1. Clear Objectives and Guidelines: Begin by clearly defining the objectives of the project. What skills or knowledge should students demonstrate? Provide detailed guidelines outlining the scope, format, and expectations. This helps students understand the purpose of the project and how to approach it.  Check out Writing Quality Learning Objectives.
2. Break Down the Project: Large projects can be overwhelming for students. Break the project into smaller, manageable tasks with specific deadlines. This not only makes the project less intimidating but also helps students manage their time effectively. 
3. Provide Resources and Support: Offer resources such as reading materials, templates, and examples of successful projects. Additionally, schedule regular check-ins or office hours to address any questions or concerns students may have. 

1. Develop a Rubric: Create a detailed rubric that outlines the criteria for grading. This ensures consistency and fairness in evaluation. The rubric should cover various aspects of the project, such as content quality, organization, creativity, and adherence to guidelines. Review Creating and Using Rubrics.
2. Use a Staggered Grading Approach: Instead of grading all projects at once, consider a staggered approach. Grade a few projects each day to avoid burnout and maintain consistency in evaluation. 
3. Incorporate Peer Review: Peer review can be an effective way to manage the grading load. Have students review each other’s work using the rubric. This not only provides additional feedback but also helps students develop critical evaluation skills. For how to do this in Canvas visit the How do I create a peer review assignment page.  

1. Focus on Learning Outcomes: When assessing large projects, focus on the learning outcomes rather than just the final product. Consider how well students have demonstrated their understanding and application of course concepts. 
2. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer detailed, constructive feedback that highlights strengths and areas for improvement. This helps students learn from the experience and apply the feedback to future projects.  Review this Effective Feedback article for more information.
3. Reflect on the Process: Encourage students to reflect on their project experience. This can be done through a reflective essay or a class discussion. Reflection helps students internalize what they have learned and understand the value of the project. 

1. Use Technology: Leverage technology to streamline the process. Online platforms can facilitate project submission, peer review, and grading. Tools like plagiarism checkers can also ensure academic integrity. For more visit the How do I leave feedback comments for student submissions in SpeedGrader page and the How do I use the Comment Library in SpeedGrader page.
2. Encourage Collaboration: Large projects often benefit from collaboration. Encourage students to work in groups, which can enhance learning through shared ideas and responsibilities. 
3. Be Flexible: Recognize that large projects can be challenging and be prepared to offer extensions or additional support if needed. Flexibility can help students produce their best work without undue stress. 

Handling large projects in college courses requires careful planning, clear communication, and strategic approaches to assigning, grading, and assessing. By implementing these strategies, educators can create a structured and supportive environment that fosters student success and enhances the learning experience.