TM4T Techniques 4.1.1 - Location Awareness - Key Steps

You need to to minimise the number of sources, and to seek suitable physical locations in which to do the work. These steps are embedded in how to set up your TM4T System, but here is a quick summary:

1. You should minimise your sources as far as possible by changing the way you work (for example, you should only use post-it notes to leave messages for other people; never for yourself). For more details, click here.

2. You will be choosing tools which enable you to be location independent. A Personal In Tray, which can be carried around, will be your main physical source of work. This puzzles some teachers because it does add an additional step to your daily routine - simply dumping stuff from other gathering points into your Personal In Tray. The benefits far outweigh this extra step. With all your work in one place you can process it simply and quickly in a place of your choosing.

3. You should choose carefully where you work and organise it for efficiency (see Setting Up TM4T). You may decide that you will have a separate physical location for the activities that you regard as 'admin'. These will be tackled with an OA mindset (right person) at a time when you probably aren't at your most bushy-tailed (right time).

4. You should spend a little time at the start ot term - maybe 20 minutes - reminding yourself about the basics of ergonomics and posture and fixing issues. These are sure to have been covered during your time as a student at university, or during your teacher training. Back then it may not have seemed relevant or important, but as a busy teacher it is something which has the potential to ruin your life. There are a long list of things that a busy teacher doesn't need, including repetitive strain injury, back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc, etc. Make sure you have a sensible chair, and use it well. Here are some simple guides to the key points

5. You should try to spend as much time as possible in your chosen workspace. Avoid wandering round the school and batch up work to reduce visits (see TM4T In Action).