Step 6: Add a Learning Pact

A key part of creating a welcoming experience for all students is to convey yourself as a partner in their learning. A learning pact cues students that you even though this is an online course, you will be an active participant in their experience. A learning pact tells your students what role you will play in the course, as well as what you will expect from your students. 

Here is a sample learning pact that you are welcome to adapt without attribution. Note that #8 in both sections gives students the option to make a suggestion about including something else on each list. When you give students the option to make contributions to your course structure, you signal to them that their input is important. A simple way to do this is to include your pact in the opening module of your course in a Canvas Discussion. Simply include the prompt, "Take another look at our pact, which was included in the syllabus I sent you before the course started. In your Reply, indicate that you agree to the pact or make a suggestion about something you would like to see added to it." 

What you can expect from me.

What I will expect from you.
  1. I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
  2. I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
  3. I will be actively present in your learning.
  4. I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
  5. I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
  6. I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
  7. 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.
  8. Is there anything else you would like to add to this list?
  1. You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.
  2. You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
  3. You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
  4. You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
  5. You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.
  6. You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
  7. You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.
  8. Is there anything else you would like to add to this list?

 

Add your pact to your Liquid Syllabus

When you are ready to add your pact to your Liquid Syllabus, follow these simple steps:

  1. Duplicate the heading and text sections of How to get your questions answered.
  2. Drag and drop the duplicated heading and text sections into the desired location.
  3. Change the duplicated heading to, "Our Pact."
  4. Change the duplicated subheadings to:
    • What you can expect from me.
    • What I will expect from you.
  5. Add your pact using a numbered list.

Check your progress

Here is an image that shows what your Our Pact section should look like:

A section titled Our Pact with two columns. Column one includes the subheading, "What you can expect fro me" with a numbered list of eight items. Column two includes a subheading that says, "What I will expect from you" with a numbered list containing eight items.

The learning pact is adapted from the work of Zaretta Hammond, (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Corwin Publishers.