Running Out of Time: The Teaching Dilemma
Relax and accept it. You will never have enough time. The class will end too quickly, midterm will sneak up on you and your plants will have to die before you notice them. That's just the way it is.
If you're not running out of time in class, you probably didn't prepare well enough. If you're not behind in your grading, you may not be giving student work the attention it deserves.
Every teacher has a pile of books and articles they swear they'll get around to reading. Each one of us sees an event on campus we want to attend and never make it. You are in good company.
Some of us would benefit from time management training. Still, you can always spend more time on teaching than you do. This is especially true for those who take risks and try new things.
The more you teach, the better you will become at planning and organizing your lessons. You will anticipate more accurately how time consuming different periods in the term can be. You will feel more comfortable with the balance that needs to be struck between your teaching ideals and reality.
GTFs find particular difficulty with the time issue. They are students, teachers and students trying to learn how to become teachers.
Sacrifices have to be made and we hope we will make the right choices.
In the midst of all you have taken on this term, find a way to treat yourself well on a regular basis. You deserve it.
Lizard 18 Winter 94
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
03/18/10