Planners

A planner is a common tool given to most students. Many common problems can be overcome through the proper use of a planner. Calendars are useful as well, but any simple planner which includes each day of the week is satisfactory.

Written Declarations

Simply writing down intentions can lead to a huge boost in completion. Studies show that by relying on willpower alone, goals are rarely completed. Think of New Year's Resolutions. But by doing simple things such as creating a checklist can lead to much higher rates of goal completion.

To increase the probability of completion of a task, additional, specific information can be added. These include the exact time the activity is to be completed, where it is to be done, and how it will be done. We don't really need to do this for day to day plans, but for larger projects or assignments these options are important.

The feeling of checking off a task can lead to increased morale and task completion.

Moderate anxiety can be beneficial, but chronic anxiety is debilitating. Unwanted thoughts can cause procrastination, which leads to more anxiety.

Anxiety and Procrastination Reduction

From my experience, scheduling helps students because it frees up working memory from stressful, intrusive thoughts. Students that don't consolidate their tasks into a planner are forced to think about what they need to do constantly. It may also foster procrastination, since the student may want to do a task, but perhaps it's not the correct time to do so. For example, a student may be trying to sleep, but feels anxious about preparing for a test a few days away.

So, instead of

“Which classes do I have homework for? Do I have math homework? What page was it? I didn't really get it at all. I have that project that I really need to do. Should I start writing my draft for English? My mom is going to kill me if I fail the next math test. I gotta go out with my friends soon, when's the assignment deadline? What do I need to do tomorrow before my friend's birthday party? How long should I study bio for? Do I need to do that extra credit assignment? I have to eat dinner but what should I do after? Should I do this today or tomorrow? Maybe in the morning? I really can't fall asleep…

We just need to:

Check the planner.

Autonomy

Several studies have shown that when students make decisions, free of outside pressure, they are much more likely to be completed. Planners give students a chance to dictate what they do each day. Generally, most individuals complete things that they started, but are less likely to complete tasks that others want them to do.

It is important that the student uses the planner at their own discretion. A student should not be forced to add certain events. A planner should not be done by the parents or third parties.

When someone is in control, they are much more likely to follow through with their actions. It is, after all, the things they decided for themselves.

Takeaways and Considerations

A written declaration can improve task completion rate.

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Use the planner correctly by writing down daily and long-term tasks. Write only tasks that you will complete. For longer term projects or assignments, set specific times rather than keeping it ambiguous.

Planners can help with anxiety and procrastination.

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Make a habit to check the planner. Over time students will switch from thinking about individual tasks to thinking about checking the planner. Since a student should check the planner when he or she is ready to work, this should also reduce procrastination since tasks are not delayed from sporadic, individual thoughts.

Planners provide students a chance to plan their lives themselves. Tasks are much more likely to be completed when free from duress.

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Students should add items into their planner free of outside influence. Parents and educators should not make them for the student.