This document provides information about independent studies and learning contracts. It defines independent studies as educational activities conducted independently without direct supervision from a professor. Benefits include students becoming more self-directed and responsible for their own learning, learning material more deeply, and creating conditions for immediate transfer of learning. A learning contract is a written agreement that outlines the details of an independent study project, including purpose and objectives, learning resources and strategies, final product, and how completion will be evaluated. It requires self-motivation, discipline, organization and time management from students.

1. GENERAL STUDIES 391
EXPLORING RESEARCH
IN COMMUNICATION &
SOCIAL SCIENCES
AUTUMN 2013
Independent Studies and
Learning Contracts

2. What are Independent studies?
• A method of conducting an educational activity
independent of a traditional class room
environment and with little direct supervision
of a professor.
• Found at all levels of education (high school,
undergraduate, and graduate).
• Independent learning grew in popularity

3. Benefits
According to Caffarella (1983), adult learners within higher
education who have used independent study (learning
contract) have:
• Become more self-directed (self generating, self managing)
and more responsible for her/his learning.
• Learned the material more deeply and permanently.
• Created conditions for an immediate transfer of learning.

4. Additional Benefits of Independent Studies
• Allows a student to explore a specific area of
interest in more detail (in current class or in
preparation for a larger research project).
• Provides flexibility in course scheduling.
• Provides the opportunity to experience brief
research projects.

5. What is a learning contract?
• The written agreement that outlines the
specific details of the independent study
project.
• The student and faculty member
collaboratively negotiate the design and scope
of the project.
• As cited in Codde (2006), “…the learning

6. Components of A learning contract
According to Knowles (1986) a learning contract
typically specifies:
• 1.Purpose and learning objectives
• 2. Learning resources and strategies
• 3. Final product (evidence).
• 4. How this evidence will be judged or
validated.

7. • Have one clearly articulated goal and final product in mind that’s attainable. (Don’t bite off more than you
can chew).
• Discuss with the faculty member how much work should go into each credit hour. (Avoid doing too much
work or too little work for credit hours).
• Create a timeline or benchmarks for the project and communicate them as agreed upon with your
sponsoring faculty member.
• Keep in contact with your sponsoring faculty member esp. if things go wrong or there are delays (unable to
make a deadline) or if the project is heading in a new direction.
• Have fun!
Additional considerations

8. How do I know if Independent Study is right for me?
Every student has different learning preferences/styles!
• Self motivation
• Self discipline
• Organization
• Time Management
• Enjoys the opportunity to work independently

9. How to begin an Independent Study with A UW Faculty
member?
Before approaching a UW faculty member:
• Reflect upon a possible project you wish to create.
• Keep in mind some possible goals, strategies, final product (components of
the learning contract)
• Try to have more than one idea formulated prior to a first meeting with
instructor.
• Be open to negotiation!
If approved for Independent Study Contact your EDP academic adviser for
steps required for registration (e.g. registration forms and departmental
sponsorship/permission forms).