Embedded Files
What is procrastination?
What is procrastination?
procrastination | prə(ʊ)ˌkrastɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n |
noun [mass noun]
the action of delaying or postponing something: your first tip is to avoid procrastination.
Ever avoided doing something that you know you should or have to do? Feel guilty but can't get started? Congratulations you have procrastinated. Don't worry a lot of us have. And I am going to show you a few ways to overcome it.
I know what to do but I can't or don't want to work
I know what to do but I can't or don't want to work
When I was studying at school and uni I often found it really hard to sit down and actually do the work. I would often procrastinate getting started on a task even though I knew that I really didn't have the time to spare.
Enter in the best study tool ever! The humble timer. Stick with me. I started using what is called the Pomodoro technique (named after the classic tomato-shaped, wind-up kitchen timer). 🍅 + ⏰
First thing: choose a specific task. For example, I am going to complete practice test 4.
Each pomodoro session is 25 minutes long. You need to be absolutely focused during this time (no phones, no social media, no playing with your adorable puppy). Set the timer and get started.
After each pomodoro, you get 5 minutes break. Get up, chill out, whatever. But after 5 minutes you start again.
After 4 pomodoro sessions, you get a longer break - usually 20 mins. Get up and get some food, go for a walk, etc.
The beauty is, because you just have to make it 25 minutes, it's easy. If that seems too long, start with 15 mins. This short time frame really helps overcome procrastination. It may take multiple pomodoro sessions to complete a task. That is fine!
Here are a few YouTube pomodoro timers in case you don't like to use an ordinary timer. I personally like to put classical piano music on the background (just having one instrument and no vocals is important because otherwise you will get subconsciously distracted). I've linked my favourite study album below as well. I have use this one for years - ignore the names of the songs, they are incorrect.
But my phone...
But my phone...
Omg turn them off! Or put them in another room. If that is too hard, download a self regulation app instead. I personally use Forest. It is a paid app now (I'm old school and got it when it was free). It lets you choose a virtual plant to grow for your forest. Each plant takes a different amount of time to grow. If you pick up your phone to use in this time, it gives you a super guilt trip warning you that you are about to kill your plant. Free alternatives include Don't Waste Today, 1Blocker, Get Off Your Phone, OFFTIME, SelfControl.
This task is just too big! I don't know where to start!
This task is just too big! I don't know where to start!
One word: chunking.
Your first step to getting things done is to break the task down into smaller pieces or more manageable "chunks". If you are struggling with how to chunk, remember you can always ask your teacher for help - they should be pros at it.
If you have a set of questions to do:
This can be as simple as just doing 1-3 questions in one sitting then putting it away for a bit.
How to answer long response questions (like Explain or Outline)
Use a scaffold like ALARM or even just PEEL or PXXX to break longer questions down into parts.
Start with a definition, add detail, cause-and-effect sentences, etc until you reach the level you need to get.
Use a scaffold/template to help you see what each verb is asking for and plan your answer out. Here are some from the NSW Department of Education.
For larger assessments, such as an essay, this can look a bit different.
Research the topic/read the book
Plan the essay out - Come up with your arguement and find 3 main points to talk about
List evidence for each point
Write introduction
Write each point paragraph
Sum up your arguement in a conclusion
Check out this website for detailed explanation (I am not an English teacher! This is just how I learnt to write them at uni) https://www.scribbr.com/category/academic-essay/
Give a draft to your teacher to give you feedback on (at least a week before the task is due, the earlier the better).
Page updated
Report abuse