Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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TIME MANAGEMENT 155

7. Give a numerical value to each item “I understood the sociology lecture so I’ll
   on the list. In other words, determine do the reading after I finish my math
   which “A” task is most important and assignments (C-1), and the first draft on
   label it “A-1.” Then decide which “A” my English paper. I’ll practice my guitar
   items is next most important and label before dinner (C-2).”
   it “A-2,” and so on. Do the same for
   “B” and “C” tasks.


8. Complete your weekly schedule by
   transferring the items on your
   priority tasks sheet to your weekly
   schedule forms. Put the “A” items
   first, followed by the “B” items, and
   finally as many of the “C” items you
   think you can accomplish.


9. Each evening check your weekly “I thought I could write the first draft of
   schedule for the next day and make my English paper Wednesday but found I
   modifications as needed. (e.g., have to do more library research. I need
   changes in appointments, to spend at least 1 hour in the library
   unexpected assignments, or unusual tomorrow.”
   demands on time).

WHAT IS PROCRASTINATION?

It is time to deal with the most frequent time waster identified ear-

lier in the chapter—procrastination: the behavior of postponing tasks

(Burka & Yuen, 1983). Procrastination appears to be a universal

problem negatively impacting the behavior of many individuals. Ellis

and Knaus (1977) reported that between 70% to 90% of college

students engage in academically related procrastination, including

delaying the start or finish of papers, essays, studying for exams,

registering for classes, making appointments with instructors, and

turning in an assignment on time (Ferrari, 2001). It is particularly rel-

evant from a self-management perspective because it is often discussed

as a problem in self-control. By definition, you cannot be a self-

directed learner if you fail to control your behavior.

Do You Procrastinate?

Everyone procrastinates from time to time. The issue is the extent

of one’s procrastination. You may have a problem with procrastina-

tion if you answer yes to any of the following questions: Do you delay

starting assignments? Are you late handing in assignments? Do you

tend to wait for the last minute to complete assignments? Are you

often late for appointments? Do you often underestimate the amount

of time needed to complete a task?