Student Development in College: Theory, Research, and Practice

by Nancy J. Evans, Deanna S. Forney, Florence M. Guido

This sweeping resource gathers together in one volume the diverse body of theory informing our understanding of students' intellectual, cognitive, social, moral, and identity development during the college years. It critically examines the recent body of theory that reflects the changes, complexity, and diversity of today's campuses with special emphasis on gender and cultural differences in student development.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Grad School, Textbooks, Professional Development, Psychology, School

368 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 1998

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great anthology of student development theories for the student affairs professional including the nuances and applications of theories in higher educational settings. The go to book to have on your student affairs bookshelf!

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was required reading for a graduate-level course I took this summer. It appears to that it is the de facto primer for development theory that either focuses on college students or covers the ages during which a person would be in college.

I found the book to be very informative and I might have burned through an entire highlighter while reading and not just because it is a thick book. It is fascinating to see how much of the research is recent (less than 10 years). As a result of reading this text two things are apparent to me, that this specific time in a person's life has yet to be studied in great depth and breadth and that most truly inclusive research is relatively recent.

The text is an excellent introduction for two reasons. The first is that it is meticulously documented so a reader that finds a topic of interest can quickly find the original works that are being referenced. Fair warning that it is helpful to have access to university-level access to books and journals if you wish to pursue such topics. The second is that each section that reviews a topic provides critical review and recommendations for future research so the reader is exposed to not only the theory but to some high-level thought about shortcomings or further needs.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with college-age people if you wish to learn more about how they may be thinking, developing and functioning. Our class professor regularly reminded us that it should be the mission of university employees, especially those that are student-facing, to help students become better versions of themselves and that requires that we learn about who they are and what they are going through.

“I learned this from Jesuit priests in Ireland: if you want to teach Latin to Johnny, you have to know Latin and you have to know Johnny” - Istvan Balyi

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for HEA 502 A Survey of College Student Development Theory as part of the MA in Higher Education Administration curriculum at Stony Brook University, School of Professional Development.

This course examines the major theoretical constructs that inform practitioners who work with college students. Topics will include moral and ethical development, emotional maturation and identity formation, as well as the link between student persistence and involvement. Students will gain an understanding of psychosocial/affective, cognitive, typological and person/ environment interaction theories.

Course Goals:

- Examine major student development theories and their impact on the design of educational practices and policies on college campuses.
- Analyze major student development theories and their applicability in the lives and experiences of contemporary college students.
- Demonstrate an understanding of course content through written assignments, class discussions, and group activities.
- Develop critical thinking and writing skills through the analysis of selected readings and case studies.
- Interpret and apply theoretical concepts of student development through personal reflection and analysis.

ACPA and NASPA Professional Competencies:

- Advising and Supporting
- Student Learning and Development

[Elora Orazio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be a staple on every student affairs practitioner's shelf. It introduces a wide array of development theories in accessible terms. By learning about these theories, we can better understand why we make certain programmatic choices; we can develop a shared language to discuss college students; and we may be provided the opportunity to reflect on our own college experiences.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit pedantic at first, but overall it provides a good survey of developmental theories as they relate to college students and the practitioners that work with them. Does a good job of identifying areas that critically lack research, as well as useful critiques of the theories and future directions.

[Carm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly go back to this book constantly when it comes to supporting the development of college students. We spent an entire semester focused on each student development theory and I am very thankful for that experience. When I interact with colleagues who were not afforded the in depth look into student development theory, it is clear in the vast differences our work reflects.

[Tishy Wishy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful theories on student identity development.

[Sundus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for overview!

[Carrie Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to read

[Sayed]

it is one of the greatest book you have to read. It tells you about student development theories and make you more awared about student in general as a whole. i highly recommend this book to everyone works in student development

[Kevin Altman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical and a key to any higher educational administrative or teaching professional's career. This book guided me through counseling students and provided multiple lenses through which to approach students.

[Stefan Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, but poorly written in my opinion. The writers obviously felt very strongly about certain issues and kept pushing them relentlessly throughout the book. Not what I expect from a textbook on student affairs.

[Dayspring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this one for a class. Basically it's a summary and analysis of major sdtudent development theories. A good resource for those interested in such things...

[Richelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of major college development theories. Not too painful to read, but doesn't address a lot of deeper issues regarding current issues and problems.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself returning to this book over and over again to review the essential student development theories.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required textbook for graduate class. Great for university level academic advisors.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my Student Development Theory course in Fall 2010.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent overview of theories in higher ed.

[Peter Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this unless you have to, and then I guess it's kind of important.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank goodness it's over.

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this as a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I was really impressed with the changes in this edition and felt it was accessible without losing complexity.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as textbooks go, this is one of the good ones.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh grad school. You will definitely learn a lot from this book.

[Mills College Library]

378.198 S93315 2010