Learning Contracts
Table of Contents
Section Page
Abstract 1
Introduction 2
Definition of Learning Contract 2
Purpose of the Learning Contract 3
Uses of Learning Contracts 3
Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning Contracts 4
Advantages 4
Disadvantages 5
Designing Learning Contracts 5
Conclusions and Recommendations 6
Conclusion 6
Recommendations….. …………………………………………………...6
References 8
Abstract
Learning contracts are being used in post-secondary education. Adults approach learning as problem solving and in theory by implementing learning contracts, the student becomes more involved in their own learning process. This paper discusses the use of a learning contract, the advantages and disadvantages for using contracts and the general design of a learning contract. The use of learning contracts provides opportunity for the student to be more involved in their own learning and apply relevance to their own educational experience.
Learning Contracts
“Contract learning is, in essence, an alternative way of structuring a learning experience: It replaces a content plan with a process plan.” Malcolm S. Knowles (1991, pg.39). In the early 1970’s, the concept that adults learn differently than children was introduced by Malcolm Knowles. This theory of andragogy has inspired research and controversy. The complexity of adult learning and motivation provides opportunities to explore new methods of teaching. Implementing learning contracts is an alternative way to structure the learning experience. Definition. Learning contract by definition is an agreement between students and teachers that grant the student certain freedoms and choices about completing tasks yet requires the student to meet certain specifications ("Definition," n.d., p. 1). According to Knowles (1980),
Section Page
Abstract 1
Introduction 2
Definition of Learning Contract 2
Purpose of the Learning Contract 3
Uses of Learning Contracts 3
Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning Contracts 4
Advantages 4
Disadvantages 5
Designing Learning Contracts 5
Conclusions and Recommendations 6
Conclusion 6
Recommendations….. …………………………………………………...6
References 8
Abstract
Learning contracts are being used in post-secondary education. Adults approach learning as problem solving and in theory by implementing learning contracts, the student becomes more involved in their own learning process. This paper discusses the use of a learning contract, the advantages and disadvantages for using contracts and the general design of a learning contract. The use of learning contracts provides opportunity for the student to be more involved in their own learning and apply relevance to their own educational experience.
Learning Contracts
“Contract learning is, in essence, an alternative way of structuring a learning experience: It replaces a content plan with a process plan.” Malcolm S. Knowles (1991, pg.39). In the early 1970’s, the concept that adults learn differently than children was introduced by Malcolm Knowles. This theory of andragogy has inspired research and controversy. The complexity of adult learning and motivation provides opportunities to explore new methods of teaching. Implementing learning contracts is an alternative way to structure the learning experience. Definition. Learning contract by definition is an agreement between students and teachers that grant the student certain freedoms and choices about completing tasks yet requires the student to meet certain specifications ("Definition," n.d., p. 1). According to Knowles (1980),
References: Duggan, T. (n.d.). The disadvantages of training agreements. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_6075915_disadvantages-training-agreements.html Guidelines for writing. (n.d.). In Learning contract guidelines [PDF]. Retrieved from https://dsacms.tamu.edu/sites/sllo.tamu.edu/files/LearningContractGuidelines.pdf Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education from pedagogy to andragogy. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Cambridge Adult Education. Knowles, M. S. (1986). Using learning contracts (p. 38). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Inc., Publishers. Knowles, M. S., Holton, III, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (1998). Beyond andragogy. In (Ed.), The adult learner (5th ed., pp. 153-183). Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing. Learning contracts. (n.d.). In How to create and use learning contracts [PDF]. Retrieved from http://fcpsteach.org/docs/directions-learning%20contracts.pdf Research learning contracts. (n.d.). In webGuru. Retrieved October 1, 2011, from http://www.webguru.neu.edu/undergraduate-research/structuring-ur-experience/research-learning-contracts Tough, A. (1971, 1979). The adult’s learning projects. Toronto: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.