This essay advances discussion of the evolution of student development theory as foundational knowledge for student affairs practice and the role theoretical consensus plays in the application of theory to student affairs practice. We located our discussion within the context of student affairs as a low-consensus field and address 2 related…

Europe's knowledge economies need high-level skills, the capacity to innovate and to support democratic societies. In this perspective, the main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relevance of higher education and how this is promoted in various countries in Europe and beyond. The evidence, conclusions and…

Europe's knowledge economies need high-level skills, the capacity to innovate and to support democratic societies. In this perspective, the main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relevance of higher education and how this is promoted in various countries in Europe and beyond. The evidence, conclusions and…

Given that work-based learning (WBL) can -- and should be -- a key driver of student career readiness in these efforts, it is essential that all states have a robust work-based learning continuum of experiences and exposure that spans K-16. WBL is an essential element of career and technical education (CTE), and ExcelinEd's CTE Playbook series…

In order to assess the impact of different college environments on student development and to provide a source of current, readily available information about college students, the American Council on Education (ACE) has undertaken a large-scale program of longitudinal research on the higher educational system. The program will be based primarily…

The 3 papers in this report cover different aspects of a longitudinal research program undertaken by the American Council on Education (ACE) to assess the impact of different college environments on student development. ACE plans to create a comprehensive file of data on students and institutions of higher education which will be updated annually.…

In order to facilitate personal development planning (PDP), the UK higher education sector is committed to introducing progress files. This article explores the experience of one institution in seeking to establish a system of progress files. It identifies the main practical problems in doing this, highlighting the lack of agreement on the skills…

Provides an introduction to data-based interventions in the organizational context. Compares four models of data use and discusses how they pertain to student affairs organizations and to staff training and development. (JAC)

This book, written by three women who have recently completed doctoral degrees, attempts to provide an honest, humorous, and useful guide to the realities of the doctoral dissertation process. Advice is included from students and graduates of both genders, all ages, varied ethnic groups, and many disciplines and universities in diverse parts of…

Describes efforts to move beyond formal education's preoccupation with data accumulation toward the promotion of thinking over memorization. Identifies 10 principles central to history instruction that encourages critical thinking and eight specific skills that history instruction can help develop. Argues that students can both acquire facts and…

The assessment of student progress ("value added") between entering and leaving a college or university is important in any evaluation of an institution's effectiveness. In assessing progress, five propositions are worth noting. First, the assessment should deal with several dimensions of student growth, not knowledge alone. Second,…

A report on a seminar for higher education researchers in which they set forth for inquiry questions whose answers could influence future educational policy. (Editor)

This paper contains the results of a survey of graduates of Boise State University (Idaho) from 1992-93 and 1993-94. The report presents respondents'(N=1,476) answers to three open-ended questions of the survey concerning "what they liked most" about their BSU experience, "the hardest thing they had to do" in order to complete…

Designed specifically for higher education administrators, faculty, and student affairs professionals, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, purposes, practices and uses of assessment, with particular emphasis on student learning and development. Nine chapters present and discuss a series of assessment steps: Chapter 1…

Administering measures of students' ethical orientation at various points in the education of business students would be helpful in determining the affective impact of the curriculum. Procedures for eliminating item bias and maximizing the validity and reliability of such measures are discussed and illustrated through actual data collected in the…