I have used learning contracts successfully with students in clinical areas. I work with the student first to see their preferred learning style (visual, tactile, etc). I used that style with the student to carve out how a contract would reveal satisfactory and unsatisfactory completion of the contract. During the course of the semester, or the time remaining, we met regularly so the student and i could see progress toward the pathway to the goal. The contract was written for visual learners in a focus on what they would see, and then what they would do and why. It may seem simple, but not all students "hear" instructions well. Some need to see the instructor demonstrate what they expect of them and then do what must be done. Sometimes a peer assisted with videotaping in the learning lab. The playback gave the visual for the visual learner. Hope that helps.
I have used learning contracts successfully with students in clinical areas. I work with the student first to see their preferred learning style (visual, tactile, etc). I used that style with the student to carve out how a contract would reveal satisfactory and unsatisfactory completion of the contract. During the course of the semester, or the time remaining, we met regularly so the student and i could see progress toward the pathway to the goal. The contract was written for visual learners in a focus on what they would see, and then what they would do and why. It may seem simple, but not all students "hear" instructions well. Some need to see the instructor demonstrate what they expect of them and then do what must be done. Sometimes a peer assisted with videotaping in the learning lab. The playback gave the visual for the visual learner. Hope that helps.