ABSTRACT
Independent study and independent learning projects are frequently among the suggested methods by which schools and teachers can accommodate their gifted and advanced students. Independent research and investigations are new strategies in our field, but in an educational climate of narrow specializations and discrete skill development, they may be more important than ever in advanced learning design. Creative productivity includes participation and work focused on the development of original ideas, solutions to problems, and products purposefully designed to impact on one or more target audiences. The prospect of a personalized, self-directed, self-selected, independent research or project opportunity is precisely the freedom of choice for which many gifted learners yearn. Learning designs that include opportunities for independent research gives them sustenance and breathes life back into their desire to learn with passion. Finally, independent learning projects can be incorporated into the classroom learning design of the core content areas by connecting student projects.
