Yearlong Projects
In most classes, students are told that they’ll be doing a “yearlong” research project and most of the time the idea is laughed at as the project is put on the back burner until teachers decide to come back to it only at the end of the year. Most students don't get the chance to actually sit down and be part of a long-term project that involves a team that relies on others to help get things done.
This project has allowed all of us to work on our communication skills, having to explain our vision of the project to authority figures at conferences, showcases. We have deadlines throughout the year that allow us to practice time management. Projects like ours allow students to acquire professional skills that would not be gained by the average “yearlong” project.
