Developing and managing individualized studies programs: Some guidelines

This paper presents eight guidelines that educators should follow in developing and managing undergraduate individualized studies (contract learning-type) programs. The guidelines fall under the headings (1) supplying rationales, (2) focusing on the faculty, (3) assessing faculty performance, (4) assessing student readiness, (5) assessing the costs, (6) students as researchers, (7) how much academic credit, and (8) agents of change. A main theme presented is that the student-centered focus in individualized studies programs needs to be matched by an equal regard for the faculty member.