Teacher/Student Learning Contract

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 both embrace human rights and responsibilities, mutual respect and understanding can ensue.

In terms of a relationship with a professor or teacher, what are a student's rights?

Students have a right to expect . . .

Students have a right to expect that, on the first day of class, I will hand them a course syllabus which 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 ]
Students have a right to expect class sessions will start on time and end on time.
Students have a right to expect opportunities to discuss course components (assignments, lectures, presentations, exams) outside of class time
Students have a right to expect constructive feedback on drafts of papers submitted for me to review (if those drafts are submitted well in advance of due dates) [ writing help ]
Students have a right to expect that papers will be graded and returned within two weeks (provided they were turned in on time)
Students have a right to expect re-evaluations of work that they think may have been graded unfairly or improperly.

The teacher's rights: As a professor, I have the right to expect that students will:

I have the right to expect that students will arrive in class on time and prepared
I have the right to expect that students will stay engaged for the entire class period
I have the right to expect that students needing clarification or assistance will ask for it
I have the right to expect that students will turn in assignments on time
I have the right to expect that students will immediately inform me when extenuating circumstances affect his/her attendance [ see syllabi for attendance policies]
I have the right to expect that students will share concerns about the class in time for mid-course adjustments to be made
I have the right to expect that students will follow SNU's code of academic integrity

Human rights and responsibilities of both teacher and student

Classroom etiquette: Our mutual expectations for each other

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

Don't you hate boring lectures?

Let's get started improving grades by learning how to listen to lectures . . . even the boring ones. [ more ]

-- Howard Culbertson.

Afterword

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

Contracts outline the expectations and responsibilities of both the teacher and the student. Having things clearly stated can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes later on.
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 obedience to class rules and procedures.
Contracts often include specific goals or objectives. This goal-setting process can help students understand what is expected of them. Additionally, regular progress monitoring can help identify areas where additional support may be needed.
Involving students in the contract negotiation process can empower them to take ownership of their learning journey. If students have a say in setting goals and expectations, they are more likely to invest in achieving them.
Collaboratively developing a contract can create positive relationships between teachers and students. It demonstrates that both parties are interested in each other's success. That can develop 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 can promote clarity, accountability, goal-setting, empowerment, and relationship-building.