Time Management

Time management in project based learning is crucial. Since students are working on their own, they must have an idea of when things will be due and how much time they’ll have to complete each part, etc. It’s important that they are aware of time constraints so they’ll finish the project in a timely manner. I like the idea of milestones and goals and setting up specific schedules for projects. Say if it’s a research project, it’s a good idea to have a couple days for research, a day or two for writing, a day or two for editing, and a day for tying up loose ends and making final adjustments. Setting such a schedule allows students to work at a measured pace toward a specific goal. Students will also be better off in knowing exactly what they need to do, what is expected of them, and how much time they’ll have to complete the project. Setting a schedule and having milestones is vital to any project based learning activity.

The only downside I can see in having a schedule is that some students might feel rushed and become stressed. Deadlines are stressful things, but they are a part of life students will inevitably deal with in some form or another regardless of whichever occupation they choose.  It’s best to prepare students for such realities of life as soon as possible, in my opinion; however, we should be setting realistic deadlines and milestones for them that are achievable, and teachers should make a strong  effort to help their students achieve these goals.

Lastly, when doing an IT based project, special consideration should be paid to students from economically disadvantaged homes. It’s not fair to give all students take home IT assignments if they do not all have Internet or computer access. Accommodations should be made for students to stay after school and use a computer lab if take home work IT work is required. Students should also be given realistic homework assignments and not have too much piled upon them. While they do need to be challenged, they also don’t need to be overwhelmed. Teachers should be careful not to assign too much but also not to make the projects too easy for students.