One of my absolute favorite things on YouTube is SciShow, the popular science program created by Hank Green. (Hank is the brother of John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars. Together they are absolute powerhouses on YouTube.)
I am a big fan of these two, so I was very excited when I saw they created an episode on procrastination. Besides offering strategies for combating procrastination, they describe the causes of procrastination, which include, among other things, executive function and emotional regulation. The video even talks about the importance of trying different strategies to see what works best for you.
This video is a great way to introduce your students to these tricky yet important concepts. It is fun and accessible while also being informative. Follow up by using some of the activities found in the SMARTS curriculum. Have your students explore their unique executive function profile using the EF Wheel, or guide them through lessons that help them develop personal definitions of metacognition and cognitive flexibility.
What do you think of the video? Would your students enjoy it? Let us know in the comments. I’m very interested to hear some student reactions. It’s also worth checking out other SciShow videos from their vast library, as well as Hank and John Green’s other educational YouTube channel, Crash Course!
- Elizabeth Ross, M.A., SMARTS Media Manager