The perspectives undergirding student development theory have evolved over time, yet few scholars have examined how various paradigms influence a specific developmental theory. In this literature review, I explored how constructivism, social constructionism, critical paradigms, and critical constructivism have shaped the study of self-authorship.…

Describes Robert Kegan's theory of meaning-making--how individuals make sense of knowledge, experience, relationships, and the self. Applies the theory to college students and how their understanding of their experience, themselves, and their relationships with others mediates learning. Draws implications for the design of college curricular…

A new social theory of value must be developed because of the possibility of a world-wide emergency in the face of growing famine and pollution and an accompanying decline of moral values. This theory must have the life of all humanity and the life of our own culture as its ultimate values. (Author/RK)

Presents self organization theory, which explains change in human development and behavior and which views choices and changes as being created in a state of disequilibrium. Includes background in previous developmental theory and in systems theory and explains first- and second-order change within the theory. (Author/KS)

Student development philosophy, based solely on the behavioral sciences and a romantic humanistic philosophy, is not adequate for meeting human needs in contemporary society. The concepts of holism, humanism, pragmatism, and individualism are all part of this student development philosophy but have been distorted. The literature on student…

An original purpose of higher education in the United States was personal development through acculturation to the classics and to moral principles. Other purposes, those of economics, political orientation, and service, have frequently overshadowed that original goal. It may be that higher education institutions have neglected personal…

This paper addresses the developmental stages and issues faced by lesbian and gay college students between the ages of 18 and 25. Over and above the developmental stages faced by all students, lesbian and gay students frequently struggle with their sexual identity and development and the range of problems and emotions associated with coming to…

Reviews research on the influence of the college experience in students' moral development, particularly within the framework of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development. Issues discussed include the amount of principled moral growth occurring during college, how much can be attributed to college attendance, institutional characteristics…

Reflecting on the contributions to individual education that literature study should make, this paper synthesizes some major directions taken by contemporary literary critics, examines the cognitive requirements for real learning, and puts these considerations into perspective as a goal for the teaching of literature. The major theories of…

Asserts that community colleges have a responsibility for all students' developmental growth. Reviews human development theories to support a Grounded Formal Theory Approach (GFTA) to redesigning the college environment to meet adult needs. Outlines the seven-step GFTA process, which comprises developmental and content theory. Provides an example…

Techniques for managing college classroom discussions about cultural diversity and oppression are offered, using a model of social identity development that helps to understand student responses and classroom dynamics. The model posits five stages of social identity development experienced by individuals in both disadvantaged and advantaged…

The role of faculty in student development is considered. The history of the student development movement from the Colonial period to the twentieth century and major student development theories are also reviewed. Important objectives of contemporary student development are identified: to promote students' intellectual and individual development;…