Session 2 Initial Planning of the project

Assessment objectives Manage20% Identify, design, plan and carry out a project, applying a range of skills, strategies and methods to achieve objectives. Use resources20% Research, critically select, organise and use information and select and use a range of resources. Analyse data apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any links, connections and complexities of the topic. Develop and realise40% Select and use a range of skills, including where appropriate new technologies and problem-solving, to take decisions critically and achieve planned outcomes. Review20% Evaluate all aspects of the extended project, including outcomes in relation to stated objectives and own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communication skills and media to present evidenced project outcomes and conclusions in an appropriate format.

Initial Planning of the project In this session we will look at: – Focus and format of project including a question that can be answered. – Planning the project – Time management skills and timeline. – Overcoming problems with the project.

Your first idea for topic/title. Your project must have a clear focus with a succinct title that represents the project clearly. The title should be a single phrase: a short statement, question or hypothesis that looks to solve a problem, confirm or deny a theory or explore an issue.

For written reports: Is there a central (controversial) issue or question to respond to? Does the Project give an opportunity for the development of a personal perspective? Is there research material which can be easily accessed? Is there scope for the development of argument and counter-argument?

For Investigations/ Field Studies Is there a testable hypothesis? Is it clear what primary research and data collection is needed to answer the question? Are there secondary research studies which can be used to provide relevant data for analysis?

For performance and artefact projects: Is there a clear brief or commission to which you can respond? Have you accounted for the needs and interests of the audience or enduser? Will the choice of project lead to research addressing media, materials or techniques?

Project planning Time available. Resources available. Sequence of tasks. Risks and potential problems. Timeline. Keep a diary of the project including meetings with your supervisor, AQA deadlines, project dates (e.g. interviews, appointments, telephone conversations, visits).

Gantt Chart Template 1lAA 1lAA TaskWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4 Ethics of Persistent Vegetative State Find a supervisor Write a Gantt Chart Make a research diary Watch Panorama Begin literature survey of the Lancet Brian Jennett

Time Management – prioritising Tasks UrgentNot Urgent ImportantDo It Now What will I do When? Plan To What will I do When? Not ImportantReject and justify What will I do When? Resist and Stop What will I do When?

Your First Ideas for Research of your Project What information do you need? What sort of information? How much information?

Identifying Likely Resources Libraries (School, public, university) Professional institutions Local professionals/employers Charities and voluntary organisations Government reports Academic articles Newspaper, television, radio, websites People (interviews and questionnaires)`

Evaluating Resources Reliability of Author Reliability of Publisher Reliability of Cited Sources Reliability of Information Sources

Research diary DateObservation, events (records of conversations, advice, resources, web pages, books, journals consulted etc.) Reflections (on your findings, research, performance, feelings, hunches etc) Actions (by who, when?)

Tasks for next session Decide how you are going to evidence your project. Design a timeline or chart showing how you plan your project and overcome any problems Design a research diary or sources table showing how you have evaluated a range of materials. Take this to your supervisor for your initial planning meeting.

Initial Planning Meeting Complete the initial planning meeting section of the project log and hand in to me on Wednesday 4 th December