what is an independent stuy course in college

What is an Independent Study? In an independent study, you essentially create your own course on a topic of your choice, working in concert with your faculty advisor or other COE faculty member.

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What are independent study courses?

An independent study is also a great chance to explore modes of learning that might differ from the established culture in the College of Education. Ideally, an independent study supplements and complements what your program’s curriculum already offers. Some faculty members also let you use an independent study to cover a topic that

Can I take independent study courses at my own school?

Sep 01, 2021 · 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.

What is the importance of independent study in education?

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.

Is independent study right for You?

About 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...

What does independent study mean in college?

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.Sep 1, 2021

What is an example of independent study?

Usually, students look to independent study when they have an interest in a special topic that's not offered at most high schools. Some examples of special topics would be courses like Asian-American history, British Literature, or Chinese language.Feb 10, 2019

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.Sep 24, 2021

Is independent study 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.Nov 4, 2018

When should you do independent study?

If you are looking for something different - a special field experience, a chance to try research, or simply explore a topic in more depth - you should consider doing an independent study under faculty supervision.

What is independent study How is it beneficial for student?

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 • ...

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.Aug 10, 2021

Does an independent study count as research?

One path for conducting research for academic credit is through Research Independent Study. Courses entitled Research Independent Study are individual research courses in a field of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member.

Who can avail independent study?

Independent study is available to pupils from transitional kindergarten through high school, and is designed to respond to the pupil's unique educational needs, interests, aptitudes, and abilities within the confines of legal authority and school board policy.Dec 1, 2021

How do I prepare for an independent study?

Develop a timetable for implementation of activities and completion of course requirements.Write a goal statement/purpose of Independent study. Write a brief description of the background, experience and strengths the student brings to the topic/focus area. ... List course learning objectives. ... Develop a timetable and plan.

How do you become an independent study?

Independent study may be offered by a school in your district, a charter school, a school in another district, or county office of education. To find out if your district, county office of education, or other districts in your area offer independent study, please call the appropriate office.

How long can a student study independently?

Long-term shall refer to a student's participation in independent study for 15 or more cumulative school days in a school year. Students may participate in independent study on a full-time basis or in conjunction with courses taken in a classroom setting.

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 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.

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.

How many independent studies can a sophomore take?

A student may petition to take up to a total of four courses of Independent Study. Independent Study courses are subject to the same rules for dropping and withdrawing as any other course.

What is independent study?

Independent Study is designed to provide credit for field research, academic study not available in regular course work, or practice or performance in the arts. What distinguishes a suitable project is the application of analytical skills to the object of Independent Study.

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.

How do I sign up for independent study?

How do I sign up for an independent study? Well, first of all, you must have a targeted area of interest or topic that you would like to further study or understand. Second, you must contact a faculty member that is willing to supervise and guide you through your study and give you a grade based on your performance.

How many hours of independent study do you need to complete a semester?

This will also determine your time commitment during the semester, which may range from ten to twenty hours a week.

What is independent study?

Independent study enables a student to pursue for course credit a research or other academic topic of interest under the supervision of a faculty member. Independent study is of two types: Independent Study (non-research) Research Independent Study.

How often do you meet with an independent study instructor?

Meeting schedule—In addition to the individual effort of the student, the student will meet with the supervisor and/or instructor of the independent study at least once every two weeks during the fall or spring semester (at least once a week during the summer). The amount of time spent on the independent study, including meetings, ...

What is the final product of a student?

Final product—The student will produce a final academic and/or artistic product to be completed during the semester for which the student is registered for the course. Grading—The supervisor will evaluate the work, including the final product, associated with the independent study, and submit a grade by the end of the semester.

How many hours of independent study is required for Duke?

A student should expect to spend at least 180 hours, including meetings and readings, on the project over the course of the semester for a 1.0 course credit independent study.

When should independent study be approved?

The following policies apply to both types of independent study: Approval—The independent study should be approved, before the first day of class, by the supervising faculty and the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Certificate Program Director in the relevant department or certificate program. Additional approvals may be required.

Do independent study courses have a R code?

Such independent study courses do not bear a Research (R) code and do not satisfy any general education requirements aside from the Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE) requirement. Courses entitled Research Independent Study are individual research in a field of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member within the department, ...

Can you submit a research independent study for a W code?

One and only one research independent study may be submitted and approved for a Writing (W) code in addition to the R code designation. No other curriculum code designations are permitted for research independent study courses. Students who wish to request a W code for one research independent study course must complete ...

What is independent study in elementary school?

The movement toward independent study at the elementary and middle school level has been fueled by an increase in the number of students who are home schooled. Although developed primarily for this consumer group, such courses are being offered to schools as supplements to the regular curriculum and as a way to meet the needs of diverse learners. Schools may opt for these programs for use in enrichment programs, especially for students in accelerated programs or those identified as gifted, for remediation, for use with students with identified learning problems, or in place of summer school programs. Programs to teach independent and strategic learning skills also exist for grades K–12.

How to use independent study in high school?

In summary, students at the high school level use independent study to do the following: Earn university credit before they begin college. Earn extra credits to finish high school early. Supplement schedules with courses not offered at their schools. Enrich their high school experiences.

Why is independent study important?

As evaluated by exams, independent students learn at least as well as students in classes. Independent study provides useful practice in the process of learning. Independent study is viable when an educational institution is inaccessible to the learner. Independent study meets the convenience needs of many learners.

What is individualized teaching?

Individualized teaching and learning takes place through the student's activity. A tutorial relationship exists. Learning is made convenient for the student. The learner takes responsibility for progress. Independent study programs are sometimes criticized because they release students from group-learning situations.

Why are independent study programs criticized?

Independent study programs are sometimes criticized because they release students from group-learning situations. Students themselves, while they may select or volunteer for independent study experiences, are frequently unprepared because they lack experience with any other way to learn except in a classroom.

What are the benefits of independent study?

Successful independent study programs provide preparation for students and guidance along the way: 1 Students are taught knowledge and skills that cannot easily be communicated in classrooms. 2 As evaluated by exams, independent students learn at least as well as students in classes. 3 Independent study provides useful practice in the process of learning. 4 Independent study is viable when an educational institution is inaccessible to the learner. 5 Independent study meets the convenience needs of many learners. 6 Independent study develops self-motivation, concentration, and discipline. 7 The learner is taught to identify a problem, gather data, and take responsibility for conclusions. 8 The learner does all the work and cannot slide by on the anonymity of group activity.

Should independent study be available for all students?

Although often identified as a tool for meeting the needs of gifted students, independent study should be available for all.

What is independent study?

An independent study is a course of instruction in which a student works on his or her own on a specified topic and coursework for a set amount of credits. The student will work with a professor or teacher to complete a long-term project or several projects, ...

Can high school students do independent study?

High school and college students can participate in an independent study in some cases , as outlined by a teacher or administrator. An independent study is a course of instruction in which a student works on his or her own on a specified topic and coursework for a set amount of credits.