Issues surrounding the introduction of formal student contracts |
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| Authors: | Ruth Gaffney‐Rhys Joanna Jones |
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| Institution: | Newport Business School , University of Wales , Newport, NP20 5DA, UK |
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| Abstract: | This paper considers the appropriateness of introducing formal learning agreements in a higher education institution (HEI). It begins by examining the current legal nature of the student/university relationship and the legal status of formal learning agreements. The paper then explores the impact of such agreements on student satisfaction by reviewing the literature pertaining to student satisfaction and discussing the findings from a collaborative inquiry (CI) event, questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews. It also considers the title that such an agreement should bear and the possible content of such an agreement. The conclusion reached, is that a judiciously constructed learning agreement can potentially improve the service that students receive, promote the notion that a student is a member of a community, influence student expectations and thus increase student satisfaction. It is therefore an option that should be carefully considered, particularly as the vast majority of students who responded to the questionnaire distributed as part of the study supported the introduction of learning agreements. |
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| Keywords: | learning agreement student satisfaction expectation contract legal status |
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