Project Setup
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Section 1: Team & Project Setup
Your comprehensive guide to launching successful project-based learning experiences. This handbook provides practical tools and strategies for educators and students to establish effective teams, plan efficiently, and navigate challenges together.
1.1 Review the Brief & Form the Team
Effective teamwork begins with a shared understanding of the project. Students should carefully read the project brief to grasp the challenge ahead before forming teams based on complementary skills and perspectives.
Setting clear roles from the beginning helps establish accountability and leverages each team member's unique strengths. This foundation creates a collaborative environment where everyone understands their contribution to the team's success.

Learning Outcome
A team formed with clear roles and a shared understanding of the project objectives, laying the groundwork for successful collaboration.

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1.1 Review the Brief & Form the Team

Effective teamwork begins with a shared understanding of the project. Students should carefully read the project brief to grasp the challenge ahead before forming teams based on complementary skills and perspectives. Setting clear roles from the beginning helps establish accountability and leverages each team member's unique strengths. This foundation creates a collaborative environment where everyone understands their contribution to the team's success.

1
You'll Need
  • Project brief document
  • Team setup worksheet
  • Role assignment cards
2
Time Required
30-40 minutes for initial team formation and brief review
3
Reflection Question
What unique strengths does each team member bring to the project, and how can these be best utilised?
1.2 Plan & Track Tasks
Successful projects require thoughtful planning and consistent tracking. Teams will learn to break down their project into manageable tasks and use simple digital tools like Trello or Google Sheets to monitor progress and deadlines.
1
Define Project Milestones
Identify key checkpoints that mark significant progress in your project journey. These serve as important targets to aim for throughout the project timeline.
2
Break Down Into Tasks
Convert each milestone into smaller, actionable tasks that can be completed in a single session. Assign each task to team members based on their strengths.
3
Set Up Tracking System
Create a shared digital board with columns for 'To Do', 'In Progress', and 'Completed' to visualise workflow and maintain accountability.
Learning Outcome
A shared project plan with clear responsibilities and deadlines, enhancing team coordination and progress visibility.
Suggested time: 40-50 minutes for initial setup and planning
Reflection prompt: What's the most important task to prioritise, and why does sequencing matter in project planning?

Educator Tip
Encourage students to revisit and adjust their task boards at the beginning of each session. This builds the habit of adaptive planning and helps teams respond to changing circumstances.

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1.2 Plan & Track Tasks

Successful projects require thoughtful planning and consistent tracking. Teams will learn to break down their project into manageable tasks and use simple digital tools like Trello or Google Sheets to monitor progress and deadlines. 1. Define Project Milestones Identify key checkpoints that mark significant progress in your project journey. These serve as important targets to aim for throughout the project timeline. 2. Break Down Into Tasks Convert each milestone into smaller, actionable tasks

1.3 Resolving Conflicts
Conflict is a natural part of teamwork and, when handled properly, can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships. This module teaches students to recognise conflicts early and apply structured approaches to resolve disagreements respectfully.
Through guided role-play scenarios, students practise active listening, perspective-taking, and collaborative problem-solving—essential skills that extend beyond the classroom into lifelong professional development.
The HEAR Method
  • Halt the escalation
  • Express perspectives calmly
  • Acknowledge others' viewpoints
  • Resolve with compromise
Conflict as Opportunity
Learn to view disagreements as chances to discover new perspectives and strengthen team bonds through successful resolution.

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1.3 Resolving Conflicts

Conflict is a natural part of teamwork and, when handled properly, can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships. This module teaches students to recognise conflicts early and apply structured approaches to resolve disagreements respectfully. Through guided role-play scenarios, students practise active listening, perspective-taking, and collaborative problem-solving—essential skills that extend beyond the classroom into lifelong professional development. The HEAR Method: Halt the esca

Learning Outcome
Students develop practical conflict resolution techniques and understand how to transform disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation.
You'll Need
  • Conflict resolution worksheet
  • Role-play scenario cards
  • Reflection journal
Suggested time: 30-40 minutes
Reflection prompt: How might conflict, when handled well, actually improve your team's project outcome?
Ready for the next step?
You've completed all the essentially planning tasks, now it's time for the fun stuff!