<p>An Independent Study Learning Contract allows students to study a topic or subject of academic interest which is not otherwise available as a formal unit, and to obtain credit for this towards his or her Plan of Study. It differs from formal units in that it relies on independent study rather than formal classes, and on the initiative of the student to choose and define the topic. With my guidance, the student is required to structure the content, activities and product of this course. The essence of an Independent Study is that the student engages in study independently and meets with me at least four to six times during the semester.</p><p>There are several pedagogical reasons for allowing students to gain credit points towards a course by Independent Study. These include:</p><p> to develop skills for self-initiated, self-directed study;  to enable you to study a particular topic in depth, and  to provide the opportunity for the study of topics not covered by formal units. </p><p>Most students find independent learning a challenging and stimulating experience. It offers a number of advantages over formal units. These include:</p><p> studying independently in a manner of your own choice, and accepting responsibility for your own learning;  pursuing in depth a topic of particular interest;  studying a topic which is not covered in our Program; </p><p>Although most students welcome this independence, they find that contrary to being ‘an easy course’ independent learning is hard work; demanding the highest levels of discipline and good habits of the mind. Generally they find it more demanding than formally structured units. It can require considerable adjustment for a student who is accustomed to formally structured study to suddenly adapt to a pedagogical method that is more open-ended and requiring self-motivation.</p><p>1. This class requires careful planning and the ability to organize yourself, to set deadlines and to keep to them. Major challenges can occur when designing a study to fit comfortably into the period of the contract. It is important that you plan your contract so that it is neither too broad nor too narrow in scope. When planning your timetable, ensure that the workload is evenly distributed.</p><p>There are limitations to the number of Independent Study credits you can take. Students must check the Graduate Catalog for this specific information and/or consult Student Services.</p><p>INDEPENDENT STUDY LEARNING CONTRACT</p><p>1 Name of the Student: </p><p>Course Code: </p><p>Course: Briefly provide a description the course </p><p>Objectives: What will you accomplish? </p><p>Activities: What will you ‘do’ in order to accomplish your objectives? Note: Activities are concrete or specific functions, work or actions (e.g., reading, shadowing, interviewing, etc).</p><p>Resources and Support Services: What do you need to accomplish your goals? These resources may include books, technology, data, regular meetings, etc. </p><p>Time Table and Deadlines: What needs to be accomplished and when? Be very specific regarding the relationship between activities and deadlines.</p><p>Final Project: At the end of this semester you must present to me a final product. This final product should demonstrate your learning in the subject area you explored. </p><p>BEWARE:  Independent Study is a privilege not a right.  Independent Study is based on the concepts of life long learning and adult learning theory.  Independent Study is guided by the Golden Rule.</p><p>Dr. Cintron’s Signature Date Student’s Signature Date</p><p>NOTE: Most of the information appearing in the Introduction is attributed to and copied almost verbatim from Murdoch University.</p><p>2</p>