Independent Study
From LoveToKnow College
Why Choose Independent Study?
Most students choose to enroll in independent study because they have educational needs and interests not covered by the standard curriculum. Others may only need an additional credit or two to fulfill a requirement, and it's more economical to choose an independent course with variable credit hours than to enroll in an elective course costing twice as much. In some fields where internships are uncommon and thus not part of the course catalog, independent study can allow students to earn credit for hands-on career experience.
Planning
Enrollment
Enrollment processes vary between schools, but the first step is to talk to an academic advisor. He or she will outline the requirements for pursuing independent study at your school and complete the necessary paperwork to create a course section for you in the enrollment system.
Advisors
When you enroll as an independent study student, you will be assigned a supervising faculty member. In many cases, you will have to secure this advisor yourself. Think back on the professors you've had to decide if there's anyone you'd enjoy working with more closely or someone whose work intrigues you. Ask friends and classmates for recommendations of their own favorite professors. You can also visit your school's website for a list of faculty members and their areas of research. You want an advisor who's accessible and easy to talk to, but it's also important to consider how he or she can help you meet your educational goals.
Once you've decided on a potential advisor, set up an appointment to discuss the possibility of working together. Place as much importance on this meeting as you would a job interview. Brainstorm ideas and do preliminary research, so you can make a good impression. You certainly don't want to just shrug your shoulders when asked, "What are your plans for independent work?"
Supplies
Supplies and methods will vary greatly depending on your field of study. If you're an education major, your project may involve volunteering as a tutor using current research to develop effective reading instruction techniques. There will be little cost involved beyond printing a few copies and driving to the tutoring site. Budding scientists, however, may create a far more complex independent project with a hefty price tag.
If you're concerned about the cost of your research, ask if you will be able to use departmental supplies or if you can be reimbursed for any materials. If your school won't help you with expenses, look for scholarships and grants; some are designed with independent research projects in mind.
Completing The Course
No matter what your reasons for signing up for an independent study, you want to make the most of the educational experience. With proper planning, it can be just as invigorating and educational as the best traditional courses.
Create A Plan
With your advisor, discuss your goals and decide how best to achieve them. Some students prefer to work towards a single final project, such as a paper or presentation. Others feel more comfortable charting their progress with frequent small assignments, like a weekly research journal or entries in an annotated bibliography. You may also want to discuss grading criteria at this time.
Avoid Procrastination
Don't use the course's flexible nature as an invitation to procrastinate. When you have 100 pages of reading to do for your Tuesday class and an exam on Thursday, it's much too easy to say you'll get to your independent study "later." Soon, you've gone weeks without touching your research and you're hopelessly behind.
If your professor doesn't already require it, suggest weekly meetings to chart your progress. You can stop by during their scheduled office hours or meet for coffee after a class. You'll be more likely to get to work with these deadlines in mind. If you just can't work frequent meetings into your schedule, create your own deadlines. Reward yourself when you meet a deadline, but create punishments like having to stay home from the weekend's parties if you don't.
Use Quality Resources
Take the time to find quality research materials. Be cautious with online resources, as most websites don't hold up to scholarly review. Visit your university library for print resources and special collections. Most schools also subscribe to electronic databases offering thousands of academic articles. Since you're not confined to the classroom, you can be creative. Would a museum visit be helpful to give you a closer look at important pieces of art? Does a historical society possess a famous author's correspondence? Don't forget the value of first-hand experience, whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen or create a public relations campaign for your sorority.
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