Learning Contracts by Leidy Viviana Torres Lopez TEFL Program student UPB

Definitions Learning contracts are agreements between teachers and learners. A learning contract is a written document that draws the trainer and trainee together in taking equal responsibility for the training and development. A "contract" is a valuable tool that teachers can use in negotiating terms with students and/or parents which details the specific expectations that the teacher, student, and sometimes, the parent formally agree upon.

Advantages of using learning contracts Learning contracts help the teacher and student share the responsibility for achieving desired outcomes. Require students to be involved in the process of developing their unit of study and explore their readiness to learn and their self-directed learning skills. Provide continual feedback about progress made. Help to minimize misunderstandings and poorly communicated expectations. Maximize students’ motivation to learn because they have chosen the agenda. Serve as an outline for the independent study units and a tool to aid evaluation. Encourage the use of a wide variety of resources (e.g., peers, library, community, experiences)

Role of the teacher The teachers’ role is to provide students with particular learning objectives, expectations, and in some cases a framework or outline for activities and assignments. It is also important for the teacher to provide students with feedback and assessment throughout the contract period. Furthermore, if a student is struggling with the contract or is finding it boring because it is too easy, the teacher also needs to meet with that student and modify the contract to meet the needs of that student

Role of the student Student responsibilities begin before the contract as the student must assess their prior knowledge and be honest about what they need to learn. They then must continually do this as they work through the contract. This is partially how they take control and responsibility over their own learning. Finally, as students finish the contract, they need to reflect back on whether or not they have met the objectives set forth. Along with these it is also the students responsibility to track their own progress and meet with the teacher if they are experiencing frustrations.

How to develop a Learning Contract. Provide the trainee a blank contract form. The trainer should outline what his or her objectives for the training are and allow plenty of time for the trainee to complete the form. Emphasize the need to set realistic goals and objectives. The forms should be completed and signed by both the trainee and the trainer before the commencement of any formal training course.

Contents of the contract Student name and details Course name and level Outcomes to be addressed Form of submission Outline of submission Resources and assistance Signatures Examples of Contracts

Related websites http://cte.uwaterloo.ca/teaching_resources/tips/self-directed_learning_learning_contracts.html http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/bestpractice/contract/index.html http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/contract/ Learning Contract Maker http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyYjK-XqCoA video Le Contract http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eCCdaQe1lE Preparing the social learning contract: participatory & interactive learning process