Independent study is a different way of learning. In independent study, a student is guided by a teacher but usually does not take classes with other students every day. Independent studies provide a way for well-motivated students to pursue a topic of interest that does not necessarily fit into a traditional academic curriculum.[4] They are a way for students to learn specialized material or gain research experience.[5] Also, independent studies provide students opportunities to explore their interests deeper and make important decisions about how and where they will direct their talents in the future.[6] Another way to understand independent study is to understand learning from a distance. Learning from a distance is a theory in which the student is at a physical or a mental distance from his or her teacher. The student and the teacher are connected by something such as a worksheet, an essay, or through a website on the internet.[7]