Student Contributor: D. Peterson
The contingency contract is an agreement between the student and teacher which states academic goals as well as behavioral goals for the student. Students are reinforced with rewards or praise when they have followed proper behaviors or are asked to revisit and review their contract when they are not representing appropriate behavior. Each person(s) involved in the contract will also sign their contract to show student involvement and understanding of their procedures.
Contingency Contracts are best used when a student’s misbehavior or situation requires re-direction. The teacher’s role is very important in this phase, rather than scolding or raising your voice at the student, quietly pull them away after instruction and ask them about their contingency contract and what they think they are doing that doesn’t reflect their contract. Work together to find ways to identify this behavior with the student and ways they can overcome the behavior. It is important to guide the student rather than punish them because it helps the student understand what they are doing wrong and identify why it goes against their agreement. This is a valuable learning lesson that doesn’t involve either side of the situation to become frustrated or angry.
The contingency contract is found under the corrective phase of management because it reinforces correct behavior to a student who is not following their contracts with the teacher. Once a student has broken their contract a teacher will quietly bring them over and ask why they are not following their contract. It’s a great tool for students to identify what they have done and ways to get back on track. The contract also reflects student directed and collaborative theories of influence because the contract is developed through mutual negotiation between the teacher and student. If a student happens to misbehave they are re-directed to their contract to give them an opportunity to identify their problem and a way to overcome it. It’s up to the student to behave and when introduced with the contingency contract, they have a sense of responsibility upholding their end of the bargain.
More Information –
Tool Source: This idea was introduced to me by class readings and discussions.
https://www.education.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ContingencyContracts.pdf
