Grid out the semester by making a semester-long plan.
Steps
- Explain that big projects require scheduled work sessions over time. Mention a range of digital/physical calendar tools they can use to schedule their time, e.g. Google, Apple, Outlook, Fantastical, paper planner, wall/desk calendar.
- Choose one to demonstrate. Divide events into groups and color-code. (Perhaps base the events on a hypothetical student’s academic, extracurricular, social, and work commitments.) Add relevant info like location, date, and time.
- Have students watch this video: How to Break Down Big Projects (1 minute)
- Have students create a semester-long calendar in a format that works for them. For their TWP project, the calendar must reflect multiple note-taking sessions and multiple rounds of research.
Considerations
- Many students have not had high school experiences with large projects that required planning. While some of this advice may feel like common sense, it is worth making the process explicit for students.
- The best tool is the one they’ll use. Encourage students to check their calendar each morning to get a bird’s eye view of the day ahead and use the description area for details so they don’t have to depend on memory.