what is a directed independent study course

by Prof. Benny Grimes IV 8 min read

Directed Study A course in which a student designs and carries out an independent project under the direction of a faculty member. Directed study courses may be taken for variable credit and special permission is needed for enrollment.

Directed individual study (DIS) is a college, university or college preparatory school level class providing a more in-depth and comprehensive study of a specific topic than is available in the classroom.

Full Answer

What is the difference between directed study and independent study?

Directed Study is designed to be a substitute for a traditional course that is not offered in the semester for which the student wishes to enroll. The material covered in such courses is essentially the same as that covered in the traditional course. Independent Study is intended to be an extension, or "spin-off," of a traditional course.

How do I register for an independent or directed study course?

Students who wish to take an independent or directed study course should begin the process well in advance of registration since published registration deadlines apply to these courses. The independent study application and outline form may be found from the Office of Academic Advisement's web site under Forms.

What is an independent study course?

Independent study courses permit graduate students to pursue previously studied topics in greater depth. A content outline for each independent study course is developed through consultation between the student and the instructor/sponsor to suit the needs and interests of the student and the special competence of the instructor.

What is a direct individual study (DIS)?

A student identifies an area in which he or she wishes to undertake research and approaches a faculty member with expertise in that field to request a directed individual study. The student and instructor complete a DIS form and submit it to the academic coordinator who establishes the course in the registration system.

What is directed study means?

Directed Study is designed to be a substitute for a traditional course that is not offered in the semester for which the student wishes to enroll. The material covered in such courses is essentially the same as that covered in the traditional course.

What is a directed research course?

Directed Introduction to Research is a 1-credit introduction to laboratory or field biological research for students with no prior experience, normally first- and second-year students (but students in any year can take this course).

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.

Are independent study courses hard?

Taking an independent study can be more difficult than a traditional course because you have to keep yourself on track. While you will have an adviser to supervise the course, you will be the one in charge of making sure you are completing enough work; there will be no teacher to give you assignments every day.

What is directed research USC?

Directed Research (490x) is student-proposed, faculty supervised research that can be used to earn from two to eight units of elective credit. Students must conduct research under a professor, and must present their work (such as a paper, formal publication, demonstration/performance).

What is directed studies in high school?

Course Description: The Directed Studies class supports students in the completion of academic tasks assigned in their general education classes. This class allows students time to bring general education assignment questions to class in order to support assignment completion.

Is independent study a good option?

Independent study can be a great option for some pupils; however, it may not be the right option for every pupil who is not thriving in a regular classroom setting. Some pupils might be better served in an educational option that is classroom-based and offers a smaller learning environment and more individualization.

Is independent study the same as homeschool?

Homeschool differs from independent study in that students are not actually enrolled at their local public school, and you as a parent or guardian are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum.

How much time should you allow for independent study?

Self-managed independent study taught study: 30 hours (roughly 2–3 hours a week) self-managed directed study: 70 hours, including around 40 hours working on assessment tasks (roughly 4–5 hours a week) self-managed independent study: 50 hours (roughly 3–4 hours a week)

What are the requirements for independent study?

Participating in Independent Study Participation in independent study must always be the choice of the pupil, parent, guardian, or caregiver. LEAs shall not require or otherwise obligate the pupil's participation in an independent study program.

How long is independent study?

What are the required instructional minutes and required length of the school year for independent study? All school district pupils are required to be offered at least 180 instructional days of instruction per year.

How many credits can you take in independent study?

An independent study outline form is required to serve as the official course description. Students in programs with requirements of 36 credits or less may be allowed to take up to nine credits of independent study. Students in programs with requirements of more than 36 credits may be allowed to take up to twelve credits of independent study.

What is direct study?

Directed Study. Directed Study is designed to be a substitute for a traditional course that is not offered in the semester for which the student wishes to enroll. The material covered in such courses is essentially the same as that covered in the traditional course.

How many credits are required for direct study?

Credits earned in independent study courses may not exceed six credits per semester.

What is the cumulative index for Brockport?

An established Brockport cumulative index (in other words, you must have completed one semester at The College at Brockport) and be currently matriculated at Brockport; A cumulative index of 2.0 or higher. There is one exception. If you're a lower-division student (have completed fewer than 54 credits), you may register for a maximum ...

How many credits do you need to graduate from Brockport?

A graduate student enrolled in a degree and/or certificate program must have: Completed at least six credits of course work at the graduate level at the College at Brockport with minimum grades of "B" in each course; or.

How many credits do you need to be an independent student at Brockport?

To be eligible for independent study: A non-degree graduate student must: Have completed six credits of course work at the graduate level at The College at Brockport with minimum grades of "B" in each course; and. Be able to demonstrate adequate background for the area of independent study.

What is independent study?

Independent Study. Independent Study is intended to be an extension, or "spin-off," of a traditional course. It provides the student with an opportunity to pursue/research a subject in more depth and in a more independent manner than would be possible in a traditional course.

What is an independent study course?

An independent study course may be used for students when the course needed for their degree requirements is not available in a given semester. A directed research course can be offered if you want to specifically research a more specialized topic to enhance your program of study.

Why do you need independent study?

You may consider requesting an independent study course for any of the following reasons: Completion of a graduation requirement. For a teach-out of a program. Completing an older degree program with no other options to substitute for the course requirement.

When do you need to submit a request for independent study?

You will need to submit a request for an independent study or directed research course prior to the semester or sub-term that you would like to take the course. If you are a residential student, a form must be submitted no later than the last day of Add/Drop week.

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:

How do I submit a proposal?

For either an independent study or a directed study (ILR 4990), students discuss an issue or question of interest with a faculty member and write a proposal that includes a description of their project, how the study will be conducted and with what level of faculty supervision, a tentative bibliography, and an indication of how the work will be evaluated.

Who will review my proposal?

The Committee reviews your academic record, which should give reason for confidence that you can complete a self-initiated and self-determined study, and the scope of the topic (to be sure that you have identified a manageable amount of material).

When do I begin my independent study or directed study?

Most 4990's are proposed at the end of a term (for the next semester) or at the very beginning of a term (within the first week).

How many credits will I receive?

Depending on the amount of work involved, and in agreement with the faculty member, you may request one, two or three credit hours for the study, and it may be ILR elective or general elective credit.

How will I be graded?

An ILR 4990 is graded as you and the supervisor have agreed. In most cases, students meet on a regular basis with the supervising faculty member, discuss the reading or research completed, determine the next steps and consult on the "product" (customarily, but not necessarily, a paper).

Out-of-College supervision for independent and directed study

You may request that a non-ILR professor supervise an independent study. The proposal must include

Independent Study

Independent Study recognizes that education can be an individual process where students with different learning needs and study schedules can be accommodated. As such, Independent Study is the most flexible option for busy professionals with varied working and family schedules.

Directed Study

The Directed Study programs are offered in a more structured format with cohort groups and require regular and substantive interaction with faculty. The cohort format allows for meaningful interaction with other professionals and faculty in a group context.

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;

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