Item 9: I make the most of every minute.

As a teacher, time management is a critical skill that ensures students' effective learning and smooth classroom operations. In this regard, I have structured my classes to maximize the limited time available each week. I have two 90-minute classes and a 40-minute class, which translates to 220 minutes of total class time. To make the most of this time, I use various strategies to ensure every activity is relevant, timely, and engaging.

One of the key ways I manage time is by having a flexible schedule that can accommodate different activities. For instance, as an innovation school, we reserve four hours each month for student support, which allows students to get personalized assistance whenever they need it. In addition, I plan ahead and provide checklists to track learning progress and ensure students understand the lesson's expectations. This approach helps students stay organized and reduces time wastage on non-essential tasks. To further enhance time management, I also encourage collaboration among students through group projects or pair work. This approach saves time and fosters a sense of community in the classroom. Additionally, incorporating technology into lessons, such as using digital art tools or online resources, can help advance learning and engage students in new ways (Wang, B). I also ensure that materials and supplies are ready to go before each class session to minimize disruptions and maintain focus.

Furthermore, in my regular 90-minute studio day, I structure the class time to optimize hands-on art experiences and minimize teacher lecturing. Students spend 5 minutes on a do-now and then have a 10-minute recap of the lecture where they reword the learning objective, and set goals for the day. This is followed by two 35-minute studio times separated by a 5-minute stretch break. If needed, there is room for a gallery walk during the studio time, and a 5-minute exit slip and clean-up at the end. By emphasizing the importance of studio time and individualized art experiences, students can progress more quickly and have a more fulfilling learning experience.

Finally, providing immediate feedback to students throughout the learning process helps them improve their skills and make progress quickly. Constructive feedback encourages students to learn from their mistakes and use their time in the classroom more effectively (Hale, L). Overall, effective time management is a crucial aspect of teaching that ensures students get the most out of their classroom experience.

References

Hale, L., & Adhia, D. B. (2022). The continuous feedback model: Enabling student contribution to curriculum evaluation and development. Focus on Health Professional Education (2204-7662), 23(1), 17–36. https://doi.org/10.11157/fohpe.v23i1.501

Wang, B. (2022). The Application of Modern Computer-Aided Technology in Fine Art Education. Security & Communication Networks, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8038178