A classroom organization plan known as the "open concept" that includes individualized instruction, small and large group instruction, and performance contracting enhances language arts skills.

Opinions of contract grading were received from 51 undergraduate education majors and 28 graduate students majoring in education in Acadia University (Nova Scotia, Canada). Students at both educational levels reacted to contract grading in a clear and decisivly positive manner. They agreed that the grading system and assignments were made clear…

This curriculum package is based upon the use of contracts which allow the student to make some choices and receive immediate, positive reinforcement. Mathematics and language arts are individualized using teacher-made and commercial materials. Activities described present social science, science, health, music, language arts, and safety to…

Papers presented at this conference focus primarily on the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Topics related to critical thinking include metacognition, curriculum development, and teaching strategies in foreign languages; teaching critical reading of literature to develop critical thinking skills; use of guided design in…

This collection of papers describes the role of the public community college in contracting with local Private Industry Councils (PIC) through the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Some papers examine training programs and special assessment and intake projects funded by the JTPA, while others discuss vocational assessment procedures that are…

A model for teaching group dynamics to undergraduate occupational therapy students was developed. The model incorporated adult education methodology in the teaching of group leadership and personal growth. A literature review was undertaken to identify the purpose and components of laboratory education, which was recognized as the preferred method…

This paper examines the subject of "contract teaching", particularly as it relates to the field of instruction for physical education majors. Essentially, contracting for grades includes, "...an agreement between a teacher and a student at the beginning of a course as to the grade the student expects to receive and the amount and quality of work…

Parents of delinquents often display unconstructive behavioral patterns. The effects of behavior contracting with juvenile delinquents in response to these patterns was examined. Delinquent youth (N=72) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) controls, receiving normal court treatment; (2) a Family Contracting (FC) group, diverted…

The goals, services, and administration of North Shore Community College's (NSCC) Center for Alternative Studies (CAS) were the subject of the workshop described in this report, which was conducted by the National Council of Community Services and Continuing Education. After the workshop's agenda is presented, the text is provided of CAS Director…

Included in this package are: a copy of a learning contract between two students; an abstract fulfilling part of the contract objectives; and six papers on the topic of contract education. The goal of the learning contract was to edit and prepare for publication "Working Papers on Contract Education". The credential awarded for satisfactory…

This booklet is one of a series of teacher-written curriculum publications launched by the Bay Area Writing Project, each focusing on a different aspect of the teaching of composition. The purpose of the booklet is to help teachers, parents, and students understand the provisions of contract independent study and how to start an independent study…

Sinclair Community College's (SCC's) Experience Based Education (EBE) program offers an alternative approach to learning which operates outside the time, format, and place constraints imposed by traditional, classroom-based education. After introductory material defining EBE and tracing the increased recognition of adult, lifelong learning…

The effectiveness of a training package for teaching behavioral contractors to conduct initial assessment interviews was evaluated. Verbal responses including professional conduct statements, behavioral assessment questions, and positive process statements were targeted for instruction. Training consisted of written prompts and quizzes, rehearsal,…

Changes in the relative academic achievement of Florida's black and white children over the last 13 years during which desegregation was taking place are investigated. The availability of achievement data for the entire black and white population, along with the 13-year time span between observations are seen as principal advantages. Data show…

Evaluated was a pilot study on the use of behavior modification with 116 delinquent boys (8- to 15-years-old) committed to a residential treatment center. Upon assignment to classes, each S was placed on an individual contract which, when completed, was worth points redeemable for such things as candy and potato chips. Ss were administered the…