Guide for Outstanda Classroom Introduction and Management

Outstanda’s unique learning model offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with project-based and self-paced learning. In this guide, we’ll explore best practices for introducing Outstanda to your class, managing projects and individual learning pathways, and fostering a productive and cooperative classroom environment where students are encouraged to learn actively and collaboratively.

1. Introducing Outstanda to Students

One of the most powerful aspects of Outstanda is the way it rewards students for excellence in both their projects and assessments. When introducing Outstanda, make sure students understand that their efforts directly influence their success—quality work and mastery of concepts lead to tangible rewards. By clarifying this from the start, students begin to see themselves as active participants in their own success.

Project Work and Assessments: Explain that projects are designed for hands-on learning, allowing students to apply and explore what they’ve learned. Assessments, on the other hand, help confirm that they have internalized the material. Together, these elements make learning both practical and measurable. Remind students that their focus on quality and mastery directly ties to how they progress.

• Explain Outstanda’s reward system and how it motivates high-quality work and mastery.
• Emphasize that projects provide practical applications while assessments measure understanding.
• Reinforce that students’ dedication to projects directly impacts their success.

2. Best Practices for Managing Project-Based and Self-Paced Learning

Adaptable Project Design: Outstanda’s project-based framework is flexible and meant to be adapted to meet the needs of each class. You can adjust projects to reflect current events, student interests, or community issues, making them more relevant and engaging. This flexibility allows you to tailor projects to the unique dynamics of your classroom while ensuring core learning objectives are met.

Flexible Use of Classroom Time: Outstanda’s structure also provides instructors with the freedom to use class time creatively and effectively. Ideally, students should have dedicated, uninterrupted time to work on their projects. During these work periods, you can move between groups to support and assess their progress. This allows you to build meaningful relationships with students and offer targeted guidance, without needing to manage the class from a distance or rely on traditional lecture methods.

• Modify projects to fit your classroom’s unique needs, incorporating relevant themes and student interests.
• Use class time to provide uninterrupted project work, circulating to assist and observe.
• Focus on providing direct support and personalized feedback as students work.

3. Encouraging Engagement Through Mentorship and Collaboration

A hallmark of Outstanda’s approach is the focus on mentorship. By moving around the classroom, observing student progress, and checking in, you create a supportive learning environment that values each student’s contributions and challenges them to take ownership of their work. This process fosters collaboration and helps students build essential communication skills. By consistently working together, students learn how to navigate different perspectives, develop solutions as a team, and contribute their strengths to group goals.

Group Dynamics and Project Presentations: Encourage students to collaborate closely with peers and share responsibility for their projects. Outstanda recommends co-presenting, where all members of a group participate in explaining their project outcomes, challenges, and learnings. This shared accountability fosters strong collaboration skills, boosts confidence, and ensures that every student has an active role in the project’s completion. You can assess each student’s understanding through their contributions to these presentations, reinforcing accountability within the group.

Building Employability Skills for the Future: Through these collaborative experiences, students also gain skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom. Outstanda’s model nurtures abilities like teamwork, effective problem-solving, and accountability—qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. By learning to work with others, handle responsibilities, and adapt to different roles within projects, students are better prepared for future employment and empowered to succeed in varied professional environments.

• Encourage students to co-present group projects, ensuring each member contributes equally.
• Circulate the classroom, providing encouragement and mentorship during project work.
• Emphasize the connection between collaboration skills developed here and real-world employability.

4. Managing Participation and Ensuring Inclusivity

As you observe group work, take note of students who may not be actively participating or those who are hesitant to speak up. Outstanda encourages inclusive participation by giving all students the chance to present, lead, and engage in various roles throughout projects. When you notice a quieter student, you might:

• Rotate Leadership: Encourage a student who has been less active to take on a leadership role in the next project, providing them with the chance to direct the project’s pace, structure tasks, or coordinate the final presentation.
• Ensure Balanced Leadership Opportunities: It’s essential that all students get equal chances to lead projects. Rotating leadership roles is just as important for teaching students to respect diverse perspectives as it is for developing team skills. For example, it is valuable for male students to learn how to take direction from female peers, and for all students to appreciate and respect different backgrounds and perspectives. Every student benefits from learning both how to lead and how to be a valuable part of a team. Changing team members for each project broadens this experience and builds greater understanding and respect among peers.
• Assign Reflection Roles: If a student appears less engaged, consider assigning them the responsibility of summarizing group progress or challenges at a specific checkpoint. This allows quieter students a structured way to contribute without needing to initiate the discussion.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Make it clear that each group is responsible for ensuring that all members contribute ideas and participate. Peer accountability can encourage quieter students to become more involved.

