Global Learning Contract

Global Learning Contract

Introduction:

The Global Learning Contract provides a broad framework for you to develop an individualized learning plan toward becoming a global citizen. The contract requires that you determine specific learning objectives for this course, methods that you will follow in order to achieve these objectives, and a method of evaluation to know when you have achieved them. You are asked to meet with the course professor to discuss your learning contract. At the conclusion of the course, you will need to submit a reflection on your progress toward achieving your objectives and a revised personal statement on what it means to be a global citizen.

Goals:

This learning contract is to be developed and organized around two primary focus areas: Global Citizenship and Academic Development. The following goals may help guide you in determining your specific learning objectives:

Global Citizenship / Academic Development
· Students evaluate social issues and identify instances and examples of global injustice and disparity. / · Students locate and evaluate information and integrate knowledge from a variety of sources and fields.
· Students examine and respect diverse perspectives and construct an ethic of social service to address global and local issues. / · Students gain knowledge, and exhibit analytical and organizational skills from peer learning and teamwork.
· Students correlate local decisions and actions with global consequences of local behaviors and express their personal and professional responsibility to others. / · Students demonstrate a strong desire to achieve their social and academic goals by fully engaging in activity for the learning outcomes of the activity itself.
· Students recognize their own limitations and abilities to engage successfully in an intercultural encounter. / · Students learn with a sense of purpose and develop self-determination and autonomy by correlating academic goals with their social goals.
· Students engage in or contribute to volunteer work or assistance in global civic organizations. / · Students explore adaptive alternatives when faced with difficulties to achieving their goals.
· Students demonstrate an array of intercultural communication skills. They engage successfully in intercultural encounters.
· Students discuss and interpret world issues and events.
· Students construct their political voice by synthesizing their global knowledge and experiences in the public domain.
· Students will engage in purposeful behaviors that advance a global civic sensitivity.

Learning Objectives:

Identify at least two learning objectives in each of the focus areas: Global Citizenship and Academic Development. Using the attached 3-page form, each learning objective should be developed with five distinct sections, as follows.

1. Learning Objective. Clearly state your specific learning objective. As you determine your objectives, it may be helpful for you to consider how this experience will relate to your past or present studies, what skills you already possess and what new skills you will develop, and how you may change as a result of this experience. Objectives must be realistic, concrete and able to be observed/or measured.

2. Methods. Each learning objective should be accompanied by methods which show how it is to be achieved. If the objective is to acquire knowledge, the methods may include observations, interviews, additional reading, etc. If the objective is to develop a skill, your methods might include simulations, demonstrations, use of video-tapes of performance, etc. If the objective is to enhance self-awareness, keeping a reflection journal could be an effective method. Others could include role playing, discussing critical incidents, attitudinal rating scales, etc.

3. Methods of Evaluation. Determine the method of evaluating whether or not you have achieved your goal. How are you going to know that your learned it (evidence)? How are you going to prove that you learned it (verification)? For example, if your goal is to improve your language skills, perhaps one method of evaluation would be passing a certain proficiency level examination.

4. Resources. What specific resources will you need to complete each objective? This may include learning resources such as required and supplemental readings, a bilingual dictionary, etc.

5. Completion Date. State a realistic completion date for each objective.

Evaluation:

The Global Learning Contract is to be submitted in two phases.

Firstly, consult individually with the course professor within three weeks of the start of the semester. Discuss your specific objectives and how you plan to achieve them. A formal, signed copy of the contract should be submitted to the course professor within one week after this initial meeting. Your professor’s signature is an indication for you to move ahead with the learning contract. Be sure to make a copy for yourself.

Secondly, by the date indicated in the course syllabus, submit the following two components:

1. A reflection on your progress toward each learning objective.

For each objective, briefly describe and analyze your learning experience. Was it possible to act on all of your methods? Did other actions lead to learning relevant to the objectives? You will be evaluated not on whether you’ve achieved your goals, but on your effort toward realizing them. Please also explain any changes made to your learning objectives.

2. A brief assessment of your role as a global citizen.

Reflect on the statement you provided in the Global Learning Contract on what it means to be a global citizen. To what extent do you fit your initial definition, and to what extent have you needed to reevaluate that definition? Attach a one-page revision of your statement on what it means to be a global citizen and assess yourself accordingly.

Global Learning Contract

Student Name:
Course Number & Title:
Primary Major:
Class Year:

1. Please provide a brief explanation of why you enrolled in this course:

2. Please provide a brief overview of what you hope to learn through this course, including the international travel component.

3. Please provide a brief statement of what it means to be a global citizen? What are the most important criteria or characteristics?

Course Professor: Student:

I have met with the student and approve the objectives as indicated on this global learning contract. I agree to be available to meet with the student to discuss his/her progress toward achieving these objectives over the duration of this course. / I concur with and accept the objectives indicated in this global learning contract. I agree to complete all aspects of the contract to the best of my ability and submit a completed contract and required supplementary materials by the specified due date.
Signature Date / Signature Date

Global Citizenship #1:

Learning Goal:
What I want to learn.
Methods:
How I am going to learn it. / Method of Evaluation:
How I am going to show I learned it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Resources:
What I will need to learn it.
Completion Date:
By when will I learn it.

Global Citizenship #2:

Academic Development #1:

Academic Development #2: