Learner-Centered Practices:

Using Learning Contracts

What is a Learning Contract?

A learning contract is a written agreement between teachers and students that defines learning goals and how they will be successfully accomplished. The contract is developed collaboratively by the teacher and learner. Learning contracts may be used for specific topic areas within a course, for independent study projects, for entire courses, or by self-directed learners entirely outside of an academic environment. The more self-directed the learner, the more successful the use of learning contracts.  Conversely, a gentle introduction to learning contracts creates self-directed learners.

There are four key elements in a learning contract:

1. Determine learning objectives
2. Specify learning resources and strategies
3. Define evidence of accomplishment of objectives
4. Validate evidence of accomplishment of objectives

Why Use Learning Contracts?

Using learning contracts promotes self-direction and increases motivation when the contract emphasizes competencies desired by the learner. Learning to use contracts is in itself a learning project and the learner's knowledge and self-directedness should be considered when selecting the situation for implementing learning contracts.

As a learner-centered teaching strategy used to develop self-directed learners, learning contracts encourage learners through:

• Personalization of their learning
• Self-motivation for learning
• Self-examination of their learning needs
• Self-determination of their learning goals
• Identification of resources for meeting their learning goals
• Self-assessment of their learning outcomes

The appropriate use of learning contracts in a traditional or virtual classroom will facilitate the development of self-directed learners and enhance learning.

What you will accomplish in this workshop

• You will learn what components are in a learning contract
• How to create a learning contract
• How to help your students create a learning contract

Format of the Workshop

We will guide you through the process of creating a contract. Then you will create your own learning contract. This practical  exercise will provide you with knowledge and skills to incorporate learning contracts in your teaching practice.

There are 8 steps to successfully completing a learning contract.

Start the Workshop

send e-mail to the facilitator .

© 1998, PSTL Lab, University of Colorado at Denver