independent Study

Definition of Independent Study

An Independent Study is the most flexible tool in the CMP/ACET system. It is provided for the benefit of the member and designed to capture their customized learning activity while meeting the needs of practice professionals. It is best designed for RID members who desire an alternative to traditional instructional activities for capturing their innovative education pursuits.

Independent Study Guidelines are provided by RID to Sponsors. With the guidance of a Sponsor, participants can undertake a self-designed educational experience for the enhancement of skill and knowledge in a specific area. Such a program can be less expensive, offer a flexible time schedule and need not require travel. (RID Standards and Criteria, p. 30)

Acceptable Activities

Under the direction of a Sponsor, individuals may design an Independent Study around many of their professional activities. However, Independent Study credit may not come from participants’ routine employment responsibilities or training required by employers for continued employment. 

Listed below are possible Independent Study options. This list is not exhaustive, and participants are encouraged to explore other options that suit their needs and interest. 

1. Research: A participant may conduct original research. 

2. Course Development: A participant may develop a course or something of the kind (a keynote address, a workshop, a short course, a teleconference, etc.) and earn Independent Study CEUs for the development and possibly for the presentation/delivery. Credit will be given only once during the cycle for each activity developed (For receiving credit for teaching a Sponsored Activity, see Section VI G.3). 

3. Publication: A participant may develop and write materials for publication (VIEWS articles, journals and books). 

4. Study Groups: A participant may meet with one or more persons at specified times to discuss topics related to the goals and objectives stated in the Activity Plan.

5. Review of literature: A participant may independently review literature (written or multimedia materials) and write a summary or a critical review and how this review will impact their professional work, and/or they may complete a questionnaire demonstrating an understanding of the reviewed materials. 

6. Mentorship: A participant may engage in a focused learning relationship with pre- approved goals and learning outcomes. CEUs may be awarded to both participants in the mentorship relationship. Great care should be given to identify the learning goals of the mentor, as the target of the Independent Study. An Independent Study developed for a mentor will only consider the mentor’s learning as a result of the mentor-mentee/protégé relationship. The mentor’s IS will not consider the work done by the mentee/protégé. 

7. Prefabricated Independent Study: A participant may complete a prefabricated individualized study plan.

Independent Study or PINRA?

The Independent Study process can be used for an activity typically designated as a PINRA if the host entity does not offer any continuing educations credits in a professional field. Using the IS process in lieu of the PINRA process will require the requestor to develop their own study plan and measurable objectives consistent with IS requirements and CEU designations. 

Unacceptable Activities

Some, but not all, of the activities for which CEUs will not be awarded include:

- Board/Committee activities

- Meetings of the association

- Professional service delivery, such as interpreting

- Lunch, dinner, socials, or entertainment not tied to educational programming 

- Activities that are a part of one's employment, company education programs or routine employment responsibilities learning proprietary processes not open to individuals outside the company.

- Activities that are part of one’s employment, including, but not limited to, yearly trainings to maintain compliance with state and federal laws and regulations; trainings about company-internal proprietary information and equipment, etc.  NOTE: Interpreter professional development that takes place in the context of employment is permitted, and the trainings might be internal for employees only, or open to the public

- Introductory level ASL and English courses and introductory level interpreting courses. (RID Standards and Criteria, p. 30-31)

In the event the Sponsor considers the participant’s work unsatisfactory for awarding CEUs, a written statement citing reasons for such a decision and suggestions for successful completion must be sent to the participant. The participant has the right to appeal the denial of CEUs. (RID Standards and Criteria, p. 32)

CEU Ratios

A maximum of 2.0 CEUs may be, but are not required to be, awarded for any IS. All IS activity must be completed within 12 months of receipt of IS Plan Form. The nature and degree of intensity of the activity will determine the number of CEUs awarded for any IS activity. For example, in most cases the following activities should NOT be awarded CEUs at a ratio of 1:1 (meaning one hour of work should not equal .1 CEUs). These following examples will typically result in the awarding of CEUs at a ratio of 1:1/2 (meaning one hour of work will equal .05 CEUs):

Research

Course Instruction

Publication

Study Groups

Multi Media Instruction

Mentorship