earticle

영어

This case study investigated the effects of learning contracts on learners’ self-directed learning in the area of grammar instruction. The researchers, who invited four middle school students as subjects, implemented 14-week contract learning and assessed its outcome by interviews, class observations, the measurement of domain-specific self-directed learning skills, and a series of grammar tests. The results were as follows. First, students received better scores in the measurement kit assessing the self-directed learning. Second, contract learning help learners achieve learning goals. At the beginning of contract learning, the learners showed a negative reaction to signing a contract. Their perception of the contract, however, changed due to the rewards for learning and due to the internal motivation for learning achievements. Third, researcher’s observations and interviews enlightened that contract learning was likely to improve learners’ grammar skills. This study demonstrated that contract learning is an appropriate tool for learners to develop the capabilities to plan and carry out their own learning by improving their self-directed learning skills.