Independent studies are a long beloved Fieldston tradition that allows students to go beyond the normal curriculum. For years now, independent studies have been a valuable way for students to connect with teachers while also diving deeper into a subject they love. After going through the process of finding a teacher you want to work with and submitting a proposal, it is up to you and your teacher to be able to dictate how you want to learn about your subject. This gives students the chance to get a taste of more academic freedom before starting college the next year.
We have had the opportunity to experience arguably one of the school’s most popular and groundbreaking independent studies: Mr. Cairo’s Intensive Topics in Neuroscience. After taking his Neuroscience course in the fall, this independent study is an incredible extension that provides a new way of learning about the complexity of this subject. Cairo’s fall Neuroscience class covers the basics of how the brain works and lays the foundation for all the other topics that may be learned in the independent study. After a semester of diving into multiple areas of the brain and its functions, this semester, during our independent study, we are able to take a more specific look into how the brain affects everyday life, with readings, discussions and analysis. You learn about dopamine pathways in the brain during Neuroscience class and learn about how Xanax addictions directly affect those pathways in the independent study. It is all about what you want to learn and understand at a deeper level. In fact, my group loves Jane Austen books so much that Mr. Cairo provided us with two chapters from Jane on the Brain by Wendy Jones, which is a fusion of psychology, neuroscience, and literature from all of Austen’s work.
The purpose of this independent study is to take our general curiosity about not only brain functioning, but its relation to human functioning in everyday life. Cairo does a wonderful job incorporating our curiosity into the study, supporting and encouraging us to ask as many questions as we can while also focusing on finding the answers to our questions. The work consists of a chapter or article to read for Tuesdays and Thursdays (when we meet) and a journal entry that is a reflection of what we just read. As mentioned previously, Cairo allows the students in his independent studies to choose which topics they are most curious about and from there finds readings that relate to that topic giving his students the opportunity to read and write about topics that they have actual interest and curiosity in.
The journal entries are a reflection on the reading but they usually consist of a personal anecdote and questions we have as well. During meetings, we read each other’s journal entries creating a collaborative environment and discuss our thoughts on the articles while eating Mr. Cairo’s famous brownies.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Cairo to discuss his course.
How did you become involved in independent study?
“From 2002 – 2020, as Assistant Principal and as Principal, I was the director of the independent study program. In any given year, we could have as many as one-third of the senior class taking independent studies. In my time at Fieldston, I have been the teacher of 30 independent studies involving 60 students, including two groups of three seniors this semester. The independent studies that I taught were mostly on topics related to neuroscience, but I have also taught independent studies in quantum mechanics and relativity, consciousness, progressive education, science and politics, science and religion, women in science and science and literature (co-taught with an English teacher). I even taught AT Chemistry as a one-on-one independent study for two years when AT Chemistry was not offered as a course. Most of my independent studies have been in groups of two or three.”
What do you love about independent studies?
“Students who choose to do independent studies are very motivated, disciplined and have a passion for whatever subject they want to study. They need no prodding. They complete whatever work is assigned in a thorough and timely fashion. Teaching these kinds of students is a real joy and very satisfying.”
Why do you choose to do them every year?
“Nearly all my independent studies have been with students whom I have taught in a science survey course or elective. I get considerable satisfaction from continuing to connect with some of my students academically and personally. I also enjoy delving deeper into a subject or topic than I can do in a mainstream class. An independent study allows me to do this. I’m also learning with the students in the independent study. I am learning from what we read together and from the discussions we have. “
Are independent studies as rewarding as real classes?
“I would first say that both are real but different kinds of classes. Doing independent studies complements the experience of teaching mainstream classes. Both are rewarding experiences, and each has its endearing qualities and unique dynamic. I like the diversity of mainstream classes and the many perspectives that several students can bring to a discussion. I also like the challenge to make my teaching work for a wide range of abilities, interests, and learning styles in a mainstream class. In an independent study, I enjoy getting to know students on a deeper personal level and to more extensively explore a subject for which we share a passion.”
What is it like doing independent studies with second-semester seniors?
“I have never been disappointed doing independent studies with seniors in the second semester. The seniors with whom I have done independent studies—whether in first or second semester—want to keep learning and continue to be challenged throughout their senior year. But they still enjoy the special quality of their final year of high school. They understand that this is a critical time for keeping their developing brains intellectually engaged. I am especially enjoying my independent studies this semester with some of the most enjoyable students I have ever taught. It’s a great way for me to finish my career at Fieldston.”
What do you think the purpose of independent studies is?
“Independent studies are an opportunity for seniors to engage in student-directed learning under the guidance of a teacher who has some expertise in the field of study. It enables students to go beyond the normal curriculum and to explore subjects or topics that are not covered in existing courses and for which they have a deep interest. Ideally, the students in an independent study are creating the course with the teacher. In my independent studies, after agreeing on the general area of study (e.g., neuropsychology), students have considerable input on which specific topics to explore and which sources to read.”
Do you think independent studies can be as important as other classes?
“I believe independent studies are as important as other classes. For some students, the independent study can be the most rewarding and enjoyable course in a given semester.”
What is your goal when conducting an independent study?
“I want students to fully engage with a subject (cognitively and emotionally), to think critically about what they read, to examine their assumptions and beliefs, to make personal and meaningful connections, to learn more about themselves and the others in the group and to enjoy the whole experience. I also want students, at the end of the experience, to feel that they can further explore a subject independently. In all my independent studies, students make journal entries on what they read and share them with the others in the study. In the journal entries, they are asked to capture the key ideas in the readings, make personal connections, and raise questions that the readings raise but do not answer. The journal entries are the jumping-off points for our discussions. Writing is important because writing is thinking. My students also write essays or reflections at mid-semester and the end of the semester. For me, three is an ideal number of students for independent study. It allows for multiple perspectives and full participation for each student. It’s like a mini-seminar.”
