Study and Teaching

[Damien]

As I mentioned in my intro, I am studying for a Masters in Science (research) as well as full time teaching.

How many others are doing the same, how do you manage your time?

[SiobhanMarie]

Hi Damien,

I guess I study at a lower level then you, I do TAFE studies in community services as well as work full time with migrants and refugees in community development programs. In regards to time management, I guess learning and understanding prioritizing tasks. I also do much volunteer work and as a student I try to undertake as many different tasks and learning opportunities as I can. Currently, I write and help to promote a magazine based in Canberra, Australia (www.lipmag.com), I also volunteer with sick children in hospital with Radio Lollipop (www.radiolollipop.org) and also in a friendship program with isolated seniors. I think that it's important to make time to relax and enjoy leisure, otherwise I feel you burn out with work and study, especially if they are full time. Do you have any time management strategies?

[Ima Teacher]

I taught full-time while getting my masters. It took me two calendar years to get it, and I worked full time the entire time. The first year I taught four different preps at two different schools and took a night class. Sometimes I took two night classes, and I took three both summers.

I don't remember how I managed my time because that was a long time ago. I'm glad that I didn't take too long to get my masters, though.

[bella mundi]

I am teaching full time and getting my master's part time. It's been a REALLY long process, but I've just taken one class at a time. The one semester I took two classes I was going crazy! I really have to set aside my weekends for work, because I don't get much done during the week. I SHOULD be reading and reviewing research articles for a project due Wednesday, but I'm taking a break instead and posting here! :) It's been financially and emotionally easier for me to do it slowly. But it'll be worth it when I finish in May!

But to manage my time, I plan my calendar and trips around projects that are due and try to get them done on the weekends. During the week I try to space out my reading assignments, a chapter or two a night.