This book shows how project work can be used in open and flexible learning. It is divided into three sections. Section A provides background on the use of project work in education and training. Chapter 1 introduces the features that characterize project work and related activities. Chapter 2 examines the varieties of project work and provides examples of projects from various disciplines, including open and distance learning. Chapter 3 offers a brief history of the project approach to teaching and describes some reasons for teaching through projects as well as their drawbacks. Section B describes the process of undertaking a project through an examination of the difficulties typically encountered at each stage of project work. Chapter 4 elaborates on the problems associated with topic selection; chapter 5 addresses the pitfalls that can occur during data collection; and chapter 6 examines the difficulties facing the student during data analysis and report writing. Chapter 7 outlines the key training and scheduling aspects of project work. Each chapter suggests ways of facilitating students' studies. Section C offers guidelines. Chapter 8 discusses project design, material, audiovisual, and computer-based support. Chapter 9 compares several different approaches to assessing projects and discusses grading issues. Chapter 10 examines the tutor's role and outlines ways of maximizing this expensive resource. Chapter 11 discusses very positive outcomes often associated with the use of project work and the question of dropout. Appendixes contain 112 references and an index. (YLB)