Student Learning and Development
The competency of Student Learning and Development is surrounded in applying student development theory towards my practice and the students that I am working with. Within my internship site I have been able to create and foster some fabulous students. Through what I have learned within the classroom, I have been able to apply that learning to the students that I have interacted with.
One way that I have been able to use theory to inform my practice has been through the several student organization trainings that I have facilitated. As new student organizations emerge and transition leadership positions, I have been able to create and adapt organization trainings to best serve the needs of the students. While the student organization training does not implement many theories, I have strived to achieve the outcome of “teach, train, and practice in such a way that utilizes the assessment of learning outcomes to inform future practice” (ACPA & NASