This chapter discusses issues and challenges encountered in using large-scale data sets to study educational experiences and subsequent outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students. In this chapter, we argue that the linguistic and cultural diversity of Native peoples, coupled with the legal and political ways in which education…

Presents guidelines for creating process models for implementation of student development theory in practice. Describes results of workshop in which professionals created process models for translation of specific theory of their choosing into application in practical circumstances. Includes sample process model created using the guidelines.…

Examined several issues regarding the usefulness of student development theory to professionals and senior level paraprofessionals (n=44) in residence halls. Results suggest that student development theory is used in residence life but raises questions about whether the use of such theory is influenced by organizational norms or is a function of…

Presents common elements of student development theories as a framework for practice. Briefly discusses problems using student development theory in practice, common elements of student development theory and research, and a framework for practice and for research based on those common elements. Gaps between theory and practice are noted, and new…

Describes various learning theories and illustrates their relevance to student affairs. Suggests that student affairs professionals focus on learning theories in order to describe their mission, design new efforts that complement and support academic programs on campus, and provide contexts that maximize student learning opportunities. (SNR)

First year university students are identified and categorized according to their motivations for enrolling in colleges. Characteristics and achievements of students with varying motivations are discussed, and changes in motivation during the first year of college are explored. Students were surveyed in the fall during the first 2 weeks of class to…

Current research and literature--most either psychological or sociological--on the college student is discussed. The monocultural focus of most research and the lack of process models to guide implementation of theory are described. (Author/MLW)

The literature on the development of college students is discussed, and recommendations are offered for developing a course on student development theory and research. The following observations about the literature are considered: (1) the literature on the college student is actually two separate literatures, one focused on outcomes and the other…

Five studies on college students are examined for their variety and meaning, and methodological advances leading to increased knowledge of factors affecting student progress are discussed. Researchers are challenged to overcome barriers to student growth identified in previous research. (Author/MSE)

This report reviews the literature on learning theories and frameworks applicable to instruction of undergraduate college students. An introductory section provides an overview and discusses the importance of learning frameworks. The first half of the volume addresses various theoretical frameworks in detail. These include: motivation theories,…

This Digest of a larger report with the same title examines the application of learning theory to the quality of learning in undergraduate college classrooms. Relevant theories are identified, including theories which address college students' attributions for success or failure, self-efficacy, social constructivism, conscientization, multiple…