how to teach an independent study course

Only suggest resources that you feel are essential to helping the student meet their goals for the independent study course. Second, allow the student to take the initiative in asking for assistance with learning. Do not hover, micromanage, or insert yourself into the learning process. Empower the student to learn how to learn independently.

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What are independent study courses?

Many colleges, universities and community colleges offer independent study courses for students who wish to study a subject or area not covered in existing courses or conduct an independent research project.

How do I prepare for independent study courses?

Independent study courses are not usually applicable to a degree program's general education requirements. To be successful in an independent study course, a student needs to be proactive and self-motivated. To ensure that you receive appropriate approval and earn credit for your course, make sure you: Start planning early.

How do you get students to take advantage of independent study?

Getting students to buy into the value of independent learning is crucial, as they will be more likely to pay attention to the next step. Step 2: Give students a brief taste of independent study, followed by positive but meaningful feedback on their efforts.

Can secondary teachers instil independent study habits in students?

Andy McHugh looks at how secondary teachers can instil independent study habits There are some students who have such a broad and deep knowledge of some topics that it is difficult to teach them. This “nice problem” stems from the fact that those students study in their own time, independently of the work we give them as teachers. It adds up.

How do I create a self study course?

5 Steps to Creating a Personal Learning PlanIdentify a Learning Objective. Before creating a personal learning plan, you need to identify your objective. ... Break Your Objective into Smaller Goals. ... Develop Your Plan. ... Take Advantage of Available Resources. ... Hold Yourself Accountable.

What are independent studies examples?

An Independent Study can be a creative project, which might be a writing project or a non-writing project. A writing creative project could be screenplays/scripts, novels, essays, blogs, etc. A non-writing project could be photography, film making, painting, etc.

What are three characteristics of students who tend to be successful in the independent study program?

The school recognizes that successful independent study students have the motivation, commitment, organizational skills, and academic skills necessary to work independently.

What does it mean when a class is independent study?

Independent study is an alternative education program that addresses individual student needs and learning styles. The model allows students to complete their academics outside the traditional classroom setting.

What is independent study strategy?

Independent learning is a self-guided process wherein the learning works to expand their knowledge and skills. The goal of independent learning is to shift the learning process to the student, making them an active participant with the teacher providing guidance and structure.

What are topics for independent study?

Independent Study IdeasEnglish. Continue work on a research paper you have started on a topic of interest, write a play, novel, or series of short stories, create a children's book (complete with illustrations for those who are artistically inclined). ... History/Social Studies. ... Science. ... Art. ... Technology. ... Business.

What are the 7 characteristics of independent learners?

It should encourage the following characteristics: curiosity, passion, inspiration, discernment, self-motivation, self-examination, accountability, critical thinking and persistence. It should develop the ability of the pupil to know when they need support.

What are the disadvantages of independent learning?

Self-learning enables you to learn what you want when you want, and how you want....Disadvantages of Self LearningNo self-discipline.No face-to-face interaction.Lack of flexibility.Lack of input from trainers.Slow evolution.Good e-learning is difficult to do.Lack of transformational power.No peripheral benefits.

How can we encourage children to be independent learners?

6 ways to encourage your kids to be independent learners (and why it's so important)#1 Have confidence in your child. ... #2 Encourage intellectual curiosity. ... #3 Have a “Learning Corner” ... #4 Reward their efforts. ... #5 Listen to them. ... #6 Take a step back. ... Being independent sets your child up for future success. ... Related Articles.

What are the four study skills explain?

2.1 Rehearsal and rote learning. 2.2 Reading and listening. 2.3 Flashcards. 2.4 Summary methods. 2.5 Visual imagery.

What are the benefits of independent study?

The review found some evidence of the benefits of independent learning, including: • improved academic performance; Page 2 • increased motivation and confidence; • greater student awareness of their limitations and their ability to manage them; • enabling teachers to provide differentiated tasks for students; and • ...

How to teach independent learning?

Step 1: Break down what it means, what it looks like when done properly and then demonstrate visibly a successful outcome. Getting students to buy into the value of independent learning is crucial, as they will be more likely to pay attention to the next step.

What is independent study?

Independent study requires students to spend time that they could otherwise be spending doing directed homework tasks. Or going to the park. Or sleeping. Sometimes, therefore, we should bear in mind that if we focus too much on promoting independent learning, it might end up being to the detriment of other things.

Why is it important to learn how to study independently?

