The Use of Learning Contracts as Potential Equity Blueprints in Undergraduate Research Mentorship

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.14.4

Keywords:

undergraduate research, learning contracts, equity-minded teaching, mentorship

Abstract

It is well known that high quality Undergraduate Research (UR) mentoring leads to better outcomes for faculty and students. In recent years, interest in the best practices faculty use for mentoring has increased. One pedagogical tool that has not received a lot of investigation is the use of Learning Contracts (LCs) within undergraduate research and how they might provide an equity-minded lens to this teaching context. We present initial insights from our colleagues on their current use of LCs in UR, as a starting point for thinking about how we can better support UR mentoring in ways that are inclusive to both mentees and mentors.

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Author Biographies

Jill M. McSweeney, Elon University

Jill M. McSweeney (United States) is an assistant director at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, and an assistant professor of wellness in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education at Elon University.

Eric E. Hall, Elon University

Eric E. Hall (United States) is an assistant provost for Scholarship and Creative Activity and professor of exercise science at Elon University.

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A graphic showing the intersection of "students as partners".

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Published

2026-01-22

How to Cite

McSweeney, Jill M., and Eric E. Hall. 2026. “The Use of Learning Contracts As Potential Equity Blueprints in Undergraduate Research Mentorship”. Teaching and Learning Inquiry 14 (January):1–10. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.14.4.

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SoTL in Process