Individual learning
Students can benefit from private, one-on-one studiesby Elena Shufelt
Issue date: 2/4/10
Section: Campus News
The names may vary by department, but regardless, many students scroll past the independent and individual study based courses when registering for classes - mostly because they are a total mystery. With required core classes and electives, not all students see the point of asking their advisor what exactly individual studies are. For those students, here are the basics.
Individual studies differ between departments and programs, but all have the same idea in mind. The individual study course allows students to focus on a topic they are interested in that maybe isn't offered as a class or is something they would like to expand their knowledge of beyond the coursework. The first step in pursuing an individual study is formulating a topic. Then students need to choose a professor (preferably one they know and have a good relationship with) to supervise their study. The professor can then choose to accept or reject the student for an individual study.
MSU senior and sociology major Andrew Thrash learned about individual studies after encouragement from a professor provoked him to pursue a project idea.
"I wanted to challenge myself to do a research project that I could present at a conference," Thrash said.
He had no idea that he could get credit and guidance for his project by taking an individual study. The details of his project were worked out after he found a professor to supervise him. All professors do things differently and all projects are different, so the number of credits, meeting times and due dates for each student have to be finalized after the project and supervisor are chosen. For most departments though, the number of credits an individual study is determines how often the student needs to meet with their supervisor.
Candace Black, Associate Professor of English at MSU, said some professors might limit the number of independent studies they supervise because taking them on is beyond what they are obligated to do by contract.
"Independent courses are helpful and can provide a close mentorship, but students who take them need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined," Black said.
Thrash said an individual study takes a great deal of dedication, so now he is using more time-management techniques-such as limiting his television and internet time-than he ever has before.
"It gives you more real-world experience. You're out of that classroom environment where you have your peers and your professor right there to keep you in check," Thrash said.
Black said in the English department students can take individual studies that focus on a variety of topics. Examples are creating manuscripts or creating new work based on readings from authors not covered in the classes offered.
Rebecca Bates, Associate Professor of Computer Science, said in her department individual studies can count toward 400-level elective credits. Students could choose to take an individual study focusing on something that really interests them as opposed to a standard elective that might not grab their attention. In computer science, Bates said students can take individual studies to explore topics such as those that are too new to be integrated into present courses.
Peggy Ballard, Chairperson of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, said her department tries not to grant many individual studies because they are difficult to factor in due to the state licensing requirements for the program.
Every program has different requirements for individual studies, so students should check with advisors if they have any ideas for a possible project.
Thrash suggested students interested in taking an individual study pay close attention to what classes they enjoy and what about that class specifically interests them.
"Have a good rapport with your professors because they will encourage you, push you in the right direction and guide you through that process of doing an individual study," Thrash said.
Elena Shufelt is a Reporter staff writer
Individual studies differ between departments and programs, but all have the same idea in mind. The individual study course allows students to focus on a topic they are interested in that maybe isn't offered as a class or is something they would like to expand their knowledge of beyond the coursework. The first step in pursuing an individual study is formulating a topic. Then students need to choose a professor (preferably one they know and have a good relationship with) to supervise their study. The professor can then choose to accept or reject the student for an individual study.
MSU senior and sociology major Andrew Thrash learned about individual studies after encouragement from a professor provoked him to pursue a project idea.
"I wanted to challenge myself to do a research project that I could present at a conference," Thrash said.
He had no idea that he could get credit and guidance for his project by taking an individual study. The details of his project were worked out after he found a professor to supervise him. All professors do things differently and all projects are different, so the number of credits, meeting times and due dates for each student have to be finalized after the project and supervisor are chosen. For most departments though, the number of credits an individual study is determines how often the student needs to meet with their supervisor.
Candace Black, Associate Professor of English at MSU, said some professors might limit the number of independent studies they supervise because taking them on is beyond what they are obligated to do by contract.
"Independent courses are helpful and can provide a close mentorship, but students who take them need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined," Black said.
Thrash said an individual study takes a great deal of dedication, so now he is using more time-management techniques-such as limiting his television and internet time-than he ever has before.
"It gives you more real-world experience. You're out of that classroom environment where you have your peers and your professor right there to keep you in check," Thrash said.
Black said in the English department students can take individual studies that focus on a variety of topics. Examples are creating manuscripts or creating new work based on readings from authors not covered in the classes offered.
Rebecca Bates, Associate Professor of Computer Science, said in her department individual studies can count toward 400-level elective credits. Students could choose to take an individual study focusing on something that really interests them as opposed to a standard elective that might not grab their attention. In computer science, Bates said students can take individual studies to explore topics such as those that are too new to be integrated into present courses.
Peggy Ballard, Chairperson of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, said her department tries not to grant many individual studies because they are difficult to factor in due to the state licensing requirements for the program.
Every program has different requirements for individual studies, so students should check with advisors if they have any ideas for a possible project.
Thrash suggested students interested in taking an individual study pay close attention to what classes they enjoy and what about that class specifically interests them.
"Have a good rapport with your professors because they will encourage you, push you in the right direction and guide you through that process of doing an individual study," Thrash said.
Elena Shufelt is a Reporter staff writer
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