GT+Weekly+Teaching+Strategy+Learning+Contracts

= GT Weekly Teaching Strategy: Learning Contracts = = = // Learning contracts are both a teaching strategy and an assessment tool used to encourage self-directed learning. They are a negotiation between the student and teacher that allows for shared responsibility of the planning and learning experiences. Through learning plan development students begin to take responsibility and control over their own learning. Learning contracts allow students to work at different levels according to their own knowledge. Students are not required to do unnecessary tasks or work on material they have already mastered but rather reach a goal that meets their individual learning needs. // Resources for learning contracts: Bertie Kingore, “Differentiation: Simplified, Realistic, and Effective” Carol Ann Tomlinson, “The Differentiated Classroom” Susan Winebrenner, “Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom” // An example of a learning contract adapted from Susan Winebrenner (1992) // **  __Activities or lessons to complete Date Page/Activity__ __Date__ __Page/Activity__ End of unit 1 test page 14 End of unit 2 test page 26 End of unit 3 test page 37 End of unit 4 test page 44 __ Enrichment options __ __Instructions__: Create your own spelling list of unknown words selected from current reading materials-minimum of 10 __Date__ __Activity__ Create riddles using the words as answers Create analogies with the words Find synonyms and antonyms for the words and write sentences containing all Create an original spelling game Learn the words in a foreign language and teach to other students Your own idea_ Learning Conditions ________________ _______________ Teacher Signature Student Signature
 * A learning contract is…. **
 * based on preassessment
 * a way to differentiate instruction for gifted learners
 * developed along with the learner
 * based on learning tasks that meet the individual needs of the student
 * not a repetition of previously mastered material
 * a binding contract
 * a motivational tool for self-directed learning
 * monitored by the student
 * facilitated by the teacher
 * A learning contract contains…. **
 * specific skills that the student must work on
 * specific activities that the learner will complete
 * specific working conditions that must be adhered to during the contract time
 * consequences both positive and negative for completing or not completing work
 * a timeline for task completion
 * criteria for quality work production
 * signatures of agreement from teacher and student
 * Tips for working with learning contracts **
 * Model expectations
 * Set specified meeting times with students to review contracts
 * Teach students how to monitor their own progress and make them responsible for progress monitoring
 * Allow students to create their own enrichment activities
 * Allow students to go to the library and work on the computer
 * Set a differentiated climate in the classroom so students understand that it is OK for kids to be working on different tasks at different times
 * Give students opportunities to present their work to an audience
 * Provide students with self-assessment opportunities
 * Learning Contract: Spelling
 * No talking/interrupting while the teacher is teaching
 * If the teacher is busy when you need help ask someone else and move on
 * Write down questions you need to ask the teacher and wait for an appropriate time to ask when he/she is not teaching
 * If you need to move around the room or go to the library go quietly
 * Do not bother or disturb other students
 * Complete assignments on time