SMART Strategies for Smart Teachers

Description

The biggest challenge that many educators face is to maintain a balance between work and personal life.

Educators have to handle overwhelming tasks like lesson planning, grading, administrative tasks, and many more in the time left over from the classes. It’s essential for educators to build up their own productivity strategies using different techniques and tools in order to enjoy their profession more.

This course has been designed to suit the needs and working dynamics of educators.

Throughout the course, participants will reflect on their productivity habits to spot their needs, and then explore the most suitable methods and tools to develop their SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) strategies.

Since the focus is on productivity and practical tools, the course will include plenty of interactive activities. Participants will have the opportunity to experience various tools.

Also, group discussions will support them in shaping their own approach.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed concrete strategies to manage their workloads more efficiently, reduce burnout, and enhance their overall effectiveness – both inside and outside the classroom.

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Implement time management techniques specific to teaching;
• Integrate productivity tools to manage tasks effectively;
• Develop personalized plans to enhance efficiency.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• What is productivity?;
• Common productivity challenges in school settings;
• Discover your productivity profile.

Day 2 – SMART goals

• Working with SMART goals;
• The Eisenhower Matrix and prioritization techniques;
• Daily and weekly planning habits.

Day 3 – Task and time management

• How can technology support productivity?;
• Introduction to task management tools;
• Calendar use techniques and calendar apps;
• Habit tracking tools.

Day 4 – Effective focus strategies

• Managing distractions;
• Deep Work and Pomodoro techniques;
• Building and maintaining habits (The 2-minute rule, habit stacking, small habits, big changes, environment design).

Day 5 – Built your own workflow

• Finding the right system through trial and error;
• Creating your own productivity system;
• Action planning and sustainability.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.