Student Development in the First College Year provides a detailed overview of some of the most commonly referenced theories of learning and development in the college years. What sets this primer apart from other treatments of student development theory is its careful attention to the first college year and the wide range of educational environments in which learning and development take place. The primer includes a discussion of moving from theory to educational practice and strategies for assessing developmental outcomes. Following a foreword (Jerry Pattengale), contents include: (1) Student Development Theory and the First College Year; (2) Psychosocial Theories of Student Development; (3) Theories of Cognitive Development; (4) Models of Student Retention; (5) Applying Theory to Educatorial Practice (Applying Developmental Theory to the Composition Classroom; Applying Developmental Theory to Residential Learning Initiatives (Anna M. McLeod); Applying Developmental Theory to Learning Community Practice (Jean M. Henscheid); (6) Strategies for Assessing Developmental Outcomes; and (7) A Holistic View of Development. References and author information are also included.