ASSIGMENT 1: LEARNING CONTRACT

What is a learning contract?

A learning contract is an agreement established between a student and the teacher; it sometimes involves the student’s parents. The contract specifies concrete learning or behavioural objectives for the student that all parties agree need to be achieved. The contract also specifies:

• the goals of the contract
• the obligations of each party to the contract
• the time frame within which the terms of the learning contract are to be fulfilled
• the basis on which it will be determined that the conditions of the contract were met

Why create a learning contract?

There are many reasons, but the main reason is to improve some aspects of a student's performance at school. In some cases, learning contracts are established in order to improve a student’s behaviour in class In other cases, learning contracts are set up if a teacher recognizes that a student is not meeting their academic potential. But in both cases, it is crucial to engage the student and make him feel that he has an interest in fulfilling the arrangement.

What are the benefits of a learning contract?

When a student becomes a party to a learning contract he becomes more intimately involved in his own education; that is, the learning process becomes more self-directed: he has responsibility and make his own decisions to improve the intrinsic motivation.  The contract gives the student goals other than just working for marks; it allows the student to gain satisfaction from meeting their goals. Many students respond well to this technique as they appreciate the efforts made by their teacher to recognize and accommodate their individual needs.

EXAMPLE OF LEARNING CONTRACT

All parties agree that academic success is the product of a cooperative effort. To ensure that_______________ (Student name) will benefit from this union, each part has the following responsabilities:

As a student__________, will:
1. Be respectful to my classmates.
2. Put my best effort into my schoolwork.
3. Obey all rules both at home and at school.
4. Come prepared to school with homework and materials.
5. Spend at least 15 minutes a day study for each subject.

As a teacher _______________, will:
1. Provide a safe comfortable environment for my students.
2. Provide ample time for my students to receive extra help after school.
3. Enforce school rules consistently.
4. Provide students with clear and concise expectations.
5. Work to make learning an enjoyable experience.


Signed:

Student signature: X____________________________

Teacher signature: X____________________________