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.