A proven way to motivate students and plan effective training.
In the education sector there is a widely expressed view that learning contracts represent a useful and often powerful way of implementing independent or self-directed learning. A learning contract is a formal written agreement between the learner and educator which details what is to be learnt, the resources and strategies available to assist in learning it, what will be produced as evidence of the learning having occurred and how that product will be assessed.
Drawing up and using a learning contract involves the learner in every stage of their training or education. It improves their motivation and responsiveness to the training. It encourages them to take personal responsibility for their development.
There are advantages too, for the trainer or educator. They can use the contract to plan the most effective training for their students. It provides an insight into the trainees point of view, provides useful feedback and an opportunity to measure progress effectively.
These advantages are equally strong in business training, as they are in education. Let's start making more use of learning contracts. Ideally every employee should have one!
