What is a Learning Pact?

This is a numbered list of what your students can expect of you and what you will expect of them or a mutually agreed set of expectations. A Learning Pact cues your students that you will be a partner in their learning and begin to break down the hierarchies that are implied in instructor-student relationships. Include the students in creating this learning pact.

Sample Learning Pact

What You Can Expect from Me

I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Orientation module.*

What I will Expect from You

You will strive to be an active participant in this course and aim to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You will treat me and your peers with dignity and respect.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and mistakes are part of learning and growing.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Orientation module.*

Student Voice and Input

*The last element in each list demonstrates a way to include your students in the development of your course learning pact. When students are included in the development of your course, they are more likely to feel validated and start your course from a place of connection. If you include an option like this, a simple strategy is to create a discussion in your course's orientation module (just like we did at the start of this course) that contains the same pact and prompts students to "Reply" with an "I agree to our pact" or a description of an expectation they would like to suggest adding to either column of the pact. If you incorporate this strategy and have students that offer suggestions, be sure to reply to them and incorporate agreed-upon suggestions into the pact.

Content taken from @ONE Equity and Culturally Responsive Teaching Course