• Rotate project leadership roles, ensuring every student experiences both leading and following.
• Promote respect for diverse perspectives by encouraging cross-gender and cross-cultural group collaboration.
• Change group members for each project to give students a broader experience of teamwork and inclusion.

5. Maintaining a Positive, Focused Classroom Environment

The structure of Outstanda’s project-based and self-paced learning model is designed to minimize the need for traditional disciplinary measures, such as raising your voice or implementing punitive actions. With students focused on projects that have real-world applications and clear objectives, engagement and self-direction are naturally encouraged. When introducing your students to Outstanda, consider the following strategies for promoting a positive and productive classroom environment:

• Proactive Classroom Management: To maintain order and focus, approach discipline as redirection. If a student is off task, ask them about their project or prompt them to check in with their group. These methods keep interactions constructive and centered around learning rather than enforcing behavior.
• Establish Consistent Routines: Create a predictable structure for project work, check-ins, and presentations. Consistent routines build security and help students self-manage, ultimately creating a learning environment that runs smoothly without heavy-handed discipline.

• Use redirection as a positive approach to classroom management, keeping conversations focused on learning goals.
• Set up predictable routines to help students manage time, stay focused, and self-regulate.
• Emphasize project goals to keep students engaged, reducing the need for disciplinary interventions.

6. Introducing the Outstanda Approach in the Classroom

Setting clear expectations on the first day is essential to establishing a successful Outstanda classroom. Help students understand that they will have the freedom and responsibility to manage their learning by actively participating in projects, assessing their understanding, and collaborating with peers. Reinforce that Outstanda’s approach empowers them to take charge of their learning and personal growth, while you are there to mentor, support, and guide them.

• Clearly explain Outstanda’s learning model and the expectation of self-directed learning from day one.
• Reinforce the importance of collaboration, responsibility, and personal growth in every project.
• Emphasize your role as a mentor and guide rather than a traditional lecturer.

7. Self-Direction and Accountability

One of the goals of Outstanda is for students to cultivate self-direction and a sense of personal responsibility. Emphasize that they are encouraged to ask questions, seek resources, and actively participate in both group and individual work. Make it clear that while you are available to help, they are encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and manage their time effectively.

The Outstanda model gives you, as an educator, the freedom to explore innovative methods of teaching and classroom management. By embracing these flexible structures and focusing on student engagement, you can create a supportive, dynamic learning environment that is as rewarding for you as it is for your students.

• Encourage students to take initiative in managing their projects, promoting self-direction.
• Foster a sense of accountability by allowing students to set goals and assess their own progress.
• Use flexibility in teaching methods to support innovative, student-centered learning.

Onboarding a New Student into an Outstanda Classroom

Introducing a new student into an existing Outstanda classroom can be a great opportunity to reinforce classroom community, collaboration, and mentorship skills for all students. With the right approach, new students can quickly get up to speed and feel welcomed, while existing students benefit from supporting a peer. Here are key steps and strategies for effectively onboarding a new student.

1. Direct the New Student to Complete the Online Orientation

Start by having the new student go through the Outstanda New Student Orientation on the website. This orientation introduces the Outstanda system, basic navigation, and expectations around learning gigs, projects, and assessments. Completing this initial step will help the student become familiar with Outstanda’s platform and tools, and will give them a solid foundation to begin their work.

2. Introduce the Student to a Strong, Supportive Team

Assign the new student to a high-performing team where they can observe effective teamwork, communication, and project management. A well-established team provides structure and guidance, allowing the new student to see how others approach their learning gigs, organize tasks, and collaborate.

Joining a strong team also promotes quicker understanding of the classroom culture and project expectations. Let the team know that they’ll be responsible for helping their new teammate integrate smoothly. This responsibility encourages existing students to reflect on their own skills, while helping the new student gain confidence and feel included.

3. Encourage Peer Mentoring

Mentoring is a valuable skill for all students to develop, and onboarding a new student is an ideal opportunity to practice it. Encourage the new student’s team to offer guidance on Outstanda’s processes, share helpful strategies, and answer questions.

Consider setting up a “mentor buddy” within the team, where one student serves as the main point of contact for questions or concerns. This buddy system benefits both parties—mentors reinforce their own understanding by teaching, and new students gain focused support as they navigate the new environment.

