NATHAN WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA KARA FRESK, M.Ed. UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding and Using Student Development Theory

Agenda I. Student Development Theory i. Cognitive-Structural Theories a.Category overview b.Perry’s Intellectual Development Scheme c.Recognizing Intellectual Development ii. Psychosocial Theories a.Category overview b.Chickering & Reisser’s Seven Vectors c.Recognizing the Vectors iii. Integrated Theories a.Category overview b.Baxter-Magolda’s Journey Toward Self Authorship c.Recognizing the Journey II. Activity III. Discussion

Student Development Different than growth and change About becoming a more complex individual About increasing differentiation and integration of self

Cognitive Structural Theories Shifts in how an individual makes meaning Not about the content or what the person thinks – about how the person thinks

Intellectual Development Scheme Positions (abridged)  Dualism  Multiplicity  Relativism  Commitment Key Concepts  Dissonance and assimilation v. accommodation  Escape, temporizing, and retreat Perry, W.G. (1999). Forms of ethical and intellectual development in the college years: A scheme. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Student Staff Participants insert pic of desk attendantinsert pic of IM participants Recognizing Intellectual Development

Psychosocial Theories Formation of aspects of self, such as identity or purpose Learning skills or ways of being to successfully navigate life

Seven Vectors Developing Competence Managing Emotions Moving Through Autonomy Toward Interdependence Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships Establishing Identity Developing Purpose Developing Integrity Chickering, A.W., & Reisser, L. (1993). Education and identity (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Student Staff Participants insert outdoor trip pic w/ focus on trip leader insert pic of swimmer Recognizing the Seven Vectors

Integrative Theories Consider both the ways an individual thinks and the content of what the individual is thinking

Journey Toward Self Authorship The Journey  Following external formulas  Crossroads  Becoming author of one’s own life  Internal foundation Being Good Company for the Journey  Validating learner’s capacity to know  Situating learning in the learner’s experience  Mutually constructing meaning Baxter Magolda, M. (2001). Making their own way: Narratives for transforming higher education to promote self-development. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Student Staff Participants insert group fitness pic w/ focus on instructor insert pic of club sport participants Recognizing the Journey

Present to the VP!

Your Challenge  Form groups  Each group member will suggest a program or initiative to address a particular theory  Each group will pick its favorite program to present to the VP (and the rest of the room)  The non-biased judges at the front will pick the most effective program (applause, heckling, and bribery will be considered)  Prizes are on the line!!!

NATHAN WILLIAMS KARA FRESK Thank You!