Abstract

ARACIL-MARCO, A.  and  GALLAR-MARTINEZ, J.. Implementation of a contingency contract in undergraduate students: an experience on the subject ‘Structure and function of the human body’. Educ. méd. [online]. 2008, vol.11, n.4, pp.239-246. ISSN 1575-1813.

Introduction. Academic results of undergraduate students of the subject ‘Structure and function of the human body’ in a Sports Sciences degree, are compared before and after the implementation of a contingency contract. Subjects and methods. A contingency contract was implemented during the academic year 2006-2007. Voluntary participants in the experience were able to obtain various benefits depending on their achievement of academic objectives. Results of this intervention on academic achievement were compared among participants and non-participants, as well as with the previous academic year. Results. 83% of the students participated voluntarily in the experience. Only 13% of them did not reach the minimum objectives to obtain any benefit. Taking together, academic results improved in the year of the intervention compared with the previous year. Over 74% of the participants in the experience passed the subject during the academic year 2006-2007. Similarly, subjective quality perception on the teaching of the subject significantly improved after the implementation of the contingency contract. Conclusions. Contingency contracts seem to be useful instruments to improve academic achievement of undergraduate students.

Keywords : Psychological contract; contingency contract; active learning; generic competences; learning management; academic achievement.

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