4. Hold Regular Check-Ins with the New Student

Frequent feedback and communication are essential to help the new student feel supported and progress effectively. Schedule short, regular check-ins, particularly during their first few weeks, to assess their comfort with Outstanda’s structure, gather feedback, and address any challenges.

These check-ins provide insight into the student’s experience and allow you to address potential misunderstandings early on. Asking open-ended questions such as “What’s been most helpful so far?” and “Is there anything you’re finding challenging?” helps the student voice their needs in a supportive setting.

5. Assign Limited Responsibility on Initial Projects

When the new student joins their first project, assign them a smaller, manageable role that lets them contribute without feeling overwhelmed. This approach helps them become familiar with Outstanda’s project structure, the team’s workflow, and assessment processes in a real project setting.

Giving the new student specific, focused tasks within the team allows them to gain confidence as they complete work at a comfortable pace. With limited responsibility on their first few projects, the new student has time to observe their peers’ approaches and learn Outstanda’s expectations hands-on, while still meaningfully contributing to the project’s overall goals.

As the student gains familiarity and confidence, gradually increase their responsibilities on subsequent projects, encouraging them to take on more complex roles when they’re ready.

6. Highlight Important Routines and Expectations

Review important classroom routines and expectations to ensure the new student has a clear sense of what’s expected. Go over key practices, such as checking project progress on the dashboard, tracking learning gig completion, and understanding assessment schedules. This is also an opportunity to reiterate core class norms, such as respect, inclusivity, and teamwork.

Class norms are especially important to clarify for a new student joining an established group. Reinforce expectations around respect, active participation, and supporting peers. Remind the student that your classroom values collaboration and that they’re encouraged to ask questions whenever needed.

7. Encourage Peer Feedback and Positive Reinforcement from Classmates

To build the new student’s confidence, encourage the class to provide positive, constructive feedback when the new student participates. Celebrating small wins—such as a first completed project, an idea shared in a group, or success in their first assessment—will help the new student feel valued.

Model this behavior by verbally acknowledging their progress in front of the class. For example, you might say, “Congratulations on completing your first project! That’s a big accomplishment, and we’re glad to have you on the team.” Seeing positive reinforcement from both peers and the instructor strengthens the student’s connection to the class community.

8. Observe Team Dynamics and Offer Support as Needed

Keep a close eye on how the new student integrates with their assigned team, and check in with the team as well. Occasionally ask team members about their experience working with the new student, encouraging honest but constructive feedback. This also helps identify any challenges early, ensuring the new student receives ongoing, tailored support.

If team dynamics aren’t working well, consider rotating the new student to another group. An adaptable approach ensures that the student receives the best possible support, and it helps you assess the optimal team fit for the individual’s growth.

Summary

Onboarding a new student into an Outstanda classroom is a valuable opportunity to reinforce collaboration, mentorship, and positive class culture. By setting the new student up for success with supportive teams, frequent check-ins, peer mentoring, and constructive feedback, you’ll help them feel included and prepared to thrive in the Outstanda environment.

Creating an onboarding experience that’s supportive and structured not only benefits the new student, but also strengthens the class community as a whole by promoting empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Instructor Training: Common Student Questions and Recommended Answers

In this reading, we’ve compiled common questions students may ask about Outstanda Learning Gigs, projects, assessments, and other program details. By familiarizing yourself with these questions and responses, you’ll be better equipped to provide clear and consistent answers that help students understand expectations, navigate project and assessment requirements, and develop their independent learning skills.

Below are the questions and suggested answers, organized for easy reference. This guide will empower you to address these inquiries effectively, ensuring students feel supported and confident as they work through their Learning Gigs.

