The paper is devoted to the analysis of student practical work on the theory of systematic gradual development of human intellectual activity, i.e. the fundamental psychological theory of P. Galperin. Practical work based on the gradual development of human intellectual activity is impossible without appropriate methodological base and understanding of P. Galperin’s theory, and the concept of orientational activity. The paper presents the results of student report meta-study (reports of planning, implementation and evaluation training projects based on the gradual development of human intellectual activity). The paper analyzes the themes and goals of training programs, discusses the main challenges and achievements in building a complete orienting basis and in defining the steps of gradual development of human intellectual activity, gives examples of specific difficulties faced by students in implementing the training programs. The paper demonstrates how the three model schema of gradual development of human intellectual activity is realized in students’ projects: from the psychological through the psychological-pedagogical to methodical, or technological, i.e. «real educational situation» models. Based on the meta-analysis of students’ reports the possibilities to explore the concept of orientation activity in training programs is shown.