What does it truly mean to be productive in an educational setting? Too often, we equate productivity with busyness—checking off tasks, keeping up with grading, and managing classrooms. But real productivity is about focusing on the right things, working effectively, and fostering accountability for both teachers and students.
Additionally, we also discuss these words separate from who we are as people outside of the classroom and school. To silo is not the answer either
I have an opportunity to be leading a full-day professional development workshop on this topic, and I would love to hear from others before stepping into the session. How do you define productivity and accountability in your role? What strategies have helped you or your students stay focused and engaged?
Below I have outline my current thinking for how to process to vital topics in a way that is personally and professionally meaningful.
Key Areas of Focus for the Workshop
Managing Energy, Not Just Time
We often think of productivity as time management, but real effectiveness comes from managing energy. Inspired by Tony Schwartz’s Energy Management Model, we will explore how physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy impact both teachers’ and students’ ability to stay engaged and motivated.
- What has helped you sustain your energy throughout the school day?
- Have you seen students benefit from strategies that address their energy levels rather than just their time?
Prioritization and Avoiding Overwhelm
Educators juggle countless responsibilities, and students face increasing workloads. Using the Eisenhower Matrix, we will examine how to distinguish urgent tasks from important ones and make strategic decisions about where to invest time and effort.
- Have you used prioritization frameworks in your work or classroom?
- How do you help students move from last-minute cramming to intentional time management?
Agile and Scrum in the Classroom
Most of the challenges in education are complex and ever-changing. We will explore Agile and Scrum methodologies, using concepts like sprints, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives to promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Have you tried Agile or Scrum-inspired approaches in the classroom?
- What has worked, and what challenges have you encountered when helping students manage their work like a team?
Small Experiments for Change
Rather than asking teachers to completely overhaul their approach, we are focusing on small, testable changes. These micro-adjustments allow for low-risk innovation, helping teachers and students gradually build habits that improve productivity and accountability over time.
- What is one small experiment you have tried to increase student ownership of learning?
- How do you measure whether a change is actually improving accountability and engagement?
Looking for Ideas and Insights
As I finalize plans for the workshop, I would love to hear from others. What are the biggest challenges you see around productivity and accountability in education? What solutions have worked in your experience?
The goal is not just to be more efficient but to create meaningful, student-centered learning environments. If you have insights, resources, or ideas, I would love to hear them before the session. Let’s rethink productivity together.
Want to explore the full agenda and resources? Check them out here: Session 3: Productivity & Accountability.
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