Commonly Asked Questions by Students

• How much money can I make? Each Learning Gig clearly states the amount you can earn. Your earnings depend on the number of gigs you complete and how quickly you progress, which is influenced by your effort and your school’s policies.
• How do I get into my account? If you can’t access your account, try using the “Forgot Password” option on the login page. If this doesn’t work, your school can submit a support ticket for a reset, which may take 1-2 days. However, you can always access the learning materials without logging in.
• Can you help me with a question I don’t understand on the assessment? Instructors can’t assist during an assessment. If you’re confused by a question, make a note of it. If you don’t pass, we can discuss the assessment afterward, and you can try again the following day. If you think a question is incorrect, submit a content ticket for review.
• What if some people on a project are doing more work than others? If you feel certain team members are contributing more than others, inform your instructor. Projects may not always be divided equally, but if someone contributes less on one project, they should take on more responsibility in the next.
• How do I get paid? You can request payment through the shopping section in your dashboard, where options like gift cards may be available.
• What happens if I don’t pass an assessment? You’ll have one day to review the material, and then you can retake the assessment. Each retake requires a proctor to reactivate the assessment.
• Can I improve my project to earn more? Outstanda rewards are based on a pass/fail system, so earnings do not change based on additional work. Projects must be satisfactory, and assessments typically require a score of 80% or higher to pass.
• Who decides if my project work is good enough? Your instructor reviews your project using our quality standards and feedback processes.
• How is credit for group projects assigned? Credit may vary by project and instructor. In some cases, not all members of a group may receive credit if they cannot adequately explain their contributions during a presentation. If this happens, your instructor may ask that individual students complete additional work.
• How can I check my progress or see my scores? Your progress on each Learning Gig appears on your dashboard. Outstanda uses a pass/fail system without detailed scores. If your school tracks grades, they would be available in your school’s grading system.
• What if I disagree with my assessment score or feedback? You can retake assessments to improve your outcome. For project feedback, consult your instructor directly, as project evaluations are at their discretion.
• How do I know which projects are available? Your instructor will assign projects. Projects listed within Learning Gigs are only suggestions; your instructor may alter them, so pay close attention to their specific instructions.
• Can I work on multiple projects at once? Yes, you may have projects across different classes or assignments.
• What if I don’t finish a project on time? Deadlines are managed by your instructor. Outstanda Learning Gigs expire after 12 months, providing ample time to complete projects. If a Gig expires, you forfeit potential earnings and will need a new Learning Gig license.
• Can I work on a project alone instead of with a group? This depends on your instructor’s policy. However, group projects help build teamwork and collaboration skills, which are important aspects of the learning process. Whenever possible, try to participate in group work.
• How can I check my earnings so far? Use the dropdown menu under your name on your dashboard to view your account balance.
• Are there restrictions on the projects I can choose? Projects are assigned by your instructor, who may approve or assign specific topics.
• What if I don’t get along with my project group? Group projects teach you to work effectively with all types of people, which is an essential life skill. Do your best, and if you encounter significant challenges, report them to your instructor. This experience will help you build awareness and improve your collaboration skills.
• Who can I talk to if I need help or have concerns? Your school provides individual support for your learning needs. If you believe there’s an error in the materials or assessment, you can report it using the icon at the top right of the Learning Gig.
• Can I ask for help if I’m stuck on a project task? Yes, but first try to solve the problem yourself, as problem-solving is an important part of learning. You might use resources like AI tools or ask a fellow student. If you’re still stuck, ask your instructor for assistance.
• How can I balance project work with assessments? Assessments focus on core concepts without trick questions. If you study and thoroughly understand the material, you should be well-prepared to pass assessments while completing project work.
• What if I don’t have enough time to complete all my tasks? Collaborate with your team. Sometimes a teammate can help with specific tasks. Remember, teamwork means supporting one another to reach shared goals.
• Are there penalties for submitting a project late? Outstanda itself does not impose late penalties, but your instructor may decide how a late project affects your grade within your school’s system.
• Can I suggest a project that’s not listed? This depends on your instructor’s policy. Always check with them first to get approval for any alternative project ideas.
• How are projects and assessments rewarded differently? Completion of a project unlocks the associated assessment. Passing the assessment is necessary to earn rewards.
• What if my project idea is similar to someone else’s? Consider adding a unique element or perspective to make it stand out. If projects are too similar, your instructor may ask you to adjust or refine your approach.
• What should I do if I don’t know where to start on a project? Begin by collaborating with your team to break down the project into smaller tasks for each person. Teamwork will help you structure your approach, and with practice, you’ll become more confident in managing projects.

Training Guide: Using Outstanda to Foster a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Environment

Outstanda’s project-based and self-paced learning model provides a unique opportunity to build a positive and inclusive classroom environment, one that minimizes disruptions and promotes high levels of student engagement. By using Outstanda to recognize and reinforce positive behaviors, you can cultivate a collaborative, supportive space where students feel motivated and valued.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use positive reinforcement effectively, strategies for redirecting challenging behaviors in constructive ways, and techniques for fostering inclusivity among students. These research-backed approaches are designed to help you create a classroom where students are active participants in both their learning and the development of a respectful community.

Reinforcing Positive Behavior and Creating Positive Peer Pressure

Celebrate Successes Publicly: Acknowledging students’ achievements and hard work has a powerful impact on motivation. Outstanda’s model makes it easy to recognize students who have earned rewards, completed projects, or performed exceptionally in assessments. Publicly congratulate students who reach these milestones and encourage their peers to do the same. Asking if anyone has redeemed rewards or recognizing students by name who have excelled shows that effort and achievement are appreciated by both you and the class.

