Project Process: S. Ingraham
Don’t think of these as steps in recipe or step-by-step instructions...1, 2, 3...things to be done one after another. Think of them as a set of tasks that need to get done as you go from initial idea to finished product. Many of them will have to be done concurrently (at the same time). You will find that as you complete parts of one task, parts of another will come together, and those parts will feed back into the original task, or into another, to carry the whole project toward completion. You could begin by focusing on any of the first three tasks, but you will find yourself expanding out from that task into many of the others within the first day of work, even before the first task is completed.
The one exception is the project log. Begin that the first day, and continue through to the end of the project.

Tasks:
Review what you already know about the subject

• free write and cluster: write down everything you already know about the subject, questions you have, associations, memories, experiences, etc. as they come to you, in no particular order. Examine what you have written for patterns and groupings...clusters of related information. (in a group, each member can do the writing, then the group can do the clustering)
• free read (info surf): read or skim a section that covers the subject in a text book, find a magazine article (several magazine articles), look it up in an encyclopedia, browse the appropriate shelves in the media center, view a movie, do a search on the Web. Take notes! Examine your (or the groups’) notes for info clustering as in the free writing exercise above.
• brainstorm or discuss the subject with others: Take notes. Info cluster.
• think, meditate, ruminate, reflect, ponder, let the idea simmer, stir it up and see what comes to the surface, be aware and collect any good ideas in a notebook as they come...or keep them in memory if you work that way.
  

Develop a purpose: “I want to to...” or “We want to...”

• support (or argue against) a position or policy
• establish the facts
• determine the relative value of ideas, policies, or positions
• analyze the subject into its parts and show how they relate
• define the subject or situation
• explain cause and effect
• establish cause and effect
• describe or portray the development of the event, idea, policy, etc.
• identify and describe a general trend
• classify elements of the subject into groups or categories
• relate a part of the subject to the whole
• compare or contrast two subjects for similarities and differences
• examine the idea, event, policy, subject
• explain the general concept by using specific examples
• explain the main idea or message of something
• tell or show how this matters to me (us)
• tell or show what I (we) will do with this information

Decide on a product that will allow you to accomplish your purpose: a product is a finished piece of work that others will be able to understand, appreciate, and evaluate (see Products From A to Z for ideas and Qualities of Success worksheet for guidance). Write out a brief, preliminary description of what your product might look like or be.
Get an idea of (develop a list of) the resources and materials you will need to produce your product. (This is an on-going list...add things as you think of them)
Get an idea of (develop a list of) the information you will need to find to accomplish your purpose. (This is an on-going list...add things as you think of them)
Develop a plan: You should decide what needs to be done first and write out a rough outline of the steps you will have to take to accomplish your purpose and produce your product. A time line or schedule is very helpful. Remember a plan can and should be revised and refined as you make progress.
In a group, you will also have to inventory the interests and abilities of your group members and make decisions about who will do what...which parts will each of you be responsible for? It makes sense to match people’s tasks to their strengths. You will have to work together to outline the steps to be taken and to set times when they need to be completed. When working in a group it is critical that each member know when his or her contribution is needed, and that each member meets his or her responsibilities so that the product can be completed on time.
Maintain a progress/process log:
Begin each day’s work by reviewing what was done the day before, and deciding or reviewing what needs to be done today. End each day’s work by reviewing what was accomplished and setting goals for the next day. Revise your plan as needed. Review or revise the time schedule. Write out tasks to be completed, questions to be answered, materials to be gathered and set priorities. In a group, each person should write down what he or she will need to have ready for the next work session and any other responsibilities that will have to be met.
Collect resources and get the information you need. Read books, magazines, and articles. View films. Print out info from Internet. Etc. Collect your information on note cards or in a note book, as notes or as copies with highlights (a folder or a section of your three-ring binder works well to collect loose materials).
Develop a thesis: “This is what I (we) want to say about this...” “This is what I (we) would like to convince others is true...” “This is what I (we) think or believe about this...” “This is what I (we) learned about this...” “This is how I (we) feel about this...”
Note that a thesis is slightly different than a purpose. The purpose defines the general direction you are headed in. The thesis tells what you found when you got there (or what you found along the way, as you were getting there). A thesis needs support. It is a statement of opinion, or a conclusion, backed up with facts or examples intended to convince others. You will need to have a purpose as you begin your project: the thesis may develop as you go along...and will certainly evolve as you gather more information. A critical point in your project will the moment when your thesis crystallizes...when you first know exactly what you want to convince others of, what you want to prove, and begin to see how to go about it. Up to that point your project has been exploratory, an expedition to gather facts, information, opinion, etc. Once your thesis crystallizes most of your effort will go into finding specific information and materials that you can use to prove your point.
Collect materials and put together the product: Get on with it. Use your time well. Keep your eye on the product and the process and keep moving. Get it done. Do it. Make yourself do it.
Deliver the Product!
And above all: have fun!