Before you embark on this wonderful journey, I need you to take the following steps. This must be an intentional and thoughtful PROCESS. Three to four weeks process. You can do this!
Pre-STEP Set aside an hour or two to read and explore a couple of the following links. They are readings on the philosophy and philosophical approaches/meaning on Independent Study →
- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ803367.pdf
- https://www.mphschool.org/independent-learning-philosophy-at-mph/
- https://www.penncharter.com/academics/upper-school/independent-study
- https://hsdial.org/2019/06/03/independent-studies-prompt-innovative-final-products-upperclassmen-create-podcasts-and-board-games-to-conclude-their-studies/
Reflect and jot down a few takeaways on what you have learned about what independent study is about and the academic and philosophy behind it. 150-200 words. Don’t tell me what I want to hear! What is your authentic “takeaway.” Make sure you attribute or allude to the above sources if you reference something they said. Maybe this will serve as your philosophical foundation for your project. I will insist that you share this takeaway in the Google form (see Step Three). The final polished philosophical statement (WHY you want to do this etc.?) must be attached to your proposal.
Step One
- Start your brainstorming! Start asking questions!
- Initiate a conversation with me, Mr. Phu, and/or more importantly, with a potential “Independent Academic Advisor(s)” who may have expertise to mentor or support you. Think of it as triage.
- In the fall semester to set up for second semester → suggested time frame is October, preferably right after Fall Break.
- In second semester to set up for fall semester → suggested time frame is before Spring Break
Step TWO.
Fill out the Google Form → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVvK-SmqphCtTpV1j1dyYsavMV_qzxFAikzr-pteTx2Y97oA/viewform?usp=sf_link
- In the fall semester to set up for second semester → suggested time frame is early November, but no later than before leaving for Thanksgiving.
- In second semester to set up for fall semester → suggested time frame is ideally the first week of April
Step Three.
Having completed the above steps, which I hope is a thoughtful, intentional, and revelational process, this is the last step before I take your clear and well developed proposal to the academic committee for approval.
- COMPLETE the “Independent Study Proposal.” First. Make a copy of the document and save it as your own!
- Create a Google Folder with your name.
- Please place the following in the folder
- Your 150-200 word takeaway synopsis on the philosophical approach to IS. Why are you taking this on?
- Your completed proposal
- OR any other material that may be relevant. Video accompaniment to the proposal etc.? Separate Works Cited List. etc.
- The due date for
- Fall semester IS is first week of May
- Second semester IS is first week of December