Arthur Chickering's Seven Vectors

As an aspiring counselor having the knowledge of theories will be a useful tool to assist and serve students in their developmental journey. Student development theories allow educators to get a sense of where students stand in terms of their development as a person. It is important to realize that every student is unique and possess their own strengths. And as educators, it is also to crucial meet the student where they are and be engaging in developing the whole person. Using a holistic approach that takes into account their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. One well-known student development theory is Chickering’s Seven Vectors (1969) Arthur Chickering 's Seven Vectors theorize that students must go through certain tasks in the process of developing their identity. The vectors are 1. Developing competence 2. Managing emotions 3. Moving through autonomy toward independence 4. Developing mature interpersonal relationships 5. Establishing

As an aspiring counselor, I have learned not to force students to share more than what the student feels comfortable sharing. Additionally, I work mostly with first generation freshman college students who are experiencing a transition period. Therefore, it is a transition period where students are embarking on a developmental journey as they began college. For example, I have used Chickering’s theory and vectors (1969) as a guideline to addressing student’s needs. It allows me to conceptualize the student’s situation and assist them in their development. One student in particular that I used this theory with was unsure of what he wanted to major in and relied heavily on his mother for every decision he makes. One of my goals while working with the student was helping him develop a purpose (vector six) as well as assisting him to more independent (vector