There is nothing you can do to compensate for running out of time. If necessary, you may be able to add a few minutes in the lunch hour but extending the end of the day is impossible as energies and attention spans have been exhausted. Running out of time means missing the opportunity for closing the learning loop (6). You may not be able to meet the learning objectives of the course which may lead to dissatisfied participants. You may also have enough time to do the course evaluation (21) which ironically may have helped you improve your timing at the next session.

• In your lesson plans, allow a bit more time than you think is needed for each lesson.


• Record the time it took to complete a lesson. This will vary from session to session depending on the dynamics of the group but will give you a benchmark.


• Do not plan too many major activities for one day. A day with a classroom session leading to a field trip, followed by a computer lab and ending with a test is probably too much.


• Prepare the agenda and time schedule on flop chart paper and post it for everyone to see as reference, and confirm with participants start, coffee breaks, lunch, and wrap-up times.


• Do not alter the timelines at the beginning or end of day. If you have to cut something, take it from the middle. Introduction and wrap-up are critical to the success of the course.


• If you see yourself running behind, cut out an activity that is time-consuming. You may also change your presentation style (2) to eliminate a group brainstorming exercise in favour of communicating the content in a much quicker lecture format.


• Set strict timelines for group activities, and give clear directions as to the task at hand. Rotate between the groups to make sure that each group meets the set objectives and stays on time.