Teacher/Student Learning Contract

TL;DR: This teacher/student learning contract defines the rights and responsibilities of both teachers and students. Clear expectations, mutual respect, honest communication, and shared accountability create a positive classroom where everyone can learn more effectively.

• Improved listening skills can create a productive and respectful learning environment.
• Teachers and students both have the right to expect respectful classroom etiquette, constructive discussions, and the acceptance of diverse points of view.
• When teachers and students recognize each other's rights and fulfill their responsibilities, they help build mutual respect and understanding.

What rights should students expect in their relationship with a professor or teacher?

Students have a right to expect...

1. Students have a right to expect that, on the first day of class, I will provide a course syllabus that clearly states the following:
   • Course objectives ("What are we trying to learn in here?")
   • Assignment descriptions ("What do I have to do to pass?")
   • Specific due dates ("When do I have to have it done?")
   • Grading policies ("How will I be graded?") [course syllabi]
2. Students have a right to expect that class sessions will start and end on time.
3. Students have a right to expect opportunities to discuss course components (assignments, lectures, presentations, exams) outside of class time.
4. Students have a right to expect constructive feedback on drafts of papers submitted for review (if those drafts are submitted well in advance of due dates) [writing help].
5. Students have a right to expect that papers will be graded and returned within two weeks (provided they were turned in on time).
6. Students have a right to expect a review of work they believe was graded unfairly or incorrectly.

The teacher's rights

As a professor, I have the right to expect that students will:

1. Arrive in class on time and prepared.
2. Stay engaged for the entire class period.
3. Ask for clarification or assistance when needed.
4. Turn in assignments on time.
5. Inform me as soon as possible when extenuating circumstances affect their attendance [see syllabi for attendance policies].
6. Share concerns about the class in time for mid-course adjustments to be made.
7. Follow SNU's code of academic integrity.

Shared rights and responsibilities of teachers and students

Classroom etiquette: Our mutual expectations

1. We will listen respectfully to each other.
2. We will not speak while others are talking.
3. When we disagree with someone, we will evaluate that person's ideas in a respectful and constructive manner.
4. When other people's viewpoints are different from ours, we will try to understand them rather than simply criticize them.
5. We will avoid stereotypes and humor that disparage people.
6. We will intervene politely when class members are being disrespectful or unfair to others.

Don't you hate boring lectures?

Improve your grades by learning how to listen effectively to lectures—even the boring ones. [Tips for listening to lectures]

— Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu

Afterword

Teacher/student contracts have value in educational settings for at least five reasons:

1. Contracts outline the expectations and responsibilities of both the teacher and the student. Clearly stated expectations can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes later on.
2. Contracts can be a tool for holding both parties accountable for their roles. Teachers are accountable for providing quality instruction, support, and feedback. Students are accountable for their effort, participation, and following class rules and procedures.
3. When a contract includes specific goals or objectives, the goal-setting process can help students understand what is expected of them. When regular progress monitoring is also included, it can help identify areas where additional support may be needed.
4. When students help develop a contract, they can take greater responsibility for their learning. If students have a say in setting goals and expectations, they are more likely to work toward meeting them.
5. When teachers and students develop a contract together, the process can create positive relationships. It demonstrates that both parties are interested in each other's success, helping build trust and respect within the class.

In short, teacher/student contracts can serve as a tool for cultivating a positive and productive learning environment. They promote clarity, accountability, goal-setting, empowerment, and relationship-building.

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More help for doing well in your studies

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• Documenting sources
• What cheating does to you
• Exam study guides
• Fixing writing problems
• Working in groups
• One bite at a time
• What is a syllabus?
• Writing checklist

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