On Equal Terms How to Make the Most of Learning Contracts in Grades 4-9. This item is unavailable.On Equal Terms How to Make the Most of Learning Contracts in Grades 4-9

With thoughtful teacher guidance, children can be trusted to make good choices. So believes Scott Greenwood and in this book he tells why he believes the teacher-student contract is a good thing. A teaching veteran, he has used learning contracts successfully with his own middle school students. Beginning with his first year of teaching, he entered into a contract in which four students "taught" a novel. They led discussions, assigned chapters, chose important vocabulary, wrote the final test, and were responsible for assessment. Most important, they were engaged.

In this unique handbook for middle-level teachers, Greenwood provides the practical wherewithal to implement learning contracts, along with the inspiration and theory to convince us of their value. He takes us into his classroom and explains contracts inside and out:

• how to get started
• how to be smart about organizing and managing
• how to maximize benefits through a flexible approach
• how to respond to students needing extra support.

Get students active and engaged in their learning. Give them a measure of choice and control. Actually gain more power by gradually relinquishing it. Just sign learning contracts—then watch as a new kind of teaching and learning begins.

As an elementary reading specialist, a middle-level teacher of reading and language arts, a secondary English teacher, and self-professed "word junkie," Dr. Scott C. Greenwood has taught a variety of literacy subjects to a diverse audience over the years. He is an assistant professor of literacy at West Chester University.