The Learning Contract is used to specify an individual’s course of study for the area Certification in STEP’s New Program.
A typical path to completing an area Certification will include:
- Verification that STEP prerequisite course requirements are satisfied.
- A personal statement from the individual describing their particular interests and goals in pursuing this individualized and in-depth course of study.
- Based upon the personal statement of the individual, and courses already taken, a reading list will be developed that is mutually agreed upon by STEP and the individual during the first month. A schedule and sequence for completing the readings will also be agreed upon
- As part of an approved Learning Contract, each individual will have their own personal “course” created in Concourse, the Learning Management System used by the University of Notre Dame. This “course” will provide opportunities for asynchronous and synchronous dialogue with the STEP mentor and posting of readings and resources.
- The STEP mentor provides 1-2 hours each month during the Learning Contract to individually discuss in a synchronous format the readings, topic, final paper, and all related areas to the Learning Contract. This may be conducted via phone, online chat (in Concourse), or other suitable means.
- Regular weekly contact will be maintained by the individual and STEP mentor via asynchronous means in Concourse (i.e. Discussions and Mail).
- Each Learning Contract requires a final paper from the individual.
- The paper will be 10-15 pages in length.
- The topic of the paper will be discussed and agreed upon by STEP mentor and the individual during the first few weeks of the Learning Contract. The Topic for the paper should be identified by October 1.
- The thesis statements for the paper will be developed by the individual in collaboration with STEP and approved no later than December 1. The thesis statement should be no more than 30 words in length.
- Any research desired beyond the reading list of the Contract will be assisted by STEP.
- Drafts of the final paper can be submitted at any time for critique and review prior to the final due date of June 1.
Writing resources and other guidance will be provided as part of the “course” for the final paper.
Due
to the great response, we are now taking registrations for the 2011-2012 session.
