The Learning Contract Process

The advent of online learning has created a demand for structures to facilitate the construction of knowledge, the formation of learning communities, and the reinforcement of adult learning pedagogies. Therefore, this study investigates the instructional design necessary to develop social, self-directed learning processes in an online course. Educational Leadership master’s students (81 subjects) participated in this three-phase action research study. Self-directed learning tools, learning styles, meta-cognitive approaches, and specialized content framed the virtual, social learning experience. Using scaffolds to assist with an autonomous group learning process was found to be very successful, increasing student satisfaction and overall learning outcomes.