Project Work and its Presentation

 Educational technologies in many foreign countries has given importance to individual project work right from the primary education. Such project work is found to be essential for involvement of the learner's in education. However, the students are very curious about many areas related to their subjects and profession, areas such as different materials, work done by different professionals etc. 

Project Work 

1. Study of different maps - Collect maps of different towns in India - Delhi, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore, Calcutta, Jaipur, Mumbai etc. Display maps in the classroom/drawing hall to study details shown in the maps and street patterns. 

Collect information about transportation systems, water, drainage, electrical services, slum problems and proposals for improvement in the total environment. Classify them and then think of requirements for 
(a) towns near rivers 
(b) towns near sea shores 
(c) towns with religious festivals 
(d) towns for tourist etc. 

2. Study working for town planning department in a state. Interview a town planner, and study town planning scheme proposal, data and maps. 

3. Collect information about the development of the land, sizes of the plot, built-up area, tenements per hectare, open areas, marginal distances between buildings, F A R rules for layouts of the plot, width of roads, tree plantations and procedure for the acquisition of land. 

4. Hold an interview with a town planning officer of a city corporation proposals for new developments, problems, study of development schemes and considerations for town planning policy. 

5. Conduct a detail study of the problems in your own town and other towns - slum improvement and eradication schemes, transportation systems, pollution of air and water, noise levels, maintenance of buildings and parks and gardens. 

6. Study in detail surroundings of bus stands, railway stations, markets, cinema houses and marriage halls with reference to traffic problems, garbage disposal, parking, street lighting, advertisements, sign boards, traffic islands, safety of roads, tree plantations and problems in summer and rainy seasons. Prepare a suitable scheme to improve their comfort, convenience and visual pleasure of a particular area. 

7. Refer to lecturers of town planning engineers, architects, transportation engineers, environmental engineers etc. for the topics related to development of towns, their existing problems and proposed developments. 

8. Collect newspaper articles related to the achievement in development of towns, problems related to pollution, improvement in slums etc. and make a essay on it for its development.  

9. Flood and fire are two related problems in the cities. 

10. Prepare reports by collecting information about design requirements, problems if any and suggestions related to planning and design. 

11. It is said, "Urban grid is the means by which the town becomes a mechanism for generating contact with less energy and more pleasure." Collect grid system about cities which is found to more suitable. 

12. Hills and rivers add to the charm of the city. They need attention of town planners, landscape architects and engineers for aesthetic development. Think of some developments in some nearby towns. 

13. Through configurations of buildings you can get many information. Visit bus stops, railway stations, hospital buildings, airports, cinema halls, marriage halls etc. you can see various signs and information boards which guide travelers/visitors. 

14. Collect details of "Metro Transportation Project" (MTP) for elevated railways and discuss the suitability for mass transportation. 

15. Study problems related to the new cities. New Ahmedabad, New Bhopal, New Delhi etc. with reference to the study plan of the users. 

16. Refer case study of 'Vasant Nagri Township'. Prepare your report after visiting township - achievements, suggestions from users and maintenance programs.  

Project Work - Different Steps 

The following are the steps usually followed in project work : 

1. Selection of a particular area in a subject as per personal interest and background knowledge. Initial study, collection of information through textbooks, journals, technical magazines, IS Codes, etc. 
2. Discussions with the field person as per proposed schedule, finalization of work, sticking to the schedule. 
3. Development as per planning schedule, collection of accurate details and references of books - author, publisher, page numbers, drawings, photographs etc. 
4. Preparation of the text along with charts, audio-visual aids etc. 

Presentation of the Project 

    1. Presentation includes (a) introduction within minimum time, (b) a main body which needs more time, and (c) conclusion in minimum time and with effective and appropriate sentence. 

    2. You may use flip charts, line graphs, drawings, slides or overhead projectors etc. as per the necessity. A rehearsal for presentation along with the above aids is essential to complete the presentation effectively in the scheduled time. 

    3. Your voice, body language for communication, facial expressions, eye contact to the audience and gestures with hands, arms are the tools for effective presentation. 

    4. Voice - refers to how loudly you speak, the speed is too fast or slow, pitch also should be high or low during specific explanation etc. Clarity and pronunciation are also important considerations. 

    5. Do rehearsals in front of the mirror or in front of few friends, check time limit and keep stage fright under control. Be relaxed before a presentation.