Learning Pact

For years, the traditional syllabus was defined as a contract. The contract was very clear how students were expected to behave in order to succeed. It did not require us to convey what they should expect from us. A key part of creating a welcoming message for all students is to convey yourself as a partner in their learning. A learning pact cues students that you even though this is an online course, you will be an active participant in their experience. A learning pact tells your students what role you will play in the course, as well as what you will expect from your students.

For every policy or expectation, present a reciprocated action students can expect from you. But first, begin to challenge the language used in campus policies.

Balance Campus Policies with Care

We are focused on eliminating opportunity gaps--through policies and plans developed to address the issues that contribute to these gaps. However, the language used by our institutions carry within it the very harm the policies are designed to address. For example, our campus might have DE policies that authenticate student participation in the first week of the course. Although our campus policies may use deficient, intimidating, unwelcoming messages, we can still encourage success vs scaring or intimidating students

Instead of "Mandatory," begin with, "Plan to succeed"

Instead of "Dropped from the course"..., begin with "I will check in on you if you forget to participate."

Instead of "Rigorous exceptions", begin with, “You really want to look out for X, and here’s a strategy so that it doesn’t happen.”

Instead of "Requirements," begin with, "Tips for success"

Instead of "No Excuses," begin with, "Search for solutions and communicate with me"

Instead of "Your Responsibility," begin with "Confusion is normal. Contact me."

Making A Learning Pact

Here is a sample learning pact that you are welcome to adapt without attribution. Note that #8 in both sections gives students the option to make a suggestion about including something else on each list. When you give students the option to make contributions to your course structure, you signal to them that their input is important. A simple way to do this is to include your pact in the opening module of your course in a Discussion inside your LMS. Simply include the prompt, "Take another look at our pact, which was included in the syllabus I sent you before the course started. In your Reply, indicate that you agree to the pact or make a suggestion about something you would like to see added to it."

What you can expect from me

I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
I will be actively present in your learning.
I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list?

What I will expect from you

You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list?

Try This:

Revisit your traditional syllabus.
Read one of your policies.
Then write our how what actions you will provide to guide them toward meting the expectation.

The learning pact is adapted from the work of Zaretta Hammond, (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Corwin Publishers.

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