La didactique des sciences par contrat

Abstract

A course entitled Teaching Science Methodology, in which the contract and the competency-based evaluation were integrated, is described. After completing the first course description, an assessment of the included notions was initiated, in order to check how those notions suited in-service and pre-service teachers. At that time we also looked at the strategy used, with a view to improving the structure of the course. Later we analysed the attitudes of three groups of enrolled students. The tests were designed to measure satisfaction in studying through the contract formula, appreciation of the suggested exercises' learning value, and involvement when committed by contract.

The lectures are now part of a guide: La didactique des sciences par contrat, 3e édition, Librairie de l'Université de Montréal, 1977. We are still using an improved version of the original notes; they appear to serve our "customers" quite well. This is further confirmed by our students who feel that the notes are a great support to them.

In the present article, the management of the course is described, and the requirements for planning and meetings, when using the contract teaching strategy, are explained. Also discussed is the problem of book-keeping, taking into account that the contract concept is based on an individualized program. Even with such increased demands on the lecturer, however, we doubt if we will ever use any other teaching method willingly in the future.