Types of Covenants
There are two types of covenants: explicit and implicit. Webster's 1913 Dictionary defines explicit as "Not implied merely, or conveyed by implication; distinctly stated; plain in language; open to the understanding; clear; not obscure or ambiguous; express; unequivocal; as, an explicit declaration." Conversely, it defines implicit as: "Tacitly comprised; fairly to be understood, though not expressed in words; implied; as, an implicit contract or agreement.
- Explicit aspects of a covenant are probably less powerful than the implicit ones.
- New Students usually welcome explicit guidelines, because it helps to understand what is normal in creating a working community.
- In experienced or adult students this understanding may be derived from the student’s own experiences and sense of identity and purpose.
- In an online environment, these “norms” can be posted, just a click away. Also, they can be elaborated continuously with accumulation of experience.
Question for Reflection: Which type of covenant do you feel is more effective? Which would you find more useful? Why do you think the authors state that implicit work better than explicit?