Learning Through Peer Helping Learning About Learning: Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners February 20, 2007 Dr. Debbie Nifakis Laurie Barlow
Outline 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Introductions and Question Box Our Experiences Student Development Theory Peer Helper Program How does all this apply to the learning commons?
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
2
Student Development Equation*
B = f (PxE) Behaviour (learning) is a function of the person interacting with their environment * The following material on Student Development Theory (unless otherwise referenced) was taken from Dr. Peggy Patterson’s presentation at Canadian Institute of Student Affairs and Services, May 2005. "Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
3
So, What is Student Development Theory?
There is no one theory
It is a set or family of theories that attempt to describe the developmental process of students while at university
These theories help educators in what they do and how they do it
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
4
Student Development Theories focus on: 1. 2. 3.
4.
Human growth Environmental influences What we can do to provide environments which promote student learning and development How to develop educational programmes, opportunities and activities that stimulate self-awareness, develop skills and build knowledge
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
5
Some Basic Assumptions*
The individual student must be considered as a whole person
Each student is a unique person and must be treated as such
*Taken from the University of Calgary, Student and Academic Services website: http://www.ucalgary/sas/sas_site/student_dev.html
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
6
The student’s total environment is educational and must be used to help the student achieve full developmental potential
The major responsibilities for a student’s personal and social development rests with the student and his/her personal resources
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
7
Why is Student Development Theory Important for us?
Useful for observing, describing and investigating student characteristics and identifying patterns of thinking , feeling, knowing and behaving Useful for suggesting strategies to promote student learning and for understanding and managing change Useful in predicting and assessing the impact of programmes
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
8
Useful for encouraging and generating discussion, research and further theory But most importantly, “It should remind professionals of their most important goal: ….(educators) aim to transform lives”. We do this by challenging students and supporting their intellectual and personal development
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
9
Knowing the theory helps us to better examine how we challenge and support and determine how we might do it more effectively
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
10
A Little Bit of History
Initial research into student development began in the 1970’s with researchers such as William Perry and Arthur Chickering In the 80’s and 90’s researchers such as Carol Gilligan and Mary Field Belenky introduced the experience of women Currently scholars and researchers are looking at cultural diversity
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
11
The Four Families of Student Development Theory 1. 2. 3. 4.
Cognitive structural theories Psychosocial Theories Person-environment Interactive Theories Humanistic-Existential Theories
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
12
Cognitive Structural Theories
William Perry’s Theory See appendix A Dualism Modified (positions 1 - 3) In the early position, students order their worlds in dualistic, dichotomous and absolute categories Knowledge is presumed to be absolute and known to authorities "Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
14
Relativism Discovered (positions 4 – 6) Recognition of multiplicity in the worldleads to understanding that ‘knowledge is contextual and relative’. Analytical thinking skills emerge…
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
15
Commitments in Relativism Developed (positions 7 – 9) … commitments are made to ideas, to values, to behaviours, to other people…
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
16
Psychosocial Development Theories See chart at end of handout
Chickering’s Theory of Psychological Development: An Organizational Framework
The Seven Vectors
Vector 1: Achieving Competence
Intellectual competence for academic success Physical and manual skills for manipulating the environment Social and interpersonal competence for relating to others
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
19
Vector 2: Managing Emotions
Resolution of child-parent (authority) relationships Learning to manage emotions Adjusting to one’s increasing sex impulses
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
20
Vector 3: Moving Through Autonomy Toward Interdependence
Using well adapted coping behaviours Reducing dependency upon others Instrumental autonomy (becoming selfsufficient and goal directed)
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
21
Vector 4: Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships
Learning tolerance for a wider range of persons and their beliefs Developing mature interpersonal relationships with peers Establishing the capacity for intimacy
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
22
Vector 5: Establishing Identity
Clarifying personal values Solidifying a sexual identity Selecting an ethical and moral position for oneself Answering the questions, “Who am I?” and “Where am I going?”
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
23
Vector 6: Developing Purpose
Setting appropriate and attainable educational plans Establishing career/vocational plans Determining values Deciding upon a lifestyle to meet one’s personal needs
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
24
Vector 7: Developing Integrity
Deciding upon a personally valid set of beliefs Developing humanizing values Congruence in life between personal values and behaviour Social responsibility
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
25
Major Developmental Experiences 1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
Participating in decision making in both academic and non-academic settings Interacting with those from diverse backgrounds Interacting with diverse ideas Involvement in a variety of experiences Solving complex social and intellectual issues without feeling compelled to conform to current authority Receiving feedback and learning how to make objective self assessments
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
26
Environmental Influences University Environment 1. Clarity and consistency of objectives 2. Size of institution 3. Curriculum, teaching and evaluation 4. Living arrangements 5. Interaction with faculty and administration 6. Friends, groups and student culture "Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
27
Peer Helper Program
Peer Helper Program - History
Established in 1992 Initially consisted of 6 students 2006/07 includes over 50 students in 16 different areas
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
29
Peer Helper Program - Structure
2 Staff Coordinators 1 PHP Coordinator 3 Student Coordinators 20 Supervisors 54 Peer Helpers
TOTAL: 80
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
30
Peer Helper Program - Philosophy
Meaningful skills development Win-Win-Win Model
Win 1 – student seeking help Win 2 – student offering help Win 3 – supervisor/area/department/university
Provides for potential of skills being aligned with future career paths Enhances communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
31
Peer Helper Program - Training
Mandatory March Orientation Mandatory September Training Ongoing Area Specific Training and supervision that begins in early September and continues on a weekly basis throughout the school year
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
32
Peer Helper Program - Supervision
Supervisors meet with Peer Helpers early in their placement so as to identify personal learning objectives and expectations This is revisited at intervals throughout the placement
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
33
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
34
Linking Theory and Practice WHAT (activity, program, issues) will likely be important for a particular population (psychosocial development)? HOW is the (activity, program, issue) best addressed (cognitive development)?
Amount of structure Amount of personal involvement Who is valued as an “authority” (how are peers viewed)… This will affect who delivers the program or activity or deals with the issue.
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
35
