‘Night against procrastination’ designed for college students
Some things, we naturally tend to put off. Who really enjoys filing their taxes, or visiting their dentist?
But for students, procrastination can create serious problems. With projects, papers and exams on the horizon, they have to learn how to budget their time — and stick with their plan.
So Lethbridge College students were invited to a “Long Night Against Procrastination” last week before enjoying their mid-term break. The college’s Learning Café, along with the Buchanan Library, offered a little stress relief along with assistance with particular study skills.
“We decided it would be something we could do to help our students,” says Diane Fjordbotten at the Learning Café. “Stress levels are high at this time of year.”
The college’s study facilities remained open late that evening, while staff members helped students to develop strategies dealing with their workloads. Participants were also offered free snacks, stretch breaks, and tea and conversation with indigenous elders.
And students studying massage therapy were on hand to demonstrate its value. “A lot of students liked that.” A total of 166 students signed up for the event — to be eligible for prizes like Lethbridge College sweatshirts — and Fjordbotten says others just came by and got to work. Many made good use of the library’s extended hours.
Many participants were first-year students, she reports, but a few who checked in were in their third or fourth year on campus.
Of those who provided feedback, she adds, “Everybody said they would attend again.”
Fjordbotten says the college, taking a cue from others across the continent, held its first “procrastination” event last fall. By the middle of each term, she explains, students realize how much work needs to be done to pass their courses.
While some students will be heading home — or to the mountains — for their week-long break, others will remain in the city and continue work on their course material.
After the Family Day holiday, she says, the college library and study areas will reopen. And students will have a quiet period to get things done.
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