1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar

Helping Students Avoid Procrastination

Performance Learning PLUS is a monthly e-newsletter by Performance Learning Systems (PLS), a comprehensive educational services company that has provided a full spectrum of programs, products, and consulting services for educators and business professionals since 1971.

The focus of this issue is on HELPING STUDENTS AVOID PROCRASTINATION. Read on for specific tips.

Tips

Procrastination is a major obstacle to effective time management, and creates a domino effect of problems: wasted time, missed opportunities, poor performance, increased stress, and self-depreciation, to name a few. Below are eight tips for how to help steer your students clear of the perils of procrastination:

1. MAKE SURE STUDENTS KNOW DEADLINES

Communicate deadlines clearly and explicitly.

For example, when you set a deadline, say it, write it down where students can see it, and have them write in down — preferably in a calendar they keep to record assignments. Give students periodic reminders as needed.

2. CHECK THAT STUDENTS HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION

Lack of adequate information is often one of the biggest reasons for procrastination. Check that students understand an assignment and have ready access to resources they need to successfully complete it.

For example, check that students can answer the five Ws of an assignment:

  • WHAT is the assignment?
  • WHEN is it due?
  • WHERE can I get the resources I need?
  • WHY is this assignment worthwhile?
  • WHO can I go to for assistance?
3. BREAK LARGE PROJECTS INTO SMALLER PARTS

Students can feel overwhelmed by a large project looming off in the distance. Remind students to focus on what they can manage, not on what they can't. To help them do this, set up a system for breaking a large or complex project into smaller, more manageable parts.

For example, have each student set up a planner that corresponds to a larger calendar you keep displayed on the wall. Have students write down the final due date for a major assignment as well as several preceding due dates for specific parts of the assignment. Review students' assignment due dates regularly, and have students mark assignments off in their planners as they complete them.

4. HAVE STUDENTS SET PRIORITIES

Encourage students to prioritize the tasks they are to do.

For example, have students write out a new "To Do" list each day. Once their "To Do" list is complete, have students rank the tasks in order of importance (A, B, or C). Then have students set a time frame for each A task and get started. If they complete the A tasks, have them set time frames for the B and C tasks, then proceed with the tasks.

5. PLAN TASKS AROUND STUDENTS' DAILY RHYTHMS

Discover your students' natural daily rhythms and tailor your lessons accordingly.

For example, take a survey asking your students, "What is your best part of the day?" Then, as much as your schedule will allow, arrange your lessons so students are doing the most difficult tasks at the time of day when their energy level is highest (i.e., morning, mid-day, or afternoon). If you're a high school teacher working within a set schedule, take into account the time of day of each class you teach. In morning classes, for example, do brief energizing activities to invigorate your students.

6. ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO USE POSITIVE SELF-TALK

Teach your students a variety of positive statements they can tell themselves so they complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Encourage students to come up with positive self-talk on their own as well.

For example, students can say to themselves:

  • "The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can be with my friends."
  • "I have easily done projects like this before."
  • "I know I will feel better after getting this out of the way."
7. DON'T WORRY, BE "HOPPY"

Worrying or feeling guilty about procrastination increases the discomfort students already feel for not yet having completed a task. Encourage students to take action rather than worry and procrastinate.

For example, if you notice students wasting time and energy worrying, encourage them to "hop" to the task at hand. Taking action (rather than procrastinating and worrying) can reduce harmful stress hormones in the body.

8. CELEBRATE STUDENTS' SUCCESSES

Celebrations are a way of positively acknowledging student effort and achievement while providing a sense of completion and signaling that a new task is about to begin. Be sure to celebrate students' successes, matching the length and complexity of a celebration to the size of the accomplishment.

For example:

  • For a large accomplishment (such as a major project or a successful school year completed), you can have a class party or do an overnight field trip.
  • For a small accomplishment (such as a minor assignment or a successful school period completed), you can do high fives, do a cheer, or write notes of appreciation.

These are just a few of the many ways you can help your students avoid procrastination. Through these techniques, you can help your students pave the way to successful and fulfilling learning experiences while providing students with necessary and valuable time management skills they will use throughout their lives.

The above concepts were adapted from the following sources:

Stress Reduction and Personal Renewal, an online resource by Performance Learning Systems, Inc. and International Learning Center, Inc.

Madden, T.L. (2001). Fire-Up Your Learning: An Accelerated Learning Action Guide. Las Vegas: Stratigent. 89-91. Used with permission.

References:

Fiore, N. (1989). The now habit: A strategic program for overcoming procrastination and enjoying guilt-free play. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher.

Seligman, M.E.P., & Rosenhan, D. L. (1998). Abnormality. New York: W.W. Norton.

©2004-2012 Performance Learning Systems Inc.