Independent study program

How to study

Pace, standards and review

The method

The site tells you what to read, what to understand, what to investigate and what to write. You do the work in your own books, notebook and documents. Nothing is submitted and nothing is graded by the site. You can enter any lesson at any time.

Read the lesson once straight through.
Read it again slowly, and look up the Scripture passages.
Write a short summary in your notebook in your own words.
Answer the knowledge check without looking, then check your answers.
Work through Think It Through.
Do the independent assignment when the course reaches it.

Pace

Steady (about 5 hours a week). One course takes about 7 to 9 weeks. The whole program takes roughly four to five years.
Focused (about 10 hours a week). One course in about 4 weeks. The whole program in about two to two and a half years.
One at a time. Do not run more than two courses together. Depth matters more than speed.

These are estimates. Courses can be taken in any order, but Division 1 makes the others easier, and Courses 21 to 24 are best at the end.

Mastery standards

Activity	Suggested standard
Lesson knowledge checks	70 percent
Module assessments	80 percent
Cumulative examinations	80 percent
Final comprehensive assessment (Course 24)	80 percent

These are personal guidelines. Nothing on this site enforces them. If you fall below a standard, reread the material and try again.

Spaced review

Ideas fade unless you return to them. Review each important idea at these intervals.

Review	What to do
After 1 day	Explain the main idea aloud without notes.
After 7 days	Answer the knowledge check questions again.
After 30 days	Write a one-paragraph summary from memory.
After 90 days	Teach it to an imaginary student, then check your notes.

What completion means

Finishing this program gives you knowledge, sources and practice. It does not give you an accredited degree, university credit, ordination or any formal theological qualification.