[roja123]

I teach private classes of just 1 or 2 students and now I'm starting to take on more students. Up until now I have kept a lot of information in my head in terms of lesson topics, assessment, areas in need of refreshing, etc.

Now that I'm getting busier I think I need to start creating more of a paper trail for myself so I make sure I keep on top of it all! I found a really useful looking daily plan on here in the forms section and I'm going to try making adaptable assessment forms. What kind of diaries / papers do you use if you're a freelance teacher? Do you carry it all around with you?

Also! Would love to know how you keep track of notes, vocabulary, whatever crops up during lessons. I tend to use post-its and record what I need afterwards, but maybe someone here has a more efficient way...?!

[bread_baker]

I use a computer heavily. I try to update my notes in the computer within 24 hours of the class meeting.
My computer is highly organized with folders, subfolders, sub-subfolders, etc.

[roja123]

Thanks bread_baker. Do you bring a laptop to class as well or just keep track of everything at home?

[tinyteachinthemaking]

I 'm old school and tend to write lesson plans by hand in a note book. Although I do use my laptop for extra activities such as lesson plans and adapted material from the net.

[simplyesl]

i think using the computer is good for long term records, but having at least a "cheat sheet" that covers the most recent topics makes it easier too.

[bread_baker]

I don't use a laptop during class time. My laptop is too valuable and I don't want to be concerned about safety. I create my lessons in the laptop. After a term ends, I look at all its lessons and decide which ones I may want to use in the future. I put those in a folder with the name of the term and the year, such as Fall 2010. All other lessons I delete.