Student Affairs as a Low-Consensus Field and the Evolution of Student Development Theory as Foundational Knowledge

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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of college student development 2019-11, Vol.60 (6), p.645-658
Main Authors: Torres, Vasti, Jones, Susan R, Renn, Kristen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College campuses
College Students
Critical theory
Data Collection
Decision Making
Degree Requirements
Educational Policy
Educational Practices
Educational Theories
Higher Education
Knowledge
Learning
Policy Formation
Qualitative research
Research methodology
Sociology
Student Development
Student Personnel Services
Theory
Theory Practice Relationship
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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 dynamics. First, we examined the influence lack of consensus has on student affairs practice, and second, we present tensions related to the emergence of new student development theories and their role in practice.
ISSN:0897-5264
1543-3382
1543-3382
DOI:10.1353/csd.2019.0060