Student Development Theory

Agenda

History Chickering’s Psychosocial Theory of Student

Development Perry’s Cognitive Theory of Student

Development Theory of Moral Development

Kohlberg Gilligan

History of Student Development Theory

The first 300 years: 17th century-”in loco parentis”

Character development Average age 14 years

The Student Services Movement Late 19th-early 20th century Development of the field of Psychology Provide services to students:

Remedial services Counseling Programs to supplement academics

The Student Development Movement Middle of 20th century-Present Student activism Developing psychological and sociological

theories: Theories of human growth Theories of environmental influences

The Student Development Movement1. Look at the whole student.

2. Each student is unique.

3. The total environment is educational.

4. The total environment helps the student achieve full development.

5. The student has the major responsibility for his/her own development.

Arthur W. Chickering:The Vector Theory

Based on Erikson’s adolescence stage of identity vs. identity/role confusion

Seven vectors along which college students develop: Tasks of identity resolution

Seven Vectors

1. Developing Competence

2. Managing Emotions

3. Developing Autonomy

4. Establishing Identity

5. Interpersonal Relationships

6. Developing Purpose

7. Developing Integrity

Developing Competence

Intellectual Competence Physical and Manual Competence Social/Interpersonal competence

Managing Emotions

Awareness of one’s feelings Being able to handle feelings

Developing Autonomy

Emotionally independent Self-Regulation Make plans for goals Solve own problems Identify resources Systematic problem solving methods Recognize interdependence

Establish Identity Integrate one’s experience Realistic and stable self-image Experimentation in relationships Experimentation in purpose Experimentation in integrity Aware of one’s preferences in experiences

Interpersonal Relationships

Tolerance of differences Capacity for mature intimate relationships Empathy

Develop Purpose

Clarify interests Clarify educational and career options Clarify lifestyle preferences Have an integrated identity

Develop Integrity

Define one’s values Awareness of relativity of values Have personal code of values to guide

behavior. Behavior congruent with beliefs and values Post-conventional level of morality

Cognitive Theory of Student Development:William Perry Based on Piaget’s cognitive theory of

development Steps students move through from a

simplistic view of the world to a mature view of the world Cognitive conflict motivates progression to

maturity

Level 1: Dualism There are right and wrong answers and experts

know the answers.

***High degree of structure

***Personal atmosphere in classroom

***Experiential Learning

***Analysis of conflicting viewpoints

Level 2: Relativism

Knowledge is uncertain. Some answers are not always right.

.***Less structure

***Personal atmosphere in classroom

***Diverse Content

Level 3: Commitment Nothing works in all circumstances or is

always right. Search for new knowledge.

Moral Development Theory

Lawrence Kohlberg Carol Gilligan

Lawrence KohlbergMoral Development

Stages:

1. Preconventional (before 9) Focus on rewards and punishments

2. Conventional (early adolescence) Rules are the rules, conform

3. Postconventional

Universal issues of ethics, morality, justice, fair play, abstract & ethical principles

Gender Differences

Women = Care Focus

Women prefer social groups.

Women concerned with care and response to need.

Men = Justice Focus

Men prefer the individual.

Men are concerned with equality, reciprocity, justice, and rights.

Carol Gilligan

Adolescence: Girls are more

concerned with relationships

Girls develop their identities through their relationships

Girls develop their identities while engaged in close relationships

Levels of Moral Development:

1. Individual Survival1. Follow rules for rewards

Avoid punishment Self-Sacrifice

1. Meet needs of others

Sacrifice own needs

1. Equality1. Everyone’s needs met

Sacrifices shared equally

Activity

Examine your tutoring lab and see what applies to the theories.

In what ways can you improve the lab to address the factors in the theories?