How do we manage student projects?: panel discussion

Project work may be included in any class but it is fundamental to the senior-level capstone class that is a part of the degree requirements of most undergraduate computer science programs. Projects expose students to the practical problems of software development, but the very nature of projects that provide dynamic and unscripted learning opportunities for students also creates additional challenges for instructors. Left to themselves most student teams will tend to thrash about and end-up in crisis mode, spending inordinate amounts of time (that they do not have!) on the project in the last week or two before the project ends. Such an ending whether in the "real world" or on an academic exercise is inevitably unsatisfying. Clearly, instructor intervention is required, but what kinds of intervention are appropriate and successful? This panel focuses on our experiences in managing student projects. We have no magic potions or silver bullets; instead, we will share techniques that work for us and some techniques that have not worked as well.