The Mycenaean

After returning to school from being locked inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students were glad to see their friends every day again. However, there were some students who enjoyed the freedom of asynchronous, independent learning. For them, the return to daily classes felt stifling, a stark contrast to the self-paced environment they had grown accustomed to at home.

One option for these students is Crossroads Flex, an online school created by Wake County. The school features both asynchronous and online learning.

However, mostly the students are those who participate in sports or other activities that take up most of their schedule, not students who enjoy working independently. But, their systems can be copied and implemented for specific WCPSS high school courses. 

This framework is already being used to meet some students’ needs. Why not expand it to reach more students?

The solution isn’t fully online school, but college schedules might have the answer. Many college classes don’t meet every day, but students have work to complete on those off days. Students are expected to be able to work effectively independently when they get to college, however, in highschool there is still a lot of teacher hand-holding. 

By giving students the option to take even more control over their education they can better prepare themselves for the challenges of autonomous living. It can also help them to understand further how they learn best

An example of a week in an independent learning class. Teachers will still play a central role, but students will be able to understand and analyze material in their own way. (Created by Jack Watson)

Independent study allows students to create personalized learning systems, which allows them to learn the most effectively. Students also have near-limitless online tools to grow their independent learning skills. Learning sites like Khan Academy can help explain concepts, and AI chatbots like Chatgpt can be used to create study plans or extra practice worksheets. 

The greatest weakness of implementing this program is the challenge of self-determination — or lack thereof among many students. Without consistent oversight, some students may gravitate toward taking the easier path, completing only the bare minimum or even less. This can result in a decline in the quality of their work and a reduced engagement with high-level thinking.  Over time, this lack of discipline could hinder their ability to develop the independent learning skills that the program aims to foster.

So, it should only be available to some students. A minimum GPA, a test of some sort, or a teacher recommendation should be required to sign up for one of the classes. It should also only be available to upperclassmen or possibly solely seniors.    

The independent learning structure wouldn’t work for all classes. Math, in particular, should not follow this schedule as students are constantly learning new things every day. However, English or CTE classes could easily follow the independent learning structure because many times in those classes students are already independently working on assignments. 

This system could greatly assist many in developing the independence skills they will need as functioning adults. This approach could help alleviate stress and pressure, allowing students to succeed in ways the traditional schedule may not accommodate. It would also allow teachers more time to work on their lesson plans and grade assignments.

Implementing an optional independent learning structure in high schools could empower students to take charge of their education while preparing them for the self-reliant challenges of college and adulthood. With the right support and guidance, independent study has the potential to transform how students learn.