LEARNING CONTRACTS
Students and advisors have also found success in using learning contracts, a plan for accomplishing professional goals. Not only do they provide the objectives, they specify the activities to achieve the goal or outcome, the timeframe for accomplishment, and the evaluation tools to document and confirm learning.
STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH LEARNING CONTRACTS
“My learning contract has been very helpful the past two years, and this year in particular. Writing down concrete yet realistic goals has really helped me commit to these goals and take the necessary steps to see them through. The contracts have provided the infrastructure and accountability I have needed to accomplish these goals. Also, I do not believe that I would have set these specific goals for myself if I had not been involved in the learning contract exercise, but I can learn from the outline of these contracts and implement them in goals that I set throughout my life.”
Student 1, Texas A&M University
“Making my Learning Contract improved my awareness of my performance so far this year. The process of writing it allowed me to take a critical look at defining my specific goals and assessing whether or not I was meeting them or working towards them. It helped me develop a clear vision of what I want to improve upon and the way in which I should best pursue that. I believe that writing my learning contract was a very positive experience that will benefit me and the success of my committee in the future.”
Student 2, Texas A&M University