Learning development interventions for student procrastination

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Learning development interventions for student
procrastination Kim Shahabudin (University of
Reading) k.shahabudin_at_reading.ac.uk
Procrastination is an issue which affects all
students at some time. For a few it can become a
major problem with serious consequences for
retention, achievement and mental health.

• Causes of procrastination include
• A lack of confidence about study practices, e.g.
  how to write an academic essay
• Overwhelm caused by failing to plan
  (effectively, or at all) for simultaneous
  deadlines
• Poor concentration due to unsuitable study
  conditions or times
• Inability to prioritise, often because of failure
  to identify and evaluate goals
• Persistent procrastination may be associated with
  perfectionism and low self-esteem

What do students say? Some quotes from our case
studies I set aside a whole day to work on my
dissertation, but by evening Id written five
sentences. Ive got so much to do, every time I
try to think about where to start, I get upset
and cant do it. My tutor says I should just
get on with it like everyone else I hate myself
for not being able to. Im just staring and
staring at the page and nothings going in
whats wrong with me? I know how to plan my
time and what to do - I just cant make myself do
it

• Interventions that have proved effective in
  professional practice
• Avoid rigid work schedules and timetables which
  can lead to failure and further loss of
  self-esteem
• Break work down into achievable tasks rewards
  can be useful, but finishing work is often a
  reward in itself
• Build confidence by clearly explaining
  expectations, study practices, etc.
• Work on barriers to study e.g. develop sound
  foundations on which to build subject knowledge
• Provide strategies for prioritising e.g.
  identify and evaluate goals, ask what will happen
  if you dont do this?
• Help student to identify best times and places
  for study include breaks to avoid study fatigue
• Changing study modes frequently
  (reading/writing/talking/thinking) can promote
  alertness
• Encourage realistic expectations for deadlines
  and (especially) scope of work
• Try alternative writing genres (e.g. blogs) to
  overcome perfectionist concerns about committing

Full report in Research section in the Time
Management learning area on the LearnHigher
website at www.learnhigher.ac.uk