GTD follow up

I bought a stack of post-its to implement the low tech GTD (Getting Things Done) approach which I am trying out with my Sec 4 Art class. My pupils and I had a discussion about how we are going to do it on their existing organisers and a very simple system was devised. The conventional diary style entry of having static lists of things to do on fixed dates does not work for me. What I want to achieve is to have a simple, fluid and constantly adjustable system of collecting, focusing and tracking the numerous to dos. Below is a simple diagram of the process.

A simple Collect, Focus and Tracking system

Step 1. Next

Disregarding the layout of different organisers that pupils have, this low tech GTD method focuses on 3 main areas. The first is called Next, it is like a giant inbox of things one has got to do next. Each to-do is written on a post-it, with it's due date noted at the corner. The description of the to-do must be simple and straightforward e.g. complete mushroom still life drawing and not ambiguous e.g. complete coursework. If the to-dos are already overdue, it's date will be highlighted. This area for Next will belong in the front part of the pupil's organiser.

Step 2. Today

The whole list in Next can be quite daunting for the pupils to work on, so they would need to focus and prioritise on what is to be done today. From the list in Next, the to-dos will be migrated to the Today list. This allows the pupil to focus his/her attention on the tasks that is do be done on that day itself. The area to deposit the post-its for Today can be on that particular day's calendar box, which are commonly found in organisers.

Step 3. Done

Whatever to-dos which are completed will be migrated onto the Done area of the organiser. I have chosen the back page to collect this log of completed entries. The Done list is important as pupils will likely feel a sense of accomplishment when the list builds up there, visually recognising what they had completed. Having the post-its collected there also means that whatever left over to-dos between the front and end sections of the organiser has not been cleared.

With these 3 areas in place and the practice of using them active, a weekly review can be done when I see my Sec 4s. They will get to go through with me in a reflection of what they had or had not done.

This low tech way of having a fluid list is of course no where near what a computer program like Things can do, but at least it is within the means of access for everyone in class. This is at any time, better than the conventional diary entry in my opinion.

Will need to monitor and revise this system as I learn more about it from my Sec 4s.