Decide How You Want to Learn

Explore your interests independently

Take your education into your own hands!

A third option is independent study, which many high schools offer. These programs allow students to pursue subjects that they are interested in under the supervision of a teacher.

For example, at my school, we read the famous Greek poem "The Odyssey" during freshman year. Some students at my school loved the poem and wanted to find another way to read classic Greek stories.

"I remembered reading them freshman year and how easily they painted the stories in my head. I can sit down and read them anywhere and the words inspire a flood of images in my mind," says Sabrina, one of my fellow students.

She and her friends decided to create an independent study class with Miss Wellnitz, the teacher who taught these epics.

Independent study gives almost unlimited choices of what you can study. If you're interested:

Find a subject that appeals to you.
Learn about your school's particular requirements.
Design a course.
Find an adviser.

If you have trouble, always remember that your guidance counselor is there to help you.

Focus!

Motivate yourself

Lack of motivation can create a significant problem. It can be hard to force yourself to do extra work, especially when no one is constantly watching you. It might be even harder to do an independent study because you design your own work.

But if you're passionate enough about a subject, that should keep you motivated.

Next time you're bored in your classes, brainstorm about what might make it more interesting to you. There are opportunities out there to explore your interests—don't miss out on them.

Take charge of your own learning. By educating yourself, you're opening up new horizons. And remember, have fun!

True or False: Franklin considered himself an Englishman until he signed the Declaration of Independence and drafted the Constitution. Click Ben's head for the answer.

TRUE. He loved English theater, witty conversation and great thinkers that lacked in America at the time.

age 15
Clinton, WI

WRITTEN BY:

Jesse

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"This was a nice article. It had lots of good information. especially about college credit classes and the other programs. My high school in Arizona the offer tons of college credit classes and some cost money but others are free. So I could understand better what they were talking about in this story."

Varsity FB, 15, Sahuarita, AZ
07/09/10

"This article seemed very interesting. I can relate to this, because being an AP student I am well versed in cocollege credit and alternative ways to learn. I am currently taking AP classes and the AP tests will give me college credit. However, some at my school opt for the Running Start program, which gives them the opportunity to attend the local community college as a high school student. I tested into this program but eventually decided I would rather spend my time at my high school while taking AP classes. You do not have to go to a college for classes you really want (I am looking forward to AP Spanish as a senior next year) if you just get a group of students together to talk to your principal. If you have enough support, chances are your efforts will prevail in the end. Thank you for creating an article that will alert many students that there are different ways to take charge of your education."

Hannah457, 16, Camas, WA
06/07/10

"This was a very interesting article! I actually obtained a lot of good information from this one. I definitely didn't know that students could take classes off campus, at local colleges(sounds like something I would be interested in). I really enjoyed all of the fun pictures through out this article, for me it added a bit of flavor and made it a little less boring. I also liked the motivation section, it was very inspiring to me! "

MarvinB , 15, Richmond, Va
06/05/10

"This story was very interesting; it had me hooked from the first paragraph. The information on the different paths one can take to better their education was phenomenal. I had no idea that high school students could take off campus classes at a local college. Having the knowledge of being able to extend your learning is extremely important to those who know that doing just that is what is best for them. I’ll be taking Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology as a junior next year, but as far as I knew, I could not take any more than what was offered there. "

Sammi Jo, 15, Westby, WI
06/04/10

"This article was really good for those who don't know about college credit classes and other programs like that. I live in Oregon, and in my high school they offer a lot of college credit classes that are completely free, but you have to get an A or B to get the college credit. If not, it only counts for high school. Some examples of this are accounting, calculus, honors courses, and many others. I'm only a sophomore so I have a lot more to take, but the ones I have taken are really good!"

kendallweb, 15, Klamath Falls, OR
06/03/10

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