Student Resources
Is Independent Study Right for Me?
Generally, success in independent study requires motivation and a strong commitment on the part of the student and for most students, requires the support of parents, guardians, or caregivers. It also requires sufficient academic preparation to work independently.
Here are some questions to reflect on if you are a good match for independent study:
- Do I learn best independently?
- Am I self-motivated to learn and like to work at my own pace?
- Am I good at self-monitoring my progress and grades?
- Am I able to organize myself at home and set up a space which supports learning?
- Do I need flexibility to complete my coursework due to my circumstances?
- Do I respond to communication from teachers?
- Do I persist through problems, such as motivation, technical issues, and scheduling issues?
- Do I enjoy using online platforms and tools to learn?
- Can I make a commitment to meet weekly with my teachers in-person?
Successful Monte Vista Students...
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Set an alarm each morning
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Create a positive workspace
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Attend every zoom class
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Communicate with their teachers & participate in class discussions
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Use a daily planner to plan to prioritize zoom times, homework and studying
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Check Schoology every day for class updates
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Take advantage of Office Hours to get help & ask questions
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
Synchronous Learning
- Learning together on zoom.
- Live online meetings when the whole class or smaller groups get together.
- In synchronous learning, students usually go through the learning path together, accompanied by their instructor, who is able to provide support while students are completing tasks and activities.
Asynchronous Learning
- Learning on own.
- In asychronous learning, instructors set up a learning path, which students engage with at their own pace.
- Learning can occur at different times and spaces particular to each learner, as opposed to synchronous learning at a same time and place with groups of learners and their instructor, or one learner and one instructor.