Independent+Study

"All which the school can or need do for pupils, so far as their minds are concerned, is to develop the ability to think." (John Dewey, //Democracy and Education,// 1916) > > > What is Independent Study? > > Independent study refers to a system that many secondary and post secondary institutions use to allow students to participate in “SELF directed studying and learning.” Independent study is designed to motivate students to work on their own utilizing the tools depicted by the Helmet above. Students are responsible for their learning through the seven things Independent study (2011) details such "as personal planning, knowing the essentials, structuring your study, keeping going, and reflection" (p.1)


 * Advantages || Disadvantages ||
 * * Encourages active studying
 * Self-reliance
 * Adjustable to students needs
 * Student takes responsibility for own learning/work
 * One on one feedback from teacher/ instructor to the student
 * Motivates learning
 * Promote life time of good study habits || * May cause stress
 * Student may not learn adequately
 * Evaluation of students learning may not be precise
 * May lose sight of content knowledge and course requirements
 * Lose of motivation if proper support is not in place ||


 * Who is Independent Studying designed for? **

Every learner can benefit from independent learning.A teacher can design assignments that will assist each student’s individual needs. In my opinion that is the best advantage of independent learning. The clip art (2007) picture is a student experiencing what it is to be studying independent

**__Hints for Teachers:__**
 * 1) **__Do not send students on their own to "sink or swim."__**
 * 2) **__Allow stud__****__ent to work independently but be a active supporter of the students learning.__**

**Examples:** **Essays, computer assisted instruction, journals, learning logs, reports, learning activity packages, correspondence lessons, learning contracts, homework, research projects, assigned questions, learning centers,guided self-study, student-led seminars, peer-teaching,** **and student-centered assessment.** Journals are my personal favorite. Throughout the year a teacher can have students keep a journal of at least five of their in class assignments, two assessments, and one project. They will right an essay (which is another independent study example) about a topic that most interest them during the school year. The student will also be required to write a correspondent (which is another independent study example) to future students. The correspondent will suggest survival strategies to successfully complete the class.