Independent Learning Experience
A new graduation requirement introduced in 2008-2009, the Independent Learning Experience (ILE) gives Winsor seniors an opportunity to pursue a specific interest independently. Each student designs her own project, guided by a faculty advisor and a mentor/supervisor in her area of interest. Winsor students engage in the ILE during the final six weeks of their senior year.
The ILE encourages each senior to explore her passions by pursuing a project of her choosing. Students can complete an off-campus internship, conduct research, engage in the arts, or serve the community.
Perhaps most important, the ILE seeks to give students a chance to rely on their own self-discipline and motivation to accomplish their objectives. The freedom of these projects helps to prepare seniors for the transition from secondary school to college.
Independent thinking and learning is a core principle of Winsor’s mission and curricular philosophy. As the culminating educational experience, the ILE challenges seniors to apply important skills they have gained in problem-solving and decision-making. Through this process, Winsor seniors take responsibility for their own learning.
The ILE is beneficial for both the seniors and their mentors/supervisors. Students have the opportunity to make an active and meaningful contribution, and to receive valuable experience in return.
Questions and Answers about the ILE
What opportunities are available?
Project topics are wide-ranging and fall into several broad categories:
- substantive volunteer work for school or community programs,
- medical or scientific research,
- business or political internships,
- academic or creative independent study,
- apprenticeship in the visual/performing arts
Examples of specific projects include:
- service learning at the Boston Center for Community Justice and Gaining Ground
- coaching and tutoring at Squash Busters
- conducting medical research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- creating curriculum for Science Club for Girls
- writing and illustrating a children’s book
- composing an original piece of music
How does the ILE benefit seniors?
Seniors have the opportunity to:
- design their own educational program
- pursue passions and interests
- deepen skills and increase understanding
- learn essential work and life skills
- get involved with a community
- engage in new experiences
What are the academic components?
- Reading and journaling Students are required to:
- read the equivalent of one relevant book to prepare for the ILE
- reflect on their experiences in a simple, informal journal
- Final presentation
- Students present their projects to the community in a way that is relevant to the project.
Some presentation options include:
- visual art exhibits
- musical and dramatic performances
- film and video installations
- papers
- displays
- presentations on research results, readings of literary work, etc.
How is the ILE evaluated?
During exam week, each student’s project is assessed based on the following elements:
- execution of project, including the quality, impact and learning value of project
- final presentation
- final reflection describing the ILE in detail, including specific references to the reading and personal lessons learned in the process
- written evaluations by the advisor and mentor/supervisor
Winsor requires each senior to complete the ILE successfully to graduate. The evaluation process recognizes the importance of the pursuit of excellence as well as the educational value of the process. Projects are graded as credit or no credit.
What do projects mean for students?
While completing their projects, seniors learn more about themselves and what they want to do in the next four years. In addition, students discover that the lessons they learn outside the classroom can be just as valuable as the knowledge they gain from classroom discussions and readings.
