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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 following links should be used:

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://studiemetro.au.dk/fileadmin/www.studiemetro.au.dk/Procrastination_2.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 do them? If this is the case, does this happen in all situations or only for studies? Never for studies, but in other contexts?
  • How do 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 advice:

  • 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.

Submission

Go to Course wiki, find your group, Seminar 2 and your name. Upload the pdf with your name. If you still can not access the wiki, please send the reflection to me (vfodor@kth.se), with informative file name and subject line: seminar2-groupA(B,C)-firstname-familyname.pdf,  subject: seminar2-groupA(B,C).

Before the seminar

You will find the reflection texts in the course wiki. Read all the reflecting documents, specifically the text from the student after you on the list. Mark the sentences that you find particularly interesting or important.

During the seminar

Take active part in the discussions!