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Learning ContractsPattern and Scenario

Michael DerntlRWTH Aachen University, Germanyderntl@dbis.rwth-aachen.de

Workshop Theory and Practice of Design for LearningOnline Educa 2011, Nov. 30, Berlin, Germanyhttp://ld-grid.org

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Intent and Motivation

Let teams/learners propose topics they want to elaborate and sign contracts defining learning outcomes and expected contributions for each team/participant.

Motivation:– allow learners to define and follow their own learning paths and

objectives (within a given frame)– allow learners to explore and elaborate areas of interest in an active,

self-directed way– provide learners with a substantial degree of both security and

responsibility. – signed agreements about desired learning outcomes (alternative form

of evaluation)– Further deeper interest/knowledge in a special application/context of

the course's subject matter

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Solution

• Provision of background material• Provision of shared (virtual) workspace• Contract proposal, negotiation and approval• Provision of tutor support• Optional work in progress inspection(s)• Sharing of contract outcomes• Self and peer assessment

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Activity flow

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Scenario: “Exam or Contract”

Context: – Course about an applied subject– Online workspace incl. CMC tools available– Tutors to support the learners via CMC

Scenario:– Set of initial theory lectures; then choice for learners:

• Classic assignments & exam at the end of the course OR• Participate in a learning contract scenario

– Exam path:• Set of predefined individual assignments (graded by tutors)• Final written exam

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Scenario: Interactive lecture• Learning contract path:

– Instructor publishes contract template + instructions (online)– Learners gather in teams of four and propose a learning contract

• Set of objectives/outcomes + work plan• Approval by instructor (f2f or online)

– Teams work on their stuff…– There is a mid-term inspection with each team (by instructor and tutors; f2f)

• Basic understanding of the theory• Fulfilling the mid-term objectives defined in the contract

– Teams work on their stuff…– Each team presents their finished work in a presentation session at the end of

the course (f2f)– Each learner

• Chooses one other team for peer assessment (online)• Provides a written self assessement (online)

– Instructor checks achievement of objectives defined in the contract and assigns individual grades