This is something I warn my students against regularly. I even try to help keep them from procrastinating by assigning the research paper, for example, in multiple stages. That way even if they are waiting to the last minute to write, they’ve been researching, reading, notetaking, and prewriting for weeks beforehand.
However, now that I have their research papers in hand, I have a strong desire to procrastinate by not grading them. In fact, I’ve had them almost a week and haven’t graded them yet. Usually for research papers I give myself two weeks. But I’ve usually started by now!
Does anyone have any tips or timely motivation for getting papers graded? I could use some help here right now.
I think the time of the year plays into it, too. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a break. Spring Break wasn’t a break–I worked through it all. What helps me when it comes time to grading–and that’s if I actually employ this strategy, mind you–is the good ol’ carrot system. I reward myself with a little something, maybe a new paperback, when I’ve graded X number of papers. But I also have a serious problem with procrastination. I think it’s part of being an English teacher… Good luck, though!
Oh, I know. I’m grading stuff like crazy now that I should have graded a week ago. It’s good to know I’m not alone!