Putting the Cart Before the Horse

April 8, 2013

My kids have a research paper due on Monday, and I gave them some time to do research in the library last week. One of my kids was looking somewhat unproductive, so I stopped by to check in with him.

Student: I'm not working right now because I'm already done.
Me: You've written your paper on Literature in the Renaissance period a week ahead of time? That's impressive! What sources did you use?
Student: That's the only part I haven't done yet. I wrote my paper already, and all I have left to do is find some resources and put 'em in.
Me: You 'already wrote' your 4 page research paper, but you haven't done any research yet? What the heck did you write? "I assume there were books? They probably printed them on paper?"

Oh geez.