Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Jason Stewart
TED690- Capstone
May 2018
National University
Professor Wyatt
SIX STEPS FOR PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT 2
Abstract
This article, simply titled, “Six Steps to Planning a Successful Project,” provides teachers an
outline that can be used to develop any lengthy project. Using this model rubric can help teachers
align with TPE 4: Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students.
“Design and implement instruction and assessment that reflects the interconnectedness of
academic content areas and related student skills development in literacy, mathematics, science
and other disciplines across the curriculum, as applicable to the subject area of instruction”
(California CTC, 2016).
SIX STEPS FOR PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT 3
As a new teacher, or even a veteran teacher, it can be a daunting task to design and
implement a lengthy project of any sort. This article provides assistance in giving six steps with
examples of how to effectively initiate this process. It is important to use projects that align with
First off, teachers need to develop a compelling topic that builds and connects with
learning standards. This will allow students to complete meaningful research toward their
completion of the project. Each student needs to have an understanding of what the expectations
are and by connecting it towards a learning standard, it will better complement their research.
This aligns with TPE 4 as it promotes students’ success by providing opportunities for students
to understand and advocate for strategies that meet individual learning goals.
The next step involves developing and designing a comprehensive final product that each
student will be able to complete. Modeling is an important part of any learning, but for a lengthy
project, it is important to model, in order to show the process it takes to complete and ensure that
students will have enough time to complete during the allotted time. Modeling can promote
guidance towards understanding and give ideas to students to build off of to complete their own
successful work.
connect the academic study with the real world is helpful in creating a sense of belonging and
engagement to the work. “Once they heard and saw the experts do their work, the students
assumed those professional roles for the duration of the project” (Baron, 2010). Building a
relationship with local professionals will obviously be a helping factor in this aspect. Parents
who are in these professions can bring excitement into their child’s and classmate’s eyes.
SIX STEPS FOR PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT 4
The next step in line, which is a very important one, is to ensure there is ample amount of
resources for all the students to complete their research. It can be devastating if the project
begins and then when students are two weeks in it is realized that there is not enough research
available. Teachers need to verify the research ahead of time and guide students to select a topic
Additionally, the next part would be to coordinate calendars, which can seem very hard,
but necessary to have a successful project. Making sure that there is enough time for each
component of the project; field study, professional visits, final product work, etc. These all need
to be planned out so the students can have all the information needed to complete. If one aspect
takes too long, they will run out of time; just if one aspect of the project is not able to be
The last step is to plan a culminating event where students can showcase their work. This
will really engage the students in wanting to prepare and develop a successful project that they
feel proud of. When students know the final expectation of delivering the projects in a public
In closing, these steps are vital in comprising a classroom project that involves a long
period of time and lots of preparation. It can be designed to incorporate any type of project, but
these six steps will guide the teacher to having students be successful in their learning.
SIX STEPS FOR PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT 5
References
Baron, Kathy. “Six Steps in Planning a Successful Project.” Edutopia. 3 Mar. 2010,
https://www.edutopia.org/stw-maine-project-based-learning-six-steps-planning. \