ABSTRACT
Candy, P C (1991) Self-Direction for Lifelong Learning: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco
Knowles’ approach to learning contracts is the key starting point in the
literature. He sets out his views in a number of works, including in particular:
Knowles, M S (1980) The Modern Practice of Adult Education, rev edn, Association Press, Chicago
Knowles, M S (1986) Using Learning Contracts, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco A good coverage of the self-directed learning dimension of learning
contracts is to be found in: Brockett, R and Hiemstra, R (1991) Self Direction in Adult Learning:
Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice, Routledge, London Enthusiastic if uncritical practical guidance to the use of learning
contracts can be found in: Stephenson, J and Laycock, M (eds) (1993) Using Learning Contracts in
Higher Education, Kogan Page, London For critical perspectives, the reader may turn to: Barnett, R (1994) The Limits of Competence, SRHE/Open University Press,
Buckingham Barnett, R (1997) Higher Education: A Critical Business, SRHE/Open
University Press, Buckingham Collins, M (1991) Adult Education as Vocation, Routledge, London Issues of
language and power remain to be adequately discussed in the learning contract literature.
