In this article, the authors discuss how learning contracts can motivate students. "A learning contract is simply a written agreement between teacher and learner in which the learner undertakes to complete mutually agreed upon tasks in a specified amount of time on his or her own initiative" (Greenwood, 2003, p.1). Contracts are designed to…

Inspired by his ability to teach algebra to low-income and mostly African American and Latino urban students--and have them outscore the state averages for high-income and Caucasian students on standardized tests--Kadhir "Raja" Rajagopal, the 2011 California Teacher of the Year, provides you with a model for teaching that unleashes the…

Discusses the use of performance contracts as a means of stimulating student motivation. (JR)

Teachers can motivate students to read by offering choices. Ideas for developing a contract strategy for reading are discussed. Optional activities and contract terms for both average and above average students are suggested. (DF)

Adaptations of and variations on the grade contract system are described with emphasis on individualized instruction, fair evaluation, and learner-oriented classes. The method used is described, and results are assessed. (Author/RM)

Proposes that literacy learning is social, recursive, personal, and idiosyncratic. Suggests that learning contracts orchestrate child centeredness and increase independence. Concludes that contracts connect previously isolated content area with the personal interests and needs of students, and establishes a classroom climate in which students are…

Contract teaching can renew interest and add excitement to a physical education unit or program. Students are motivated by personal attention, independent practice, establishing goals, and tracking their own progress. Samples of a training schedule, task sheet, and unit contract are included for a track and field unit. (IAH)

Some educators are turning to the process of contingency management within a classroom as a short term, immediate motivator which can work for virtually every student, regardless of his/her final grade in the course. Contingency management consists of providing a set of alternatives from which those chosen by the student reward the students in…

A teacher's use of appealing physical education activities to develop other educational skills and to encourage behavior change in learning impaired children is described. The teacher makes up a behavior plan with each child in the homeroom; positive behavior earns breaks, free play, and the right to use gym equipment and to participate in…

This handbook was prepared to guide teachers who are concerned about dealing with the mainstreaming of students classified as disabled. Based on the experiences of Learning Unlimited, an alternative education program at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, the handbook emphasizes that individualized outcomes for students can be…

A learning contract is a document, drawn up by a student and his instructor or advisor that specifies what the student will learn, how this will be accomplished, within what period of time, and what the criteria of evaluation will be. The student and instructor agree upon specific objectives, resources to be used, and feedback sessions.…

In order to determine the effectiveness of using student performance contracts in social science courses, the author chose two sections of the course entitled "The Individual in Modern Society" and two sections of the course entitled "Social Problems" for a controlled experiment. One section of each course used the contract format, whereby…

Discussion of the nature of student-teacher contracts pertaining to academic work to be performed by the student and evaluated by the teacher covers a wide range of related issues in this article. The nature of contracts, evaluation procedures, instructional materials, community attitudes, and the individualization of instruction are commented on…

This report describes a program for decreasing student underachievement. The targeted population consisted of two German classes at the third- and fourth-year levels in a high school in a suburb of a major metropolitan area. Persistent student underachievement was documented through homework percentages, participation percentages, overall grades,…

This illustrated booklet describes aspects of a college Spanish course in which students play an active role in learning and using the language. Methods and materials take account of real-life situations and situations significant to young people. The learning of Spanish through "fine arts" is discussed, that is, learning the language by using the…