Learning how to study independently is an important skill that will serve students both now and in their future education endeavours. Andy McHugh looks at how secondary teachers can instil independent study habits. There are some students who have such a broad and deep knowledge of some topics that it is difficult to teach them.

How does independent learning help students?

According to multiple studies (which you can find in Meyer’s 2010 paper) independent learning benefits students in their acquisition of knowledge, the ability to judge accurately their own competency, it builds confidence and it increases engagement.

Why is it important to get students to attempt whole papers?

Getting students to attempt whole papers, or even individual sections of papers can be invaluable. It highlights gaps in knowledge (almost immediately) and helps students to understand how much time they should spend on different types of question.

How does studying independently affect learning?

In studying independently, students effectively multiply the amount of time they spend learning, compared with those who rely solely on classroom teaching.

When did Andy McHugh start teaching?

Andy McHugh started teaching in 2006 and blogs about teaching, learning, assessment strategies, ed-tech and workload, among other topics, at www.teachingandlearningguru.com. You can find him on Twitter @guruteaching.

Ready to start your journey?

If a school doesn't offer a course you're interested in, you can create your own.

What Is Independent Study?

Independent study allows you to learn about a subject that's unavailable in your school's established curriculum or about a topic you would like to explore in greater depth. You create your course, determine what you study, and then work one-on-one with a faculty member to earn academic credit.

Why Should You Do Independent Study?

Students who enjoy working one-on-one with an instructor and delving into a creative project or particular topic often find independent study rewarding. Independent study requires strong study habits and self-motivation.

How Do You Plan Your Independent Study?

Independent study requires early preparation. When considering potential topics, consult your faculty advisor to make sure the subject you're interested in isn't already covered in your college's curriculum. While school policies differ, the following are common steps you need to take when planning for independent study.

What Are Your Responsibilities in Independent Study?

Independent study occurs outside of regularly scheduled class hours. Before applying for this type of course, make sure you have time. Generally, professors expect students to put in a certain number of hours each week based on the number of credits they'll receive.

What Are the Requirements for Independent Study?

Colleges vary in their requirements for independent study, so check your school's specific guidelines and approval processes. Most institutions require some form of the following:

What are independent study courses?

Many colleges, universities and community colleges offer independent study courses for students who wish to study a subject or area not covered in existing courses or conduct an independent research project.

How to be successful in independent study?

To be successful in an independent study course, a student needs to be proactive and self-motivated. To ensure that you receive appropriate approval and earn credit for your course, make sure you: 1 Start planning early. You may expect the approval process alone to take as many as eight weeks at some schools. 2 Have excellent organizational and time management skills in order to independently complete your studies and illustrate progress to your instructor throughout the term of the course. For help, check out this Study.com College Success course, which includes lessons on time management, staying motivated, stress management, setting goals, and improving study skills.

What is Study.com?

To help you build your syllabus and successfully achieve your goals, Study.com offers a variety of resources, which include: Textbook substitutes and self-paced online courses in dozens of subjects, including business, math, social science, science, humanities, history, English, computer science, psychology, and foreign languages.

How long does it take to get approved for independent study?

You may expect the approval process alone to take as many as eight weeks at some schools.

Can independent study be designed for one student?

Also, keep in mind that not all independent study courses need to be designed for just one student. If you have peers or classmates who are similarly interested in your proposed independent study subject, you may consider working jointly to propose an independent study course to an instructor.

Can you take independent study courses at your school?

An independent study course may not be approved if it covers the same subject as an existing course that is offered at your school. Independent study courses are not usually applicable to a degree program's general education requirements.

What Is Independent Study?

An independent study involves creating your own course on a topic of the academic interest of your choice and working under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Why Should You Do It?

Independent study can be rewarding, particularly to students who enjoy working with an instructor and researching a creative project or another particular topic.

How Do You Plan Your Independent Study?

Independent study needs prior and earlier preparation, such as consulting with your faculty advisor to ensure the topic of your interest has not yet been covered in the existing curriculum.

What Are Your Responsibilities In Independent Study?

Independent study is conducted outside the regularly scheduled lessons. Therefore, before applying for the independent study course, ensure you have sufficient time to conduct more profound research. Your instructor expects you to work on several hours weekly based on the number of credits you will receive.

What Are The Requirements to Undertake an Independent Study?

Schools have different requirements that you need to meet to be allowed to undertake an independent study. You should hence check out the specific guidelines and process of approval of your college. Some of the standard requirements for most colleges include;