Empowering Students Through Learning Contracts: Giving Agency to Their Education

Introduction

It’s the beginning of the school year… already! In light of that, I want to look at one way to get off to a great start with students: learning contracts and how they can give students the agency to take charge of their own education. In the classroom, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that learning contracts can have on student motivation and learning outcomes.

Let’s dive in and explore the benefits of using learning contracts in the classroom.

The Power of Learning Contracts

Learning contracts are a powerful tool that allows students to actively participate in shaping their learning experiences. By collaboratively creating a contract, students have a say in what and how they learn, making the learning process more meaningful and relevant to their own interests and goals.

One of the key benefits of using learning contracts is that they give students agency over their education. Rather than simply following a predetermined curriculum, students are empowered to explore areas of interest, set personal goals, and take ownership of their learning journey. This sense of agency fosters a greater sense of motivation and engagement as students feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their own education.

Benefits of Learning Contracts:

1. Personalized Learning: Learning contracts allow students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and interests. This personalized approach ensures that students are actively engaged and invested in their learning, resulting in deeper understanding and retention of the material.

2. Goal Setting: By setting goals within the learning contract, students develop essential skills in self-reflection and self-assessment. They learn to set realistic and achievable goals, track their progress, and celebrate their successes along the way. This process not only enhances their academic growth but also promotes a growth mindset and lifelong learning habits.

3. Autonomy and Responsibility: Learning contracts promote a sense of autonomy and responsibility in students. They learn to make informed choices, manage their time effectively, and take ownership of their learning. This fosters essential skills for academic and personal success as students develop the ability to plan, prioritize, and persevere in the face of challenges.

A Sample Learning Contract

Here is a sample learning contract that teachers can use as a starting point:

Instructions:
In this worksheet, you will create a learning contract for a student. A learning contract is a personalized agreement between a student and their teacher that outlines the student’s goals, expectations, and strategies for achieving academic success. Use the following prompts to guide you in creating a comprehensive and engaging learning contract.

Part 1: Personal Information

Student’s Name: _________________

Grade/Class: ____________________

Teacher’s Name: _________________

Part 2: Academic Goals
Think about your academic goals for this semester. Write down at least three specific goals you want to achieve in English class.

1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3.  _________________________

Part 3: Strategies for Success
Identify three strategies or habits you plan to adopt to help you achieve your academic goals. Explain why you think these strategies will be effective.

Strategy 1: ______________________
Explanation: ____________________

Strategy 2: ______________________
Explanation: ____________________

Strategy 3: ______________________
Explanation: ____________________

Part 4: Expectations and Responsibilities
Consider what you expect from your teacher and what responsibilities you are willing to take on as a student. Complete the following statements.

Expectations:
1. I expect my teacher to… ____________________________
2. I expect my teacher to… ____________________________
3. I expect my teacher to… ____________________________

Responsibilities:
1. As a student, I will… _____________________________
2. As a student, I will… _____________________________
3. As a student, I will… ____________________________

Part 5: Reflection and Evaluation
After completing this learning contract, reflect on what you have learned and evaluate the importance of setting goals and creating a plan for success.

1. What did you learn from creating this learning contract?
_____________________________

2. Why is it important to set goals and create a plan for success?
_____________________________

3. How do you think this learning contract will help you achieve your academic goals?
_____________________________

Once you have completed the worksheet, review your learning contract with your teacher and discuss any necessary adjustments or additions to ensure its effectiveness. Remember, this is just a starting point. Encourage students to actively participate in the creation of their learning contract, allowing for flexibility and customization based on their individual needs and interests.

**This contract was created using the worksheet generator at https://educatorcompanion.com