Independent Study Definition
The independent study is designed to meet the needs of practicing professionals who desire an alternative to traditional instructional activities. Independent study guidelines are provided by RID to sponsors. With guidance from a sponsor, participants can undertake a self-designed educational experience for the enhancement of skills and knowledge in a specific area.
Under the direction of a sponsor, individuals may design an independent study activity around many of their professional activities. However, independent study credit may not come from participants’ routine employment responsibilities.
Benefits of Independent Study
- Often less expensive
- Offers a flexible time schedule
- Does not usually require travel
- Can be tailored to exactly what you want to learn
What Qualifies as a Independent Study?
- Research
- Course instruction
- Publications – writing articles for VIEWS, the Journal of Interpretation, or other publications
- Study groups
- Multi-media instruction
- Mentorship – both being mentored and mentoring
- Literature review – RID offers many publications that work for this option
- Self-study curriculum
- Other options you may have in mind
Steps to Complete an Independent Study
- Decide on the activity for which you wish to earn CEUs. Keep in mind that the Independent Study will require you to answer questions such as What and why you want to do the activity? What are your specific goals? How will you accomplish these goals? How will you show what you have learned? How much time will the activity involve?
- Contact cmp@gvrrid.org to discuss your ideas. GVRRID's CMP Coordinator will help you work out a plan for what you would like to learn, the type of documentation required and the number of CEUs you can earn. You will be asked to respond in writing to a few questions to help map out what you will be doing. Keep in mind that a maximum of 2.0 CEUs can be awarded for each Independent Study.
- You will work with the CMP Coordinator to develop your Independent Study Plan and fill out the RID form. Once completed, the CMP Coordinator will sign and approve the Independent Study Plan to you. At that time, you may begin working on the activity. Any work done before this point cannot earn CEUs. It is important to document your time and efforts while you work on your activity.
- At the completion of the activity, send the sponsor your report, documentation and other information outlined in the Independent Study Plan. The sponsor will review the documentation to ensure that it meets the standards and goals agreed upon in the Independent Study Plan.
- When satisfied that the project has been completed satisfactorily, the sponsor will fill out the Independent Study Activity Report and send all required paperwork to RID Headquarters to be added to your record.
Forms Necessary for Independent Studies
RID Independent Study Plan Form