Group Contract

In my class, each time a new group project is begun, the students must write up a group contract based on a set of guidelines provided by the teacher. The groups are different each time and since he does a group project each 9 weeks then this is a really good idea. This way the students get to work with different students of different ability levels each time and they all have an equal chance at succeeding. The group contract is a great tool that helps the students keep focused on the goal (the final product) and helps them to make sure that each student in their group is doing their job. I think that by allowing the students to have some control in the classroom and in their groups allows for better learning and behavior. I've sent a copy of the groups contract rule to Dr. Cartwright and she's going to try and make a copy for everyone and post it on the Blackboard thing. But I'm going to attempt to attach it here.

Group Contract Requirements
Each group must have the following clauses in their contract:
1. Attendance
a. How will you keep team members informed when they are absent?
b. How will you ensure that your team members will be in class each day?
c. How will you ensure that your team members will be on time each day?
d. What are the consequences when a group member misses class?
e. What are the consequences if a group member misses a presentation?
2. Member Dismissal
a. Under what circumstances will you fire a member from your group?
b. How will your group decide if a member should be fired?
c. Firing is a last resort. What steps will you take to prevent the situation

from reaching this point?
3. Work Division
a. What process will you use to assign tasks to group members?
b. How will you keep each member accountable for what is on their task list?
4. Leadership
a. How will you designate a team leader?
b. How will you reach consensus on who gets the leadership bonus?
5. Contact
a. What contact information will you require of each other?
b. Provide outside of school contact information --- phone number, outside email,
and any other important information
6. Communication
a. When and how often will your team members contact each other?
**Contracts must be signed by all group members**