At the start of my final year, I was assigned what my school called our “ORTs” – or “One Research Task”. I still remember how clammy my hands became when my home room teacher handed out our rubrics. We were tasked with developing our own research question in one of our subjects, and executing research methodology to answer it in the form of a mini thesis.
We all knew this assignment was coming yet it didn’t stop the collective nervous chatter from coming out of my classmates the day our teacher first mentioned them. We’d grown used to the high workload that came with Year 13, but this was different; our other assignments were short term and had clear steps and deadlines. The only deadline for our ORTs was the submission date at the very end of the third term. We had to fill in the rest of the steps ourselves!
“Alright,” I thought, “How hard can it be?”
Yet, that evening, I sat at my desk in my bedroom and stared at the blank page before me, frozen by overwhelm. The end goal was at the top of a skyscraper and I was on the ground floor with no stairs and only building materials at my feet.
Long-term projects are a big cognitive load, requiring executive function skills like task initiation, time management, planning, sustained attention, and goal-directed persistence. There are various reasons why students may battle to engage these executive functions (EFs), including chronic illness, a stressful home environment, or conditions that impact EFs like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
When students struggle with their EFs, they have trouble getting started on projects, keeping them on track, and planning ahead to make sure they get submitted before the deadline.
“Where do I even start?” I asked myself. And I’m here to give you (and 16 year old me) the answer.
Here are 5 ways you can support your student in completing long-term projects:
1. Provide structure
Provide your student with a clear structure or outline to follow. This can include guidelines for research, how many pages each section should be, and guidance on formatting their project – for example, is there a required font, letter spacing? Is there a specific referencing style they need to follow? Having a clear roadmap can help them stay focused and organised.
2. Break it down (the project, but also your dance moves)
Help your student break the project into smaller, bite-sized tasks – breaking the main question into smaller ones, or dividing the answer into sections. This can make the project feel less overwhelming and easier to tackle. Don’t forget to encourage movement! Whether it’s a quick dance party break or a walk around the block, exercise is vital for well-being and concentration.
3. Use the backwards planning technique
This is where you work backwards from a deadline to plan when those smaller tasks should be done. It’s a strategic approach to project planning that starts with the end goal and works backward to determine the steps needed to reach it. For students, this means identifying the final deadline or presentation date and then breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and milestones that lead up to that deadline. By setting intermediate deadlines for each task and monitoring progress along the way, students can stay on track, manage their time effectively, and ultimately achieve their project goals.
4. Offer support and guidance
Be available to support and guide your student throughout the project. This can include helping them brainstorm ideas by being a sounding board, providing feedback on their work, and offering encouragement when they feel stuck. Your support can help them stay motivated!
5. Celebrate every single win
Celebrate your student’s progress, no matter how small. This can help them stay motivated and feel accomplished as they work towards completing their project. Acknowledge their hard work and effort to keep them motivated.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can help your student successfully complete their long-term project, building their confidence and executive function skills along the way.
Keen to dive into the neuroscience behind why long-term planning is so hard for students? Or maybe you just want ready-to-print resources for your students?
Don’t miss our upcoming CPD Accredited Long-term Projects Webinar!
Join me on the 11th of June at 4.30pm, BST for a CPD accredited webinar:
Why are long-term projects so hard? Executive function perspectives and solutions
I’ll explore the relationship between executive functions and their impact on students’ ability to plan for and complete long-term projects. Gain practical insights and strategies to support students in overcoming the challenges of long-term projects, from understanding the cognitive processes involved to implementing tailored techniques in school.
Limited space available. Reserve your spot now!
Discounts available for students – please email training@connectionsinmind.co.uk to apply.
A note from the author:
“I am a teacher and mother of a neurodivergent family. Some days it all feels too much, but time and again I remind myself to turn to our proven strategies and it makes everything more doable.
I have dedicated my life to our world changing work. It’s such a privilege to have you on this journey with us.”
– Victoria Bagnall,
CiM Co-Founder & Managing Director
