The area of interest at Teesside is the use of negotiated learning, with particular reference to team projects. A Theoretical Perspective' , Standing Conference on Educational Development Paper no. Some Practical Examples', Standing Conference on Educational Development Paper no. The second year 30 week under-graduate software engineering team projects were split into two modules, each of 13 weeks duration. Each phase of the team project now uses a learning contract to determine the objectives and assessment criteria for the team.
Negotiation covers both process and product.
There are two features of note formative peer assessment is an integral part of the process through a product inspection process negotiation over process enables students to engage in process improvement in a structured fashion These aspects are consistent with our desire to introduce quality management processes into team projects as well as to develop more effective learning skills. Learning contracts covering specification, design and implementation products were introduced initially. These contracts were based on Joel's description for individual projects. This was despite the availability of assessment criteria and guidance documents. If these types of questions were answered in detail the supervisors found themselves directing the project completely.