A very good topic to talk about, and which is necessary to address in schools. The speaker has hit the points I come across with students, He also mentioned fear, which I greatly contribute to procrastination with students. If a student takes a bit longer to grasp a subject compared to another, then as an instructor, you will notice this, and help the student in any way you can to do well. An instructor can know or see the student can do well or better, but for reasons procrastinate. I have experienced that in some ways, the student wants to "lead" the class, by not delivering their work on time or by staying behind with their practical lab projects. And this may happen with the smart student, in fact, I have experienced this with students who usually do well in class. Because as I stated before, if the student is slower to grasp the subject compared to others, the instructor will notice that. That is different then procrastination.
In a way, procrastination irritates me a bit, because I know the student is trying to delay the situation. I have heard many excuses, as can we do something else, or the student is absent, or I am sick , or I don't feel like doing this now; can I do whatever I want.
I belief in the student; that they will do well, but they have to come to the point to belief they will do well too. Nothing in life is perfect, there will be problems or obstacles here and there. And every new beginning be it in school or in life is a bit fearful to start. But we all have to start anyway, so why just not do it. There is a saying that I like that says "even if you are fearful, do it fearful." And as Vik says, :'failure is a positive experience..."
So to my students I just stay encouraging. I tell them you can do it. And in the end they usually do.
