Studentkontraktet : En studie om studenters föreställningar om sin utbildning, sina lärare och varandra

Sammanfattning: This study examines present beliefs and expectations amongst university students which define the higher educational setting in Sweden. These beliefs and expectations can be understood as a Teaching Contract, which refers to a Social Contract between students, instructors, and higher education in general. The Teaching Contract is a part of a larger Educational Contract, that occurs between higher education and society. Furthermore, the study examines how beliefs and expectations concerning special treatment amongst Swedish students can be understood as a manifestation of Academic Entitlement. The current study indicates that Swedish university students give expression to an individualistic paradox. The individualistic paradox consists of an intrinsic conflict, due to a wish that higher education should be available for a large and diverse student population while at the same time, a broadened student population limits the possibility for individual preferences to be met. The intrinsic conflict is assumed to exist within a given group of students, while consequently affecting the Teaching Contract in general. Accordingly, the current study suggests a development of the existing definition of the Teaching Contract by including a Student Contract. Additionally, Academic Entitlement is suggested to be understood as an interpersonal phenomenon that is situationally bound withing a given interaction at a given moment.