Seminar 2 - Procrastination

Reflection submission deadline: see "Submission and seminar dates..."

Seminar date and time: see "Submission and seminar dates..."

This seminar is devoted to a topic that is highly relevant to many of us, both during studies and when working as an engineer/researcher, namely procrastination.

First, it may be worthwhile to have a look at the definition of the word Procrastination. Merriam-Webster tells us that it means “to be slow or late about doing something that should be done”. For example, in the context of studies, not completing the assignment until the night before the deadline, or if you are a teacher, not posting assignments until students ask for the text.

Reading before the seminar As inspiration for your reflections, the followings links may be useful:

Procrastination in general:

[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P785j15Tzk

[2] http://lesswrong.com/lw/3w3/how_to_beat_procrastination/

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procrastination

[4] http://online.ohalo.ac.il/pluginfile.php/24537/mod_resource/content/0/steel%202007.pdf (optional, more scientific discussion of the equation in [2])

Influence of internet:

[5] http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/306868/

Written reflection Your task is now to reflect about your own study technique, specifically related to procrastination. Please write a short text 500-600 words, reflecting on the following questions:

* Do you delay completion of tasks until you really have to? If this is the case, does this happen in all situations or only for studies? Never for studies, but in other contexts?
* How does your study techniques relate to social media and internet, does your online habits help or hinder your studies? Have you noticed some effects like the ones described in [5]?
* Look at the Procrastination Equation in [2]. If you procrastinate, can you, based on this equation, evaluate why?
* Do you use any special tricks or strategies to avoid procrastination? Have you been able to change your study technique through these tricks? Can you give any suggestions? Reflect on your tricks based on the Procrastination Equation.
General advices:

* Read the reading material thoroughly, use the material extensively in your reflection text.
* In your reflection text, be specific. Give arguments, and support your arguments with references or examples.
* Write a continuous text, use the questions and guidelines.