TIME MANAGEMENT

TIME MANAGEMENT

In this lesson we have learnt many interesting things about the time and space management. We have understood how hard it could be to be in charge of creating a time table for a hole school. Before doing it, the head of studies have to read and know all the pedagogical information that needs be  into account and after that he tries to apply it in the schedule.

Before this lesson, I didn't know how many possibilities do head studies have at the time of creating a timetable and how hard or complex their work could be. I have learnt many interesting things, for example: it is necessary to take into account how difficult the subject is for students to place it at a certain time of the day when their attention is much better. It is also interesting to know that the core subjects such as Spanish or Mathematics are better if they are not taught on Monday or Friday.

I also found interesting that depending on the school the length of the lessons may vary. In some schools they last for 45 minutes and in others, they last 60.

What was more difficult for me to understand was the different types of timetables, like block timetable, modular timetable or mosaic timetable.

I've been searching for some information and I have reached the conclusion that a time table must be a :

1. Student Organization

A timetable informs students about the time of class periods. Furthermore, it also lets them know the duration of each class period. 

2.Curriculum Organization

A school timetable has defined period lengths. It also has specific subjects for each period. The organization of a good timetable is such that important subjects are at the best times of the day.

3.Referent to reduce confusion

A good school timetable reduces confusion for teachers. A school timetable allows teachers to properly make their routines. Hence, teachers feel comfortable. Another benefit is that teachers can also remove mistakes.

4. Referent of the routines

 The most important reason is developing a routine. This routine is both, for students and teachers. Moreover, administrators must describe when and where students go to class. Administrators should tell what class each teacher will teach.

This coincides with the defenition of time management given by McClannahan (2010) who says that "Time management is the process through which a person plans for, initiates, and completes one or more activities consistent with a predetermined sequence and/or schedule. Time management is important for many everyday activities, such as getting ready for school or work, completing responsibilities on time, arranging priorities, etc."

Referencies:

McClannahan, L. E., & Krantz, P. J. (2010). Activity schedules for children with autism: Teaching independent behavior (2nd ed.). Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.