What is an independent study?

An independent study is a teaching in which the student works on his / her own topic and the course for the specified amount of credits. The student will cooperate with a professor or teacher to complete a long -term project or several projects and the student will conduct his own research and complete tasks. An independent study is often assigned to students who are particularly advanced in a particular subject or, on the contrary, students who need special attention to a teacher or professor. In some cases, high school and universities can participate in independent study, as outlined by a teacher or administrator. It does not have to participate in structured class lessons, but instead research independently and complete projects considered demanding and suitable teachers and students. Therefore, a lot of learning students will be focused on themselves, which means that the student is responsible for the discovery and spread of new material. This can be particularly demanding for some students, so in many cases there is an independent study coursereserved for more advanced students or students who can take responsibility for their own learning.

During an independent study, the student meets a teacher or professor for regular guidance and discussion as well as a student's progress. Such meetings allow individual attention that can be invaluable to a student. Some students who do not qualify in a common class in the classroom may be entitled to an independent study course for this reason: interaction in the face of the professor allows students to process information and learn in an environment different from the normal classroom environment.

Structure of independent study course may vary significantly depending on several variables, including teaching objectives, teachers' preferences and students, and available technologies. For example, online courses can be the best choice for students who are visual students and technically proficient. ResearchThe project can be the best for another type of student who learns best from reading or listening, and a practical project can be the best for a kinesthetic student. Independent studies are very often adapted to the needs of the individual and the teacher is responsible for ensuring all the main topics of the course.