An independent study is a course of study in which a student works on his or her own for a set number of credits on a specific topic and coursework. The student will collaborate with a professor or teacher on a long-term project or several projects, as well as conduct research and complete assignments independently. Students who are particularly advanced in a subject or who require extra one-on-one attention from a teacher or professor are frequently assigned to independent study. In some cases, high school and college students can take part in an independent study that is guided by a teacher or administrator.
Participating in an independent study places a large portion of the educational burden on the student. He or she may not participate in structured class lessons, but instead conduct independent research and complete projects that both the teacher and the student deem challenging and appropriate. As a result, much of the student’s learning will be self-directed, meaning the student will be in charge of finding and disseminating new information. Because this can be particularly difficult for some students, independent study courses are often reserved for more advanced students or students who are capable of taking responsibility for their own learning.
During an independent study, the student will meet with a teacher or professor on a regular basis for guidance, discussion, and evaluation of their progress. These meetings allow for one-on-one attention, which can be beneficial to the student. For this reason, some students who do not thrive in a traditional classroom setting may be eligible for an independent study course: the face-to-face interaction with the professor allows the student to process information and learn in a setting other than the traditional classroom.
The structure of an independent study course can differ significantly depending on a number of factors, including the instructional goals, teacher and student preferences, and technology available. For students who are visual learners and tech-savvy, online courses may be the best option. A hands-on project may be best for a kinesthetic learner, while a research project may be best for another type of student who learns best by reading or listening. The teacher is responsible for ensuring that all major topics of a course are covered by the projects, which are frequently tailored to the individual’s needs.