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Alternative Modes of Teaching and Learning

Alternative modes to delivery

Learning Contracts

Definition

The negotiated learning contract is potentially one of the most useful tools available to those interested in promoting flexible approaches to learning. A learning contract is able to address the diverse learning needs of different students and may be designed to suit a variety of purposes both on course and in the workplace. However, contracts need to be carefully introduced and supported and problems can arise if they are used in inflexible ways.
A learning contract is essentially an agreement negotiated between a learner and a staff supervisor to ensure that certain activities will be undertaken in order to achieve a learning goal and that specific evidence will be produced to demonstrate that goal has been reached. In return, formal recognition (typically in the form of academic credit) is given for the work produced.
From the outset, the learner is encouraged to identify his or her own learning needs and to develop learning objectives and strategies consistent with those needs. The main advantage of a contract is that it can be tailored to suit the individual learner.

Anderson, G. and D. Boud, Introducing Learning Contracts: A Flexible Way to Learn. IETI, 1996. 33(4): p. 221 - 227.

Advantages

• Support individualised learning and flexible learning
• Enhance self-reflection, learning to learn and self-management
• Provide learners with clear goals and pathways for achieving these, based on their own learning needs

Disadvantages

• Need to be carefully introduced
• Can be inflexible, i.e. not take account of changes in learner's need and goals
• May devalue collaborative learning
• Are no guarantee in themselves of satisfactory learning outcomes

Resources and References