Creating an amazing project involves following best practices to ensure that the project is both appealing to learners and beneficial to your company. Here are some best practices and insights into what makes a great project.
Best practices
Characteristics of a great project:
Clear expectations: project problems, goals, and deliverables are clearly written.
Self-contained: the outcomes and deliverables of the project can be definitively completed.
Learning opportunity: the project provides the opportunity for learners to apply classroom knowledge, enhance their skills, and helps them prepare for future related jobs.
Targeted scope: the project is tailored to learners who come from a single academic program with a shared set of skills.
Limited size: the project can be completed in under 80 hours by a small group of learners.
A great project avoids:
Job posting format: your project shouldn't resemble a job posting or require ongoing tasks resembling full time work.
Mission critical work: because projects are being completed by learners and not seasoned industry professional, avoid problems and objectives which your business must hinge it's complete success on.
Advanced expertise requirements: avoid creating projects that require deep subject matter expertise as most learners will not have years of experience in the subject matter.
Skills in multiple fields of study: most learner teams will come from a single academic program, so requiring multiple skill sets across many academic disciplines will present a challenge to learners.
Browse our project templates for examples of great projects and to get started.
Project writing
When writing your own projects, here are some valuable tips and tricks that can help guide you to writing the best project you can.
Title
The project title should be concise, reference the category the project most relates to, and offer insight into your company or industry. For example, "Graphic Design for Family-Owned Business" is clear and to the point.
Goals
Describe the problem learners will be solving or the outcome learners are expected to achieve. Make sure to emphasize the learning outcomes and how they contribute to the company’s objectives.
For instance, "The main objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive graphic design package for our family-owned business, including a new logo, business cards, and social media templates, to enhance our brand identity and market presence".
Highlighting the relevance of the project in developing practical skills or solving real business challenges can attract motivated learners.
For example, "Participants will learn how to effectively communicate brand messages through visual mediums, mastering the art of creating impactful designs that resonate with our target audience."
Activities and deliverables
List the specific activities learners will need to complete to achieve the project goal and clearly indicate the desired project deliverables.
For example:
Tasks:
Conduct Market Research: Understand the target market, including customer demographics, preferences, and behavior.
Develop Marketing Strategy: Create a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes digital and offline channels, targeting specific customer segments.
Deliverables:
Presentation: A presentation of all findings.
Market Research Report: A detailed report of findings and insights.
Strategic Marketing Plan: A document outlining goals, tactics, and KPIs.
Project expectations
Project Difficulty
Indicating the difficulty level of your project helps educators assess whether their experience and their learners' capabilities align with the project requirements. This ensures that the project can be completed successfully and as intended.
Beginner: Projects for learners who are new to the subject matter or are acquiring foundational skills.
Example: Learners will create a simple logos and marketing materials for your company using basic design principles and software tools.
Intermediate: Projects for learners with moderate skills in the subject area, looking to build upon foundational knowledge.
Example: Learners will create a marketing campaign for a product launch, including visual branding and promotional materials.
Advanced: Projects for learners with advanced skills in the subject area, seeking to deepen their expertise.
Example: Learners will conduct a thorough brand audit and redesign all visual elements of a company's brand identity.
Support & Mentorship
Providing robust support and mentorship is crucial to the success of learner projects. It not only enhances the learning experience but also ensures that learners can effectively apply their knowledge and skills to meet project objectives. By offering various forms of support, you help learners navigate challenges, stay motivated, and produce high-quality deliverables. You may offer support in the following ways:
Domain Expertise and Knowledge: Providing specialized, in-depth knowledge and general industry insights for a comprehensive understanding.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise: Sharing knowledge in specific technical skills, techniques, and methodologies required for the project.
Hands-on Support: Offering direct involvement in project tasks, providing guidance, and demonstrating techniques.
Tools and/or Resources: Giving access to necessary tools, software, and resources required for project completion.
Regular Meetings: Scheduling check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback. These meetings help keep the project on track, address any issues promptly, and offer learners the chance to adjust their approach based on guidance and insights.