Student Development in Higher Education
Student Development theories provide foundation for higher education and student affairs professions and practices. The theories are applied to help address and understand student needs, design programs, develop policies, create healthy campus climates, and encourage the positive development of students (Patton, Renn, Guido, & Quaye, 2016, p. 7). The use of such theories in this case cannot only encourage student growth, but a successful resolution process.
Perry 's theory of intellectual and ethical development depicts student development through nine positions starting at a place of simplistic interpretation of the world and ultimately developing skills for more complex views due to developed
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Multiplicity
Patton et al. (2016) stated, "Perry characterized multiplicity as honoring diverse views when the right answers are not yet known" (p. 317). During the positions in this concept, students develop the skills to think analytically, using a combination of independent learning, and growing from a new respect for diverse views and peer knowledge. Professionals at William & Mary and the University of Missouri can use facilitated discussions to guide student development into this position of multiplicity and continue to encourage student development. By developing a diverse group to participate in the discussions they can encourage their students ' intellectual development using the fundamental guidance of Perry 's theory ultimately transitioning to the position of relativism.
Relativism
Student transition from multiplicity to relativism is founded in the student’s ability to recognize that there can be legitimacy to disagreements and that, "knowledge is contextually defined, based on evidence and supporting arguments" (Patton et al., 2016, p 317). On the surface students in the relativism positions can appear similar to those in the dualism positions, depicting strong stances and opinions (Patton et al., 2016, p 317). Yet the students who have reached relativistic thinking process have a higher degree of complex evidence and understanding behind their views (Patton et al., 2016, p 317). In the Jefferson case it is important for practitioners to
My passion towards working with students every day has led me to the decision of pursuing a doctoral degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Miami University. I have chosen this program to prepare myself for a future role as a professor or a senior level college administrator. This program will allow me to become more proficient within the students’ educational experience and therefore better engage students in active learning.
This theory has three sections that evolve overtime, as students learn to answer their own questions and/or seek answers. The advisor’s role in learning-centered advising revolves around helping connect the dots, so the student can progress further.
The theories of Howard Gardner and Urie Bronfenbrenner are at the heart of my educational philosophy. I firmly believe in Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, and his perspective that everyone has their own individual learning style. This is important to know, especially when working with children. Understanding how each child learns best and the way they process information provides teachers with a unique viewpoint into each student and allows for opportunities to teach in a way that fosters many benefits for everyone. Using Gardner’s theory as a basis for my teaching, allows me to plan meaningful, curriculum and create a classroom environment that encourages success for each child and their families. Following the ideals of Bronfenbrenner will allow me to see who the child is, and what his or her influences are. Knowing the traditions and culture the child comes from, will give me a better understanding of their life experiences and the belief system of their family.
In bringing together our interviews, along with current research on academic advising in post-secondary institutions, we will consider student dynamics, needs, advisement issues, and potential ways to effectively advise high-ability students.
An American Education has drastically changed over time, and it is widely known that things have changed. Students in their generation and ones prior are acutely aware and morally affected about subjects regarding
Repko starts by addressing the student’s need to reflect on their own way of assessing knowledge and determining truth by introducing, defining and contrasting three different modes of thinking: dualism, relativism, and critical pluralism. Dualistic thinkers tend to view knowledge as objective, and they reject those
The three purposes and missions of higher education are education, research, and public service. The first one to be addressed is education. In his paper, “Goals: The Intended Outcomes of Higher Education,” author Bowen (1977) has stated education is “not only the academic curricula, classes, and laboratories, but also all those influences upon students flowing from association with peers and faculty members and from the many and varied experiences of campus” (p. 24). Educating students is an important mission for higher education, but educating students is not limited to their academics. The mission for higher education involving education can be categorized as cognitive learning, affective development, and practical competence (Bowen, 1977, p. 27). While cognitive learning is based on expanding on students’ knowledge, affective development and practical competence are based on the overall being of the student. The intent of affective development is to help enhance
This paper is separated into two parts that are connected. The first part will cover my beliefs about higher education focusing on my Student Affairs philosophy while integrating theories and work from current or previous successful Student Affairs professionals. The second part will also discuss my beliefs, foundation of my faith, my strengths, my challenges, my beliefs, my values, and my goals.
Pubic schools rarely hold to serving public purposes such as teaching about laws and the constitution and teach their own belief systems surrounding social issues such as “tolerance and diversity” (Koonce, 2015, p. 61). Hess objects to teaching about these ideals since they are too open to interpretation (Koonce, 2015).
student growth can be stunning and exciting. Yet you must always hold the bar high for all
The development of students both inside and outside the classroom can best be nurtured through student affairs. As a student affairs practitioner, and former at risk student, I believe that a student’s engagement
The first two chapters of this book set the background for student development and how theory has evolved over the years. As time passed and college student demographics changed, new ideas and views were developed to understand the ever changing student body. Theorists realized that the college experience was different between demographic groups. Being able to develop student affairs practices and activities that can reach the different student groups is probably the biggest challenge a student affairs professional will tackle. It is said that student development is most achieved by involvement by the students. This means that these activities must be designed to accommodate students from all walks of life.
Successful college experiences revolve around three major areas: the transition, being successful in classes/schoolwork, and involvement. These three areas have been determined from my work in the Housing and Residential Programs Department for the past three years, as this is my first lass focusing on student development theories. The three areas are must all be present in some way, shape, or form in order for success. The first step is the transition from high school to college. This is inclusive of moving away from home, and entering into an entirely different miniature society. Incoming students need to learn to adapt to their new surroundings, develop relationships, and a find their support system. Adaptation is important, for many
Institutions of higher education pride themselves in their ability to educate, serve, and meet the needs of the students in which it serves. This analysis shows collaboration on college/university campuses to foster success among first year students. With higher education today being in a state of dynamic change, it becomes crucial that faculty members recognize that their long time traditional roles have become somewhat non-existent. That is to say that there must be a relinquishing of past ideas and procedures.
Student personnel point of view encompasses the student as a whole. The concept of education is broadened o the student’’s well rounded development- physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually as well as intellectually. (sppv) Student affairs not only emphasize on academic excellence but to shape each individual as a unique human by providing a holistic learning and living environment. Student Affairs professionals play a pivotal role in the development of the students. By applying different theories in student development, they can foster student learning to help them shape their identity. Student affairs staff members must view themselves as educators to refute the belief that learning is held only in the classroom. (contested issue, 29). Learning does not only occur in the classroom but through out of class activities as well. Student affairs staff should talk about student learning and development to enhance the multiplicity of growth areas for students in higher education. These learning and development experiences do not simply happen to students. They happen with their active involvement. There are numerous branches of fields in student affairs that attend to the unique needs of each individual. Residence Director trains Residence assistance to cater to the needs of first year students who are new to the college environment. RA plays a major role of introducing the life of college through building relationships and community to help them develop their sense of