Student Development Theory Essay

Since this problem I am seeking to solve is deriving directly from students, I have chosen to include information about two student development theories. If one can understand the theories and how they explain a student 's thought process, decision making, an often actions, then solutions can be presented with these theories in mind. Student development theories can offer a variety of insights once understood. One can determine where a student has developed their own opinions and values. Student development theories can also help one understand how students change in college, and what impact college has on students. The two theories I have chosen to closer examine for our case include Kolhberg 's (1984) moral development theory and Kegan 's

The theory involved six stages are a hierarchical and sequential (Kohlberg, 1984). Most of the time these stages are related to age or maturity level of the person. Stage 1: Heteronomous, involves decision-making based upon authority and consequences (Kohlberg, 1984). In this stage, children will make decisions based upon what they fear and what repercussions they may suffer from. Stage 2: Individualism, involves decision making based on upon a self-centered model. A person in this stage will make decisions based upon what they view as right for themselves. This person would recognize their own needs, and knows that other people have needs as well, but will still make a decision to benefit themselves (Kohlberg, 1984). Currently the students on our campus are in stage 2, thinking about personal gain. Stage 3: Interpersonal Conformity, involves making a decision based upon what others view as "good" or "right" (Kohlberg, 1984). Someone aspiring to be a good role model, siblings, or friend in this stage would make a decision to please the perceived standards of another person. Stage 4: Social System, involves decision making based upon societal expectations and laws (Kohlberg, 1984). Someone in this