Encourage Positive Peer Feedback: Set a classroom norm of applauding after each presentation or successful project completion. Encourage students to support each other’s efforts with enthusiastic clapping or verbal encouragement. If a student or team achieves exceptional results (e.g., a five-star rating on a project), invite them to take a bow, creating a lighthearted but meaningful acknowledgment of their hard work.

Allow Fun During Focused Work: Reinforce that students are welcome to enjoy themselves in the process, as long as it’s while they’re actively engaging with the project. Emphasizing that work can be enjoyable, and showing enthusiasm for students’ ideas, can make the classroom a more positive space. Celebrating small wins along the way and allowing room for laughter and creativity encourages students to take ownership of their learning.

Managing Challenging Behaviors Positively

Redirect Off-Task Behavior with Curiosity: If you notice a student or group drifting off-task, approach them with curiosity and engagement rather than criticism. Ask about their project progress, their next steps, or what ideas they’re exploring. This approach reinforces their responsibility without disrupting the classroom’s positive tone. Often, simply redirecting the conversation to their work reminds them of their goals.

Promote a Growth Mindset: Use growth-oriented language that reinforces persistence and resilience. Remind students that learning often involves challenges and setbacks, and that each mistake offers an opportunity for improvement. Phrases like “I see how much effort you’re putting into this” or “You’re making great progress” create a constructive atmosphere where students feel supported, even if they encounter difficulties.

Provide “Reset” Opportunities: If a student becomes upset or withdrawn, let them know it’s okay to take a short break or “reset” if needed. Because Outstanda’s model is self-paced, students can step back briefly without falling behind. Research suggests that this space can help students regain composure and feel ready to re-engage more productively.

Re-Engaging Students and Maintaining a Positive Tone

Invite Students to Contribute Ideas: Encouraging students to share their thoughts and ideas within projects fosters a sense of ownership. Ask students what they find most interesting or challenging about the project and how they plan to address these areas. This approach shows that their perspectives are valued and that they’re active contributors to the learning experience.

Praise Positive Behaviors Immediately and Specifically: When you notice students actively contributing to group work or supporting peers, provide immediate, specific praise, such as, “Great teamwork—I can see you’re keeping the group organized” or “I appreciate how you helped explain that concept to your classmate.” Immediate feedback reinforces positive behavior more effectively than general praise and keeps students motivated to maintain their efforts.

Help Students Reflect on Mistakes as Learning Moments: Frame mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. When students encounter setbacks, help them reflect on what went wrong and how they might approach the task differently next time. This shifts the focus away from any embarrassment or frustration and toward practical steps for improvement, reinforcing that mistakes are simply part of the learning process.

Strategies for Fostering an Inclusive and Respectful Classroom

Encourage Perspective-Taking: Integrate brief, structured discussions on group dynamics or empathy into your classroom culture. Periodically ask students to consider what it’s like for each person to contribute to the group and how different perspectives can enhance their projects. Helping students see things from another’s perspective cultivates empathy and respect for diverse ideas.

Rotate Group Roles Regularly: Ensure that every student has a chance to take on leadership roles within group projects. Rotating roles not only builds students’ varied skills but also encourages mutual respect and prevents cliques or dominant group dynamics from forming. When students see each member as capable of leadership, it promotes an inclusive and supportive environment.

Use Inclusive Language and Model Respect: Set an example by using inclusive language that reinforces positive social interactions. Instead of saying, “Make sure everyone is doing their part,” try, “Let’s make sure everyone’s voice is part of this project.” This models respect and shows that inclusivity is a classroom priority.

Foster Group Accountability: Remind groups that their success depends on each team member’s understanding and contribution. Set the expectation that they will support one another, especially if someone is struggling or uncertain. This group accountability builds a sense of shared responsibility and makes all students feel valued for their role within the team.

Establish Class Norms for Respect and Support: Clearly define class norms around inclusivity and respect, such as “We listen to all voices” and “We encourage each other’s growth.” These guidelines remind students that bullying or exclusionary behavior is not acceptable and emphasize the importance of supporting one another.

Teach and Encourage Warm Feedback: Show students how to give positive, constructive feedback to peers after projects or presentations. Invite each student to share one specific thing they appreciated about another’s work, encouraging them to look for strengths in each other’s contributions. This practice fosters mutual respect, strengthens relationships, and creates a classroom culture of encouragement.

