How to plan and carry out a project or assignment

This Instructable is aimed mainly at Middle and High School students who have been sent away to work independently on a project, but it could be adapted for use by other people.

However, if your project is more complex, especially if it involves more than two or three people, you are probably going to get better use out of Gantt charts.

If you are a teacher, I have also added some notes (step 6) so that you can use this with your own classes.

Step 1 Starting

Every project starts somewhere.

Maybe you are all working to a theme, maybe you've been set a specific task, or maybe you've just had an idea pop out of the blue.

Whatever the origins of the project, you need to bounce some ideas around - write them all down, no matter how odd, and then pick your favourite one or two.

If you are working on the project alone, find a couple of friends or family members to brainstorm with, or maybe even your teacher!

Comments

[guy90]

Although I left school a few years ago, I've been looking for ways to improve my home projects. Thanks for posting a great instructable!

[Kiteman]

Thanks!

[omnibot]

Me to, I just reworked this into a planning template in freeming with some additions of various tools and information. This is exactly the kind of framework I've been looking for for my political work. Thanks :)

[Kiteman]

You're welcome!

[M4industries]

This is so damn useful! Thank you Kiteman for making yet another awesome Instructable.

[Kiteman]

Thank you for your kind words.

[dimtick]

I had a hard time following this at first but now that I understand it a little i like it.
my only comment is that, for me a couple steps come first. First I have to read the assignment, re-read it and then read it a few more times. i don't know how many projects I've screwed up because i misread or didn't understand the assignment. Once I understand the assignment then I do the research and information gathering. Then I brainstorm, plan, etc. Even if I don't know what the project is going to be, I have to do research before brainstorming.

[ilpug]

i never plan things out much more than a few cursory schematics. I suppose it shows occasionally. :/

[pfred2]

For me it is check lists. I get an idea then scribble endlessly more detailed check lists that I go through until completion. Unless I have a list written out in front of me I don't make any real progress on a project. Once that list is there though look out!

[denaetak]

Great info thanks!

[iceng]

We used to call them PERT charts.
I used to make DO UNTIL LOOPS in them much to the group leaders displeasure.

And I never met a chart that completed on schedule, but
I have to admit it gave a useful target.

A