up Tasks for Efficiency

Graduate school assignments and projects often involve intricate details and substantial research. Breaking these tasks into smaller, manageable components enhances efficiency and prevents procrastination. This approach not only makes the workload appear less daunting but also allows students to focus on one step at a time which leads to higher-quality work. Breaking up tasks also plays into the importance of time management as assignments reach completion through planned out steps rather than at the last minute!

Long-Term Planning: Beyond the Immediate

While daily and weekly organization is essential, long-term planning is equally vital for graduate students. Long-term planning involves setting all-encompassing goals for the semester, year, or even the entire graduate program. This can include academic, research, and personal objectives. By creating a roadmap for their academic journey, students can allocate resources, time, and effort more effectively. Long-term planning helps graduate students visualize their progress, identify potential challenges, and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Personal Growth and Balance

Beyond the academic benefits, organization in graduate school contributes to personal growth and work-life balance. When students effectively manage their time and tasks, they can allocate quality time to personal activities, hobbies, and self-care. This balance is instrumental in preventing burnout, enhancing mental health, and fostering a well-rounded and fulfilling graduate school experience.

It is apparent that organization plays an indispensable role in the success of graduate students. The complex demands of advanced coursework, research projects, and academic responsibilities require effective strategies for time management, study techniques, and task organization.

Whether through structured study schedules, comprehensive to-do lists, dedicated study spaces, or digital tools, organization empowers graduate students to excel academically while maintaining personal well-being. By embracing organizational practices, students embark on a transformative journey that not only propels them towards academic achievement, but it also nurtures their personal growth and prepares them for the challenges of their current or chosen professions.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post How to Stay Organized in Grad School appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.