what is a guided independent study course

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. It is one of the pros of studying abroad which enables you to study a subject unavailable in your established school curriculum or explore a topic of your interest deeper.

Full Answer

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 the difference between guided study and online courses?

One of the main differences is that online courses have a discussion board requirement that allows for classroom interaction, while the guided study courses do not.

What are the general guidelines for independent and directed study?

General guidelines for independent and directed study: Students may carry no more than two independent study courses in a regular semester and no more than one directed study course per semester. Students may carry no more than one independent study course and one directed study course during a summer session.

What is independent study for gifted students?

Independent study offers an outlet for gifted students to both pursue their own interests and remain engaged academically. Whereas an easy curriculum may prove boring, a more challenging and personalized program can help keep a gifted candidate focused on their studies.

What is guided independent study?

It is sometimes referred to as directed study, and is an educational activity undertaken by an individual with little to no supervision. Typically a student and professor or teacher agree upon a topic for the student to research with guidance from the instructor for an agreed upon amount of credits.

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 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 is the difference between online and independent study?

Online Independent Study students receive 1:1 instruction from a Credentialed Teacher and use an online learning system to complete lessons and turn in assignments. Independent Study students receive a school issued Chromebook, community college opportunities, school and teacher field trips.

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.

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 does independent study mean in high school?

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.

Does independent study look good for grad school?

If you're interested in gaining course credit while your own research, AND gaining an abundance of experience, you should complete an independent study! An independent study is an opportunity that allows you to gain course credit while exploring your own personal interests on a deeper level.

What is a guided study course?

Guided Study courses allow independent learning in a structured format with the guidance and feedback of a mentor. Designed to be completed in a 12-week semester, each Guided Study course includes a detailed week-by-week calendar or schedule that will guide students through reading, writing, and viewing assignments.

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.

What is a guided online course?

Online courses are interactive and feature contact with fellow students, while guided study courses tend to be a good fit for independent learners who do not need interaction with others.

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 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;

How Does Independent Study Work?

Independent study is offered through most colleges and universities, as well as various organizations, such as museums and government agencies. Schools typically offer independent study as credit-bearing courses, many of which are transferable to other colleges.

Can I Do it Online?

If you're working with a professor to create an independent study course, you might be able to design it to be taken over the Web. Additionally, many pre-existing independent study programs feature online modules and readings. These often require completion of an online test, and some might mandate on-site observation.

Is it Right for Me?

In order to do independent study, you must possess a number of skills. First, you must be organized and self-driven. Since you'll be working alone, it's important that you can make and keep a schedule that will help you complete your study in a timely manner.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

Thomas Edison State University will be awarding roughly $1 million during the spring of 2022 in federal HEERF scholarships for students financially impacted by the pandemic. Application deadline for this round of scholarships is 2/28/22. Awards will be made shortly after the application deadline....

Guided Study Courses

At Thomas Edison State University, Guided Study courses are one of many ways to earn credit and use methods designed specifically with the adult learner in mind.

What is independent study?

Independent study is a viable alternative for students who wish to study a topic that is not covered by the current course listings. Motivated students with an interest in a specific subject can consult professors and design their own programs.

Why is independent study important?

Independent study offers an outlet for gifted students to both pursue their own interests and remain engaged academically. Whereas an easy curriculum may prove boring, a more challenging and personalized program can help keep a gifted candidate focused on their studies.

Why do people study independently?

One of the most common reasons for independent study is a lack of available time, especially for college or nontraditional students. If you are employed, a parent, or simply extremely busy, taking courses outside the classroom is a convenient and effective way to complete coursework at your own pace and location.

What is an online course?

Online Courses. Online courses are extremely similar to paper-based courses, with the obvious exception being the means of delivery. Using an online portal provided by the school, students have access to all pertinent class materials, including readings, pre-recorded lectures, and discussion forums.

Is independent study a viable option?

Independent Study. In select academic cases, traditional study is simply not a viable option for some students. Those who find their needs are not being met in the classroom can instead look into an independent study program, which offers a much greater degree of flexibility and customization. Lesson. Course.

Do you need to be on a distance learning program to study independently?

In-Person Courses. An independent study program does not necessarily need to be conducted via distance learning. Students who wish to take such a program can also do so while remaining on a school's campus. Typically, students choose their own topic or subject and bring it to the attention of a professor.

Can independent study be an internship?

In some cases, independent study programs can take the form of an internship opportunity. This course on How to Get an Internship offers advice from experienced guidance counselors and can help you figure out what type of internship is suitable for you.

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 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 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.

How many credits are required for direct study?

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

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.

Does direct study require an outline?

Directed study uses the same application form but does not require an outline since the course description is the same as the traditional course. Any application must be signed by the student, the instructor/sponsor and the department chairperson.

Can you take more than one independent study course?

Students may carry no more than one independent study course and one directed study course during a summer session. Both independent study and directed study courses are only possible by arrangement and at the discretion of the instructor and/or the department.