Summary

Outstanda offers a unique platform for creating a positive, self-paced classroom environment where students feel motivated, included, and empowered to succeed. By consistently reinforcing positive behaviors, modeling respectful interactions, and celebrating students’ achievements, instructors can build a classroom culture where students naturally support one another and approach learning with enthusiasm.

Additionally, by using these strategies for managing challenges constructively and promoting inclusivity, you can ensure that students learn valuable interpersonal skills alongside their academic work. The result is a classroom where students are both engaged and respectful, gaining critical skills that will serve them well in future collaborative environments.

Instructor Training: Successful Project Management in the Classroom

Introduction

Project-based learning (PBL) is a powerful teaching strategy that emphasizes active student engagement and real-world applications. Instructors have the flexibility to implement pre-designed projects recommended for each lesson in a Learning Gig or to design their own. This flexibility ensures projects align with classroom dynamics while meeting the primary goal: to deepen students' understanding of the subject matter.

By using projects strategically, instructors can cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among their students. With proper management, projects become not just assignments but meaningful learning experiences.

Why Project-Based Learning Works

Projects actively engage students with the material, challenging them to solve problems, create meaningful deliverables, and demonstrate their understanding. PBL helps students build essential skills such as time management, teamwork, and adaptability.

Benefits of PBL:

• Active engagement: Students take ownership of their learning.
• Critical thinking: Projects require analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
• Collaboration: Group work fosters communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Real-world relevance: Students see the practical application of their knowledge.

Designing Effective Projects

Each Learning Gig includes recommended projects aligned with its lessons. Instructors can use these projects as-is, adapt them to better fit their students' needs, or create entirely new projects. Regardless of the approach, the following principles ensure that projects are effective:

1. Connect Projects to Learning Goals

Projects must directly apply the new knowledge or skills taught in the lesson. For example:

• In a coding lesson, students might create a simple app using the skills they’ve learned.
• In a geography lesson, students could design a map of a fictional country incorporating real-world geographic features.

2. Offer Flexibility

While instructors are encouraged to use the recommended projects, student engagement often increases when students have options. Providing choices such as building a model, designing a digital presentation, or creating artwork can cater to different interests and abilities.

3. Communicate Clear Expectations

Students should know exactly what is expected of them. Share:

• The deliverable (e.g., prototype, presentation, artistic piece).
• The assessment method (e.g., a rubric or performance checklist).
• The requirement to verbally defend their project to confirm understanding.

4. Encourage Creativity and Adaptation

Students should be encouraged to think creatively within the guidelines. For example:

• If materials are limited, students might draw designs with step-by-step explanations instead of building physical models.
• Advanced students could integrate complex tools like coding platforms, CAD software, or advanced presentation apps.

5. Require a Verbal Defense

To ensure deep understanding, students must present or defend their work. Written reports are insufficient because they can lack authentic evidence of comprehension. Instead, students should:

• Present their project to the class or instructor.
• Submit a video explaining their work and answering key questions.
• Engage in a live Q&A session.

Managing Projects for Success

Effective classroom project management involves careful planning, active facilitation, and the ability to adapt to varying student needs. Here’s how to make your projects successful:

1. Follow a Structured Process

Break the project into stages, allowing students to work step by step:

• Introduction: Explain the purpose, goals, and options for the project.
• Research and Planning: Students gather information and brainstorm ideas.
• Creation: Guide students as they build or develop their deliverables.
• Presentation and Defense: Facilitate a session where students explain and defend their work.
• Reflection: Ask students to evaluate their learning experience.

2. Monitor Progress

Set milestones to check students' work and offer timely feedback. These checkpoints ensure students remain on track and allow for adjustments if needed.

3. Use Technology as a Tool

Encourage tech-savvy students to use digital tools for professional-quality results. Examples include:

• Video editing for dynamic presentations.
• Design tools like Canva for visual materials.
• Programming or CAD software for technical deliverables.

4. Accommodate Diverse Learners

Adjust expectations based on the class’s readiness level:

• Advanced classes: Require high-quality, professional deliverables that push students’ technical and creative abilities.
• Challenged learners: Offer more guidance, scaffold tasks, and simplify project requirements while maintaining the focus on understanding.

5. Incorporate Reflection

Reflection helps students internalize what they’ve learned. Ask them to:

• Identify challenges they faced and how they overcame them.
• Explain how their project connects to the lesson’s key concepts.

Project Examples for Specific Subjects

Each lesson in a Learning Gig may include recommended projects, but here are examples across disciplines to inspire instructors:

• Science: Design a water filtration system and explain its mechanism.
• Math: Plan a dream home, using geometry and budgeting skills to calculate dimensions and costs.
• History: Create a timeline or multimedia presentation about a historical event and its impact.
• English: Write and act out an original scene inspired by a literary work.
• Art: Create a piece of art representing a specific cultural movement, accompanied by an explanatory presentation.

Conclusion

Project-based learning transforms the classroom by engaging students in meaningful, hands-on activities that reinforce their learning. While instructors can rely on pre-designed projects, they are encouraged to adapt or create projects that resonate with their students’ abilities and interests. By emphasizing verbal defenses and creativity, PBL not only fosters understanding but also equips students with skills they will use far beyond the classroom.

Empower your students to explore, create, and grow by managing projects effectively. Their success in learning is only limited by the opportunities we provide!

Projects Overview for Instructors

Projects are included in each lesson and aim to deepen student understanding of the week’s material through applied, thoughtful work. Educators may adjust projects to better suit class needs, available resources, or to make content more relevant for students. Importantly, Outstanda projects are designed to prioritize critical thinking and creativity, minimizing tasks that can be fully completed through technology or AI. Written components require students to verbally present and defend their ideas to ensure a well-rounded comprehension of the subject matter.

Projects must achieve a minimum rating of 3 stars based on the rubric below to qualify for assessment. Students scoring below 3 stars (1- or 2-star projects) are required to improve their work and resubmit it for further evaluation.

Project Assessment Rubric

5 Stars – Exemplary Work

• Understanding of Concepts: Demonstrates a thorough and insightful understanding of key concepts, applying them creatively and accurately.
• Creativity & Originality: Shows exceptional creativity with original ideas and unique perspectives that go beyond expectations.
• Depth & Completeness: Highly detailed and thorough, exceeding all project requirements.
• Presentation & Communication: Exceptionally well-organized, with clear, professional, and engaging ideas. Visuals or verbal elements effectively support understanding.
• Effort & Engagement: Shows outstanding effort and engagement, deeply exploring the topic.

4 Stars – Proficient Work

• Understanding of Concepts: Strong understanding with only minor inaccuracies, applying concepts effectively.
• Creativity & Originality: Displays creativity and originality, though may use some familiar approaches.
• Depth & Completeness: Complete and meets most requirements with appropriate depth.
• Presentation & Communication: Organized and clear; visuals or verbal presentation support the message effectively.
• Effort & Engagement: Shows solid effort and engagement, with minor areas for further exploration.

3 Stars – Satisfactory Work

• Understanding of Concepts: Demonstrates basic understanding of key concepts, with some areas lacking depth or minor misunderstandings.
• Creativity & Originality: Shows some creative effort but may rely on straightforward or conventional approaches.
• Depth & Completeness: Meets basic requirements, though some areas could be more detailed.
• Presentation & Communication: Clear but lacks refinement; some visuals or verbal elements may not fully support ideas.
• Effort & Engagement: Shows adequate effort to meet project requirements.

2 Stars – Needs Improvement

• Understanding of Concepts: Partial understanding, with key concepts underdeveloped or misinterpreted.
• Creativity & Originality: Limited creativity; approach is basic or lacks originality.
• Depth & Completeness: Incomplete or missing significant details required for full understanding.
• Presentation & Communication: Lacks organization or clarity, making it somewhat disorganized or hard to follow.
• Effort & Engagement: Shows limited effort, with minimal exploration of the topic.

1 Star – Unsatisfactory

• Understanding of Concepts: Minimal understanding, with significant inaccuracies or missing essential ideas.
• Creativity & Originality: No apparent creativity; project is generic, uninspired, or overly simple.
• Depth & Completeness: Largely incomplete or insufficient in details, failing to meet key requirements.
• Presentation & Communication: Disorganized and unclear, hindering understanding; visuals or verbal support are ineffective or missing.
• Effort & Engagement: Shows little to no effort, with superficial exploration of the topic.

Evaluation Summary

• 5 Stars: Exemplary Work – Project shows exceptional understanding, creativity, and effort.
• 4 Stars: Proficient Work – Project meets requirements with only minor areas for improvement.
• 3 Stars: Satisfactory Work – Project meets standards but has areas for enhancement.
• 2 Stars: Needs Improvement – Project is below standards in one or more areas; revision needed.
• 1 Star: Unsatisfactory – Project is incomplete or insufficient; significant revision required.

Assess the project and the individuals.

Frequently change which people form groups and require different people to be lead presenters each time. This helps everyone develop strong leadership skills and helps ensure that some people are not carrying others in the group along for a satisfactory review.

Wrap-Up: Making Outstanda Work for Your Classroom

As an instructor using Outstanda, you have the unique ability to shape how project-based, self-paced learning works best for your classroom. Outstanda provides a flexible framework, allowing you to adapt projects, assessments, and classroom activities to meet the unique needs of your student population. You have the freedom to design engaging, practical projects that keep students actively learning, collaborating, and progressing.

1. Use Your Control Over Projects to Inspire Learning

One of the key strengths of Outstanda is that you have control over the projects and learning gigs your students engage with. Tailor projects to align with your students’ interests, skills, and even current events or trends that may capture their attention. You might adjust project goals, roles, or outcomes to emphasize skills you know will benefit your students, whether those are problem-solving, collaboration, or hands-on application of knowledge.

Your flexibility with projects allows you to make learning highly relevant and accessible. Experiment with different project types, group sizes, and topics to see what resonates most. As you refine your approach, you’ll uncover what sparks your students’ curiosity, and you’ll see the positive effects on their motivation and growth.

2. Cultivate a Classroom Culture of Ongoing Engagement

Engagement thrives when students have meaningful, interesting work to do, and Outstanda’s model supports this by continuously providing them with new challenges and opportunities to learn. Keep students focused and engaged by rotating through diverse projects and setting up activities that encourage discovery and personal growth.

Incorporate routine celebrations of student achievements, such as completing a challenging project or mastering a new skill. Recognizing and rewarding students’ successes builds a positive classroom culture where they feel valued for their hard work and motivated to keep improving.

Rinse and repeat: You can keep students consistently engaged by regularly introducing fresh projects, rotating team members, and incorporating new tasks or ideas into your lessons. As students complete projects, assess how well each approach works and adjust your plans based on what keeps them engaged. By continually adapting to their needs, you’ll help students stay interested and invested in their learning journey.

3. Empower Your Students to Grow, Learn, and Earn

Ultimately, Outstanda’s goal is to provide students with a learning environment where they can grow academically and personally, while also having the opportunity to earn rewards for their progress. As an instructor, your role is essential in fostering this environment by guiding students to take ownership of their learning and recognize the connection between effort, improvement, and reward.

Your classroom, adapted to meet the needs and interests of your students, can serve as a model of collaborative, real-world learning. Students will come away with practical skills, confidence in their abilities, and a greater sense of responsibility for their education and future.

Summary

As you continue using Outstanda, remember that you are empowered to shape the projects and experiences that drive your classroom. Adapt your approach, try new strategies, and find what resonates most with your students. By keeping students engaged in meaningful projects and supporting their journey to learn, grow, and earn, you’ll create a dynamic classroom environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Outstanda’s flexibility is there to support you—use it to its fullest to inspire, challenge, and guide your students in a way that works best for them.

Project: Connecting with Students

Objective:

Instructors will engage with current or former students to gather feedback about Outstanda and understand how being paid to learn might impact their motivation and behavior.

Materials:

• Communication tools (phone, email, or virtual meeting platforms)
• Notetaking tools (digital or physical)
• Access to a group discussion platform (if applicable)

Instructions:

1. Identify Students to Contact:

   Select three students with diverse performance levels, ensuring inclusion of at least one who faced challenges. Obtain consent and use appropriate communication channels for former students.

2. Conduct Discussions:

   Introduce Outstanda, explaining its features and objectives. Ask open-ended questions, such as:

   • “How would being paid to learn affect your motivation and effort in school?”
   • “Would a monetary incentive change how you approach challenges in learning?”
   • “What concerns or hesitations might you have about this model?”
   Record responses, focusing on how payment might influence their learning attitudes.

3. Analyze Feedback:

   Identify patterns or notable responses related to paid learning and its impact on motivation. Reflect on how insights align with or challenge Outstanda’s approach.

4. Group Discussion:

   (If collaborating with other instructors) Share findings, emphasizing the feedback about paid learning. Discuss actionable insights and potential adjustments to the Outstanda model.

5. Report Back:

   Summarize the collected feedback, with a focus on attitudes toward paid learning. Include personal reflections and highlights from group discussions (if applicable).

Evaluation Criteria:

• Effort in contacting and engaging diverse students
• Depth and relevance of insights collected
• Contribution to group discussion and actionable suggestions

Deliverables:

• A concise report summarizing feedback about the impact of paid learning (1–2 pages or equivalent presentation)
• Reflections on discussions and how they could inform the classroom application of Outstanda