I've got two classes working on student-led projects: one is investigating the reliability of internet sources on a topic of their choosing, and another is researching and creatively representing orders of magnitude in measurement.
This week I've learned quite a bit about managing classes doing independent work: I've got some experience now breaking down instructions into smaller chunks that students can manage without getting off task, while still letting them decide the direction of their own work. I've also come to the conclusion that, while methods and questions can easily be decided by students, they often need more guidance on what is appropriate as a deliverable at the end of the project.
Peter - I think you really hit the nail on the head about the skill needed to implement student-led projects. Figuring out breaking down the project into manageable chunks is key! - Manageable for the students and the teacher! ...and the question is always, How much guidance is too much, and how much is not enough! Congratulations on your early steps on the journey!
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