TOUCHSTONE 9: I make the most of every minute.
Explanation
Touchstone nine is best summarized by time management and/or the lack thereof. Nationally educators are miss appropriating instructional time whether self-induced or disruptions throughout the day. Studies have shown 68%-75% of classroom instructional time is actually devoted to academics. So what is happening to the other 25%? Some teachers are slow starting by the design of their lesson, they start class writing objectives, having a side conversation, taking attendance, handing out graded work and finally milling around to the lesson. More on task teachers set out with the best of intentions with every minute meticulously planned to be interrupted by school intercom announcements, assemblies, fundraisers and parties. It is very easy to take a few minutes here and there for “free” time, because the kids or the educator isn’t “feeling it”. But in my experience nothing is “free,” what is the actually cost? Time of instruction actually has a higher significance on student achievement than socioeconomic factors. Teachers should aim for bell to bell learning and embedding learning into non-instructional time. Some common practices are bell ringers, entry tickets activity stations and journaling to get kids on task and actively learning while they conduct necessary classroom routines. Without-a-doubt conversations to build relationships, attendance, grouping kids, board work and passing back assignments is necessary but we as educators should develop routines for learning to take place while completing these necessary tasks. These routines should happen early in a class and rehearsed often between students and educators alike. Also educators should work with principals to minimize disruptions during learning time. Have those conversations about limiting non-academic time during classes, scheduling assemblies at different times, setting aside fundraisers for after-school, you can also help them conduct a time audit to bring wasted time to the forefront. Look at what a block schedule might do to save time you can also see rehearse how long it takes to get from one side of campus to the other to squeeze time in passing periods. The biggest take-a-way is to be intentional about planning learning activities for every minute students are with you, in fact increasing academic learning time is your job.
Application
Within the scope of my blending learning course time has been a major concern of mine. In planning lessons, I am trying to be mindful of student time as this is a non-credit course. While planning to make this class purposeful and enjoyable, while not infringing on academic based classes I have planned this course to be every other day for no longer than one hour of seat time each time students log on. In my lesson plan you can denote that every minute is accounted for within each lesson. From start to finish each module is planned to maximize time while delivering content. Throughout this distance learning period from the COVID-19 pandemic teachers have moved 100% to online teaching. Conversations with educators have proven to me that with this I can see education changing tenfold. The time saved from students being able to access lessons and assignments remotely will save time for face to face learning from traditional methods. Many of these online learning platforms also auto-grades many assignments for educators. That feature within itself will make a huge impact on how educators move forward with assignments. Some key things teachers can directly do are:
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Use of seating charts to minimize disruption and can make attendance easier as kids move into your room.
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Utilizing online platforms for seatwork/homework submission. Students benefit from staying on task, educators benefit from auto-grading.
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Bellringers, entry tickets, learning stations as students come into the room.
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Be prepared. Be prepared. Be prepared. Have materials ready, lesson plans out and hit the ground running when that bell sounds.
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Establish procedures. Bathroom times, turn in procedures, material procurement, etc.
Additional Resources