This isn't about coursera, but there was some interesting research in presented in Predictably Irrational about deadlines and student performance. Basically, d

This isn't about coursera, but there was some interesting research in presented in Predictably Irrational about deadlines and student performance. Basically, deadlines help a lot, and having many small deadlines to ensure continuous work helps prevent procrastination. http://bookoutlines.pbworks.com/w/page/14422685/Predictably%20Irrational http://bookoutlines.pbworks.com/w/page/14422685/Predictably%... > Group 3 (imposed deadlines) got the best grades. Group 2 (no deadlines) got the worst grades, and Group 1 (self-selected deadlines) finished in the middle.