What is a suggested first step for introducing 20% projects in the classroom?

Introducing 20% projects in the classroom often involves giving students the freedom to explore topics that interest them, fostering creativity and innovation. Starting with solo projects allows students to take individual ownership of their learning and explore their passions without the influence of peers. This individual approach helps students build confidence in their abilities and encourages them to dive deeply into a subject of choice.

When students work on solo projects, they can set personal goals and learn to self-manage their time and resources, which are essential skills for lifelong learning. This initial focus on individual projects can make them feel more comfortable with the idea of pursuing a personal interest in a structured way before they move on to more collaborative efforts with peers.

In this context, starting with collaborative projects could lead to challenges if students are not yet familiar with the format of 20% projects. Providing resources for research is important but may be more effective once students have chosen their focus areas. Encouraging peer evaluations, while valuable for learning and feedback, is generally more suited for an advanced stage of project work when students are ready to share and refine their ideas based on constructive criticism.