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Weekly Course on Time Management – Week 15 – Theories of Time Management: The ALPEN Method
When was the last time you managed to complete all your homeschool tasks within the designated period? Can’t recall? That’s alright. I know the struggle. For every human on this planet, time is limited. We only get 24 hours to accomplish everything while managing some natural human needs, such as sleep.
So how can you maximize your efficiency given that time is a limited resource? Enter the ALPEN Method, use it in your everyday life (and your homeschool), and accomplish more without burning the midnight oil. So busy bee homeschool moms, let’s learn more about one of the most effective time-management theories: the ALPEN Method.
The ALPEN Method – Origin
The ALPEN Method of time management comes from a German economist and time-management expert, Professor Lothar J. Seiwert. The term ALPEN describes a practical and straightforward time-management technique that became very popular over the years. It is an acronym of the German language, which stands for
A – Aufgaben – Listing down all tasks, and planned activities.
L – Länge schätzen – Estimated length of time for completing each task on the list.
P – Pufferzeiten einplanen – Planning buffer time for each task.
E – Entscheidungen treffen- Making decisions for prioritizing tasks.
N – Nachkontrolle – Following up and checking on whether the estimates work or not.
The ALPEN method’s big idea is to prepare a timed to-do list and then select tasks that should take priority. It also allows you to block schedules for work and to set aside time for breaks.
So how exactly can you use the ALPEN method to manage your time effectively when you already have an overflowing to-do list, and why should you use this method?
Let’s find out.
How Does the ALPEN Method Work?
The ALPEN Method allows you to invest in planning your task list and prioritize all the essential tasks. Moreover, at the end of the day, you can also review your to-do list to find out things that you have missed out on today so that you can accommodate them tomorrow. Here is how the approach works.
A – List Down All Tasks, Appointments, and Planned Activities
Sounds simple?
Exactly. This simple step allows you to develop all the tasks and activities you need to complete on a given day.
L – Assign Estimated Length of Time for Completing Each Task
In the next step, you assign an estimated duration to all the tasks on your list. For example, if you want to assign 30 minutes to each subject in homeschool, you can plan it accordingly.
P – Planning Buffer Time for Each Task
You cannot control everything around you, and you should always expect time losses. It is an even more critical concern in homeschool as you deal with humans who work and process things at a different pace. When you assign buffer time to each activity, you give yourself an allowance for dealing with uncontrollable factors that lead to time loss (and, of course, frustration).
E – Prioritizing
This step allows you to take a good look at your plan again. Is it realistic? Can you accomplish all of this in the given time?
If the answer is no, now is the time to prioritize.
Which tasks are urgent? They should be top on the priority list. Which tasks can wait till tomorrow? They can be last on the list.
N – Following up
Once you have accomplished what you planned, now is the time to reflect and get better at planning. Find out if your estimates worked out? Did you require adjustment? And while you’re at this step, you can already create the next working day plan.
A Sample Schedule – ALPEN Method for Homeschool Moms
If you are a busy bee homeschool mom, here is how the ALPEN Method can work for you.
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Kids waking up and getting ready for the day. (include every task you wish to accomplish during this one hour, including breakfast, making the bed, tidying up the rooms, etc.)
Buffer Time: 15 minutes
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. – Science Unit for the toddlers (make a list of what you want to teach in this 30-minute lesson. Include all activities such as watching the learning video, responding to questions, or any other activity that you have planned for the lesson).
Buffer Time: 15 minutes
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Math Unit for the 1st Grader (if you are introducing a specific topic, create a thorough lesson plan along with activities that you wish to complete in a single unit).
Buffer Time: 15 minutes
9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Mom works on household chores, preparing lunch, and other tasks. List all the things you want to accomplish in the two-hour slot.
You can use the ALPEN method for specifically planning your homeschool day and each of the units you want to teach in a single day. And you can also use this method to plan your entire day. While it appears to be rigid, it adds flexibility (with buffer time) as well as structure to your daily routine.
What Advantages Does the ALPEN Method Offer?
- A detailed and comprehensive to-do list that you can use to keep a check on your productivity.
- Timelines that keep you motivated, so you waste less time as you continue with the task.
- Specific buffer time to give you flexibility and keep your stress levels lower.
- Opportunities for reflection and better planning for the next day.
The ALPEN Method – Limitations
Of course, there are a few limitations to using this approach. While it allows you to set aside buffer time, sometimes even the extra buffer is not enough. Moreover, the approach requires a lot more self-discipline than other methods of time management. Furthermore, you need to prioritize. You may not always be good at prioritization, but you can learn it over time.
Even the best time-management methods come with limitations but overall, using ALPEN Method means better productivity and less stress for your homeschool and your life.
Ashley Yeo
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