The Learning Reconsidered document addresses the need for higher education institutions to utilize all available resources in order to provide a quality form of education and professional development for students. This document discusses past teaching theories and how changes must be made in order to meet the various different learning styles of today’s college students. The current population in American universities is becoming increasingly diverse, and educators and student affair organizations must meet the professional and educational needs of all pupils. This article is heavily focused on the “student experience” and suggests that endless developmental opportunities be provided for students. Student affair organizations must be willing to use all provided resources in order to evaluate and understand the academic, socio and economic needs of students. The article suggests a transformative educational system in which the student is the focus of the learning experience. Learning Reconsidered aims to challenge current conventional teaching/learning styles and suggests innovative methods to fully support the growth of students.
Higher education is a constantly transforming in regards to policies, student diversity and technological advances. In the past attending college was a permanent activity without any other responsibilities or obligations. Current student populations are more diverse than ever and include families, full-time workers, single mothers and minorities. This varying population requires more effort and assessment on the part of universities to educate the whole student no matter age, race or gender.
Student affair organizations are extremely crucial to the professional development of college students. All institutions must provide developmental programs that nurture the learning and progression of students. These organizations must seek to improve the process of learning, and it requires them to use any and all resources. Providing out-of-classroom experiences is the ideal way for students to develop professionally. Student affairs must incorporate programs that reach out to the needs of students. Assistance with financial aid, resume writing, career services, cultural events are a few examples of the resources institutions should employ.
All American universities must be held accountable to the highest standards of student learning and professional development. This article argues that transformative education be made available and accessible to all individuals studying at a higher education institution in the U.S. The “traditional” college student does not exist anymore, and more women, minority students and economically disadvantaged individuals now have access to higher education. A transformative liberal education mandates the deployment of all resources and developing the student as a whole. American universities must utilize all of their available resources in order to fully prepare students to be well educated, responsible and successful citizens. In order to achieve this goal, institutions must analyze our current theories about teaching/learning and how we utilize and manage student affair resources.
The Learning Reconsidered document concludes that traditional teaching methods currently practiced in higher education institutions must adapt to changing times. Programs and curriculums should be based and focused on the development and progression of students as a whole. The document suggests that comprehensive learning be achieved through a transformative model. According to the article a transformative education will better meet the needs of students and prepare them to be successful global citizens in the future. The collaboration between faculty and student affair organizations must be a priority for universities nationwide. Higher education institutions must be willing to utilize all their resources for the overall professional development of students and their university.
You can find the full pdf version of the Learning Reconsidered document here: http://www.myacpa.org/pub/documents/learningreconsidered.pdf
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