Purpose: The primary purpose of this paper is to help you get started on formalizing your personal philosophy about the role of theories and models in student development. Hopefully, as you continue to read and research the many theories and models covered in this course, there are some that are resonating with you both personally and professionally. These are the ones to focus on for your paper. Take these theories and models and personalize them into a formal statement of your philosophy of their application for the purpose of student development.
It is understood that your personal philosophy of student development theory is emerging and not fully developed. I do not expect you write as if you have years of experience with using theory in student services. Each student in the class has varying years of experience in their fields of work. You are only expected to write of your experience as it exists now in light of your new knowledge of student development theory and what you foresee at this point going forward.
Content: You do not have to include every type of theory covered in the course. Focus on selected theories and models that resonate with you. Organize your content in a logical manner that explains your emerging personal philosophy about the role of the selected theories and models in your current or future work in student services and student development. This paper should be your own words expressing your personal philosophy. However, a limited number of direct quotes are fine when helpful in explaining your personal philosophy.
Style/Format: This will be your only project in the course that requires APA style (seventh edition) from start to finish. Each page of the body of the paper (the body is everything except the title page and reference page) should be filled only with sentences and paragraphs. Avoid bullet lists, illustrations, tables, or anything else that takes up space within the margins of the pages other than your full sentences and paragraphs.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
APA style (seventh edition) on all pages
Minimum length: seven full pages
Maximum length: nine full pages
Must have title page and reference page (both pages count toward the seven to nine total pages)
Times New Roman, 12-point
