A typical learning contract as used in higher education is a formal written agreement between the learner and a tutor 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, how that product will be assessed and within what timeframe the learning will take place (Knowles 1975; 1986).

1) What are you going to learn this academic year? (what are the learning outcomes, what is to be learned?)
At the end of this academic year I would like to have a good knowledge on all of the various psychological principles within the module. I would like to further this knowledge of the principles by relating it sports performance. For example, why some athletes succeed and are at the top of their sport, and how much this of this success is related to psychology.

2) What is the best way to achieve those learning outcomes? (activities, strategies, tasks, environmental conditions. Attitude, behaviours)
To succeed in my goals, I need to make sure I attend all time tabled lessons, and be engaged in these lectures and seminars, in addition I need to make sure I complete all tasks set by lectures and complete the reading set. To further my knowledge and understanding I will attempt my own questions and complete additional reading of my own. It is also important for me to take part in as many group tasks as possible, this way I will get other people’s point of view, this will expand my own knowledge.

3) How will your learning and accomplishments being monitored?

After completing work, I will look over it and look for my strengths and weaknesses, this way I can do extra reading on the weaker part of the work. Also there is the online blog, by using the blog and posting my work, it will allow my peers and lectures to see my work and look for improvements, this ensures that my work will keep improving. The blog also will allow me to easily monitor my work as I can easily look at the work I have previously completed. Another way I will monitor my work is looking at the module handbook, this shows me all the tasks I should have done throughout the year, therefore if I complete all the tasks in this handbook I should be up to date in my lectures.

4) What are the roles and responsibilities of those involved in your learning?

When working together all members of the group should contribute, this allows a large variety of opinions to be voiced this will allow us to approach the tasks with various points of view and allowing us to produce the best work we can. It is also important for everyone to feel comfortable enough in that environment so that when they share their opinions they won’t feel as though they’re getting judged. When working in groups it is important for all of the work to be divided evenly, and each person has to complete their task set.

Learning Contract

28/09/2015

DEVELOPING A LEARNING CONTRACT

A typical learning contract as used in higher education is a formal written agreement between the learner and a tutor 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, how that product will be assessed and within what timeframe the learning will take place (Knowles 1975; 1986).

1)      What are you going to learn this academic year? (what are the learning outcomes, what is to be learned?)

By the end of this academic year within psychology, I hope to have learned and understood some of the key concepts and theories within sport and exercise. I would like to have a knowledge of how these factors can influence an individual’s ability within sport on a psychological level, which may then affect their physical performance. Also, to look at how an individual’s personal concept on sport and their performance can have an influence on their experiences in sport and exercise. Followed by being able to relate this understanding to how a coach or team leader can influence and aid the performance and cohesion of their team in order to achieve a greater result, by creating an improved learning environment for them and their members.

2)     What is the best way to achieve those learning outcomes? (activities, strategies, tasks, environmental conditions. Attitude, behaviours)

I believe that the best way for me to achieve these outcomes is to remain open minded to all concepts and theories that we may cover, therefore, being able to take on board different ideas and points of view to widen my understanding. This may include being able to join in discussions within the class or in small groups, allowing me to contribute my own ideas. I also feel that making use of the additional resources and information provided is important to complete further reading outside of the lectures and seminars, as this will allow me to grasp a wider understanding of topics that I may not be familiar with. Both group work and individual work I feel will help me to achieve these outcomes the best that I can.

3)     How will your learning and accomplishments be monitored?

I believe that for group work, the use of the online blog will be a good way for me, my peers that I am working with, and also for my teachers to monitor our work, whilst still allowing us to work independently. I am going to look to regularly reflect upon my own work to note areas of success and areas for improvement, which will hopefully allow each piece of work to be an advance upon the previous. I also believe that monitoring other peers work can be useful in gaining a second opinion on the level of work completed and used to indicate, again, positives and negatives to build upon. I feel that being able to contact my personal tutors will be useful in being able to track my own performance. 

4)     What are the roles and responsibilities of those involved in your learning?

When working as part of a team, I think that it is important for a combined input to be made in order for all members of the group to feel that their work is appreciated, which will also encourage each other to create more of an input – enabling us to produce our best work. I also think that it is important to make each other feel supported within all situations, so that everyone feels confident to voice their opinions, whether this be in class discussions or as part of working on a group project. It is everybody’s duty to take responsibility of the work that they have to complete and I believe that a fair system of dividing up work within a group will allow everyone to remain motivated in the completion of the work.

              28/09/2015

DEVELOPING A LEARNING CONTRACT

A typical learning contract as used in higher education is a formal written agreement between the learner and a tutor 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, how that product will be assessed and within what timeframe the learning will take place (Knowles 1975; 1986).

• What are you going to learn this academic year? (what are the learning outcomes, what is to be learned?)

This academic year I am planning to learn the key concepts and theories that describe and explain why psychology is important in sport, exercise, and physical activity environments. I am hoping to understand how psychological factors can relate performance outcomes, participation frequency, and wellbeing through sport. I want to understand the effects of thoughts, feelings and behaviours on an individual’s attitude to sport.

• What is the best way to achieve those learning outcomes? (activities, strategies, tasks, environmental conditions. Attitude, behaviours)

I feel that the best way for me to achieve these learning outcomes is to make sure that I participate in as many tasks and practical activities as I can in order to expand my knowledge. I should also spend some spare time reading through information that could help me to further expand my knowledge so that I can contribute this knowledge into a work environment or in group projects and tasks. I believe that a work environment for me would be effective if it is a comfortable atmosphere and there are is group tasks with involvement as well as individual work.

• How will your learning and accomplishments being monitored?

As well as the teachers and tutors monitoring my progress, I can monitor myself by regularly reflecting on my work and efforts. I can also check with my tutor and lecturers how I am progressing to make sure I am on track. I will try to get as much feedback as I can from the work that I submit, whether it be individual work or group tasks and activities.

• What are the roles and responsibilities of those involved in your learning?

Everyone should contribute fairly towards helping each other to learn, I would prefer if everyone had a positive attitude towards learning in order to create a positive learning environment. I feel that if everyone helps each other to expand their knowledge, then the work environment would be a lot better.