The 2-Minute Teaching Rule

Teachers are no strangers to the whirlwind of tasks that fill our day-to-days. From lesson planning and marking to tackling Parents’ Evening, fitting in extracurricular activities and even the occasional 10-minute coffee break, our to-do lists can feel endless. Amid this flurry of responsibilities, finding effective strategies to manage our time and productivity can prove tricky.

One strategy that I’ve been trying recently is the 2-Minute Rule, popularised by David Allen’s Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. This rule is a game-changer in the classroom and will help you to tackle quick tasks immediately to keep your workflow streamlined.

The essence of the rule is simple: if something can be done in two minutes or less, just do it. Do it now, right away. By handling these things rapidly, you’ll prevent them from piling up and cluttering your already busy Bullet Journal or Teacher Planner. Two minutes might feel like an insignificant amount of time, but applying the rule consistently will lead to significant improvements in your productivity as a teacher.

Here’s how.

Applying the 2-Minute Rule in the Classroom

1. Quick Communication

One of the most frequent yet time-consuming tasks teachers face is communication. Whether it’s replying to emails from parents, responding to student queries, or coordinating with colleagues, these interactions can quickly add up. By using the 2-Minute Rule, you can manage these communications more effectively.

Emails: In between lessons, tap out quick replies to emails that don’t require much thought, or perhaps a sentence-long response. Leave the long-form messages until the end of the day, where you can use the power of batching to get them all done and dusted in one go. This prevents your inbox from becoming overwhelming and ensures timely communication.
Student Queries: During class, if a student asks a question that can be answered briefly, take the time to address it immediately. This not only clears up confusion promptly but also shows students that their questions are valued. Equally, if you’re finding that the same question is getting posed frequently, you should call the class back together and ensure that everybody understands this misconception, saving you from re-explaining yourself a billion times.

2. Classroom Organization

A well-organized classroom contributes to a smooth teaching experience. The 2-Minute Rule can help you maintain order without spending excessive time on organization.

Tidying Up: At the end of each class, spend two minutes organizing your desk, returning supplies to their proper places, and preparing materials for the next lesson. This keeps your workspace tidy and ensures you’re ready for the next group of students.
Clean that board: I’d be really surprised if you don’t use a whiteboard. Even in my school, where we have a big digital push, conventional whiteboards still exist in every classroom; they’re just so much easier to use in an instant, rather than having to first share my iPad screen with the projector. However, their constant use means that they get dirty very quickly. Take less than two minutes to clean them in between classes or, better yet, update them while the class gets on with your work. This small effort can make a big difference in maintaining a visually appealing and functional classroom environment.

3. Lesson Planning and Prep

While thorough lesson planning requires more time, there are aspects of preparation that can be handled quickly, keeping you on track without overwhelming your schedule.

Resource Gathering: Spend two minutes bookmarking useful websites, articles, or videos that you come across during your day. This habit will save you time when you sit down to plan more detailed lessons.
Material Preparation: If you need to print handouts or prepare materials for an upcoming lesson, take care of these small tasks immediately. This prevents last-minute rushes and ensures you have everything ready when you need it. On our computers, you can queue resources to print and then hammer the printer with them all in one go when you’re ready.

4. Marking and Feedback

Marking can be a daunting task, but applying the 2-Minute Rule can make it more manageable, especially for smaller assignments or quick assessments.

Quick Assessments: For assignments that don’t require extensive feedback, like multiple-choice quizzes or short answer questions, spend two minutes marking a few papers during breaks. These small sessions add up, reducing the pile of work waiting for you at the end of the day. Equally, they can sometimes feel daunting to start, but it will be so much less daunting to mark twenty-five papers at the end of the day, rather than the thirty that you’d have otherwise had.
Immediate Feedback: We have a number of mini-whiteboard-style apps on our iPads and will encourage our students to use those to stop and jot their ideas. We can then see all of these at a glance and offer immediate feedback, so try doing that. This form of assessment is called assessment for learning, which I’ve already written about extensively.

5. Professional Development

Continuous improvement is essential for teachers, but finding time for professional development can be challenging. The 2-Minute Rule can help you integrate learning into your busy schedule.

Micro-Learning: Spend two minutes reading an article, watching a short video, or reflecting on a teaching strategy. These brief learning sessions can provide valuable insights and keep you updated on best practices without taking up large blocks of time. Or, how about you take a look at the HardlyHamilton Book Club, where I’ve detailed teaching strategies that I’ve learned and distilled them into 700-word articles?
Reflection: Take two minutes at the end of each day to jot down reflections on what went well and what could be improved. This habit fosters continuous improvement and helps you track your professional growth. I had to do this as part of my teacher training, and it’s fascinating how often it goes by the wayside once your career has started. Reflection, however, is our easiest way to improve.

Maximising the Impact of the 2-Minute Rule in teaching

To fully benefit from the 2-Minute Rule, consider these additional tips:

1. Set Clear Priorities

While the 2-Minute Rule is excellent for handling quick tasks, it’s essential to prioritise your to-do list. Identify the most critical tasks that require focused time and attention, and use the 2-Minute Rule to clear away the smaller, less significant ones. This approach ensures that you’re dedicating your energy to what matters most. If it takes two minutes or less, just get it done now.

2. Create Efficient Systems

Develop systems and routines that support the 2-Minute Rule. For example, set specific times during the day for quick email checks or brief classroom tidying sessions. Consistent routines make it easier to incorporate the rule into your daily workflow and maintain productivity. This is because the task will have become automatic; you won’t even need to think about tidying your classroom; you will just do it.

3. Stay Mindful of Time

Be mindful of how you use the 2-Minute Rule. While it’s effective for handling small tasks, avoid using it as a way to procrastinate on larger, more important responsibilities. The goal is to enhance your productivity, not to distract yourself from significant tasks that require focused attention. If you can get it done quickly, fine; but if you need thirty minutes or more to complete something before tomorrow, maybe consider prioritising that task first.

4. Encourage Student Involvement

Involve your students in maintaining a productive classroom environment. Encourage them to take responsibility for small tasks, such as tidying up their workspaces or helping with classroom organisation. This not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among your students, which is something that we all secretly love.

Give the 2-Minute Rule a try, and see how this small change can make a big difference in your teaching journey.

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