I had villager who, no matter where I put him, he would ALWAYS turn up swimming in the lagoon, doing laundry, cooling his feet in the stream, relaxing at the beach... I sit there and watch him for a half an hour or more. I put him at the research table and everytime he leaves it, I throw him back. I will do this until he's adept. I do the same thing again with fishing. I throw him into the ocean and if he come out without a fish, I pick him up and throw him out to sea again. I will do this until he becomes adept.
I will then do the same with health. I will keep him on herbs until he is adept. I even checkmark him in DETAILS. I'll leave him alone and sure enough, when I come back, where is he? kickin' it at the lagoon, cooling his feet, or doing laundry. Grrrrrrrrr..... I will then pick him up, hold him over the fire and threaten to throw him in if he doesnt shape up. Does that work? I think not. I think he is mocking me!