With project deadlines and midterm exams on the horizon, students might find themselves slipping into the trap of procrastination. ? Psychology professor Erik Altmann said there are a few things students can do to ensure they will not be up all night studying for an exam the next day or scrambling to finish a project on time.
Take smaller steps when doing big projects
Instead of tackling a daunting project in one attempt, Altmann said it is important to take that project and instead break it into smaller steps. Every time one step is completed, it acts as positive reinforcement to continue on to the next part of the project.
“Having multiple smaller goals is a lot easier on a student than taking on one very large goal,” he said.
Make sure you get enough sleep
When it comes to procrastination, late nights mixed with caffeine are the enemy. Altmann said it is important that students make enough time for sleep. It is much harder for students to focus on their notes during a midnight cram session than it is after a good night’s sleep.
Assistant psychology professor Kimberly Fenn said students generally need seven to nine hours of sleep to function properly. She said those who sacrifice sleep have a lower attention span not only when studying, but also when taking tests.
“When it comes to taking multiple choice tests, those students are also more likely to fall for the false answers,” she said.
Avoid multitasking
Some people may think it is easier for them to focus when they are performing multiple tasks at a time.
However, Altmann said having the mind constantly shift from one topic to the next can prove to be more distracting than helpful. Students could miss certain details or work more halfheartedly than they normally would.
“It’s true to a certain extent that people may focus better when multitasking,” he said. “But every time you switch tasks, there is a certain cost involved.”
Turn off any (unnecessary) electronics
Altmann said it is impossible to work on a paper or a project if students are watching videos on their tablets or waiting on phone calls and text messages. Although computers may be a necessity for certain projects, they should only be used for that purpose at the time.
He also stressed that while it is important to turn off unneeded electronics, it is even more important to make sure they stay out of sight and out of mind.
“If you see them out on your desk or have them sitting right next to you, you’re going to want to play with them,” Altmann said.
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