How Teachers Can Use Parkinson's Law To Avoid Curriculum Dead Time?

13th March 2023

As a teacher, you are probably always looking for ways to make the most of your time both in and out of the classroom. One way to do this is to be aware of Parkinson’s Law, which states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion”. In other words, the more time you have to complete a task, the more likely you are to take advantage of that time and get it done.

While this may sound like a good thing, it can actually lead to what is known as ‘dead time’ – time that is wasted and could have been used more productively. In a classroom setting, this can be disastrous, as it leads to students getting restless and losing focus. So how can you avoid dead time in your classroom? Read on to find out!

Note: If you want to upskill your teaching career by learning and upgrading yourself to become the best teacher then we do recommend our International Teaching Diploma in Kolkata course.
 

Now let us get to know everything about Parkinson’s law and using that how you can avoid the curriculum “Dead Time”?

What is Parkinson's Law?

Parkinson's Law is the principle that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. It states that a task or project will take as long as the amount of time we give it - no matter how much or how little. This means that if a person has two hours to complete a task, it will take two hours, no matter how much or how little of the task could be accomplished in that amount of time.

The Law is particularly salient in a time management context, where it suggests that procrastinators, by leaving too little time to complete tasks, are unknowingly setting themselves up to be overwhelmed and unproductive.

1. Stop Making Excuses

It is easy to make excuses for why dead time happens – maybe you did not prepare enough, or you got distracted. However, excuses don’t help; instead, you need to take responsibility for your classroom and the time you spend in it.

Make sure that all of the tasks you set are achievable in the allotted time and that you plan ahead so that all of the resources you need are available. That way, you aren’t making excuses and wasting valuable time while looking for them. Having a plan and sticking to it can help you stay on track and avoid dead time.

2. Set a Schedule

A good way to avoid dead time is to set a schedule that outlines how long each task should take. This will keep you and your students focused, and if you are transparent about it and write it down, you will always have something to refer back to.

This schedule should also include breaks and downtime, as this is just as important for avoiding dead time as having a plan for the tasks themselves. By breaking up the tasks and having regular breaks, students will be less likely to get bored and start messing around.

3. Stay Focused

Dead time can come about if you get carried away with a task or get sidetracked by something that wasn’t originally part of the plan. To avoid this, make sure to write down your tasks and keep track of time as you go. This will help you stay on track and stick to the plan. It’s also a good idea to create a ‘to-do’ list. This will give you something to refer back to and ensure that you are making progress. By crossing off items as you complete them, you will be motivated to stay on track and make the most of your time.

4. Be Proactive

Part of avoiding dead time is being proactive. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find a solution or adjust the plan; make changes as soon as you realize they’re necessary. This will help you make the most of your time, as any changes can be made while there is still time to do something.

Additionally, by being proactive, you will have time to explain the changes to your students and make sure that everyone is on board. This will help to keep everyone focused and make the task much easier for everyone involved.

5. Find a Mentor

We all need help and advice from time to time and a mentor can be a great source of help for avoiding dead time. Whether it’s someone you know personally or someone you can contact online, having a mentor to turn to can help you stay on track and stay motivated to make the most of your time in the classroom.

Your mentor can also point out any areas where you can improve, or suggest ways to make the task easier. They can also give advice on how to manage your time more efficiently and how to stay focused.

6. Take Advantage of Your Resources

Most teachers have access to a range of resources that can make tasks in the classroom easier and faster. From online resources to textbooks and other materials, it’s a good idea to explore all of the possibilities before you begin a task. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that you make the most of your time in the classroom. Moreover, it will also make the students more engaged in their learning and keep them focused.

7. Don't be afraid to delegate

As a teacher, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating tasks to other teachers or students can help to get tasks done faster and more efficiently, leaving more time for other tasks. This can also help keep students engaged, as it gives them a sense of responsibility and teaches them valuable skills such as time management. In addition, it makes the task easier for all involved, as the workload is shared, and it will help to avoid dead time.

8. Set Some Rules

Dead time is more likely to happen in a classroom if there are no rules in place. Having rules and guidelines helps to keep everyone on the same page and encourages students to take the task seriously. Make sure that the rules cover all aspects of the task, such as the timeline, how to act, and how to handle materials. This will ensure that everyone is focused and there is no confusion as to how the tasks should be completed.

9. Make it a Game

Turning a task into a game or a challenge is a great way to get students engaged and keep them focused. This can transform a mundane task into something exciting and make it easier for everyone to get on board.

Additionally, it makes the task more engaging for the students, encourages problem-solving skills, and generally makes the task more enjoyable. This will reduce the chances of students getting bored and increase the chances of completing the task in the allotted time.

10. Evaluate and Adjust

Finally, it’s important to evaluate how your classroom works and adjust when necessary. As a teacher, you are constantly learning and improving, and this should be reflected in how you run your classroom. Take the time to evaluate your tasks and the timetable you have set, and make changes if necessary. This will help you make the most of your time, and it will also help you find better ways to teach and interact with your students.

To End With

Parkinson's Law has helped to explain why projects can often take longer than originally anticipated and has become a popular tool for time management. For teachers, this law is particularly important as it can be used to help prevent curriculum "dead time."

By planning out activities carefully, providing opportunities for student-led projects, and allowing for multiple formative assessments, teachers can make sure that their classroom is running optimally and that their students are receiving the most instruction possible.

With careful planning and an awareness of the implications of Parkinson's Law, teachers can ensure that their students are maximizing their learning potential and achieving their potential.

In case, if you’re an experienced or aspiring International teacher who wants to learn modern teaching techniques then we do recommend our international teaching diploma in Kolkata course, which will surely help in your teaching journey.

Written By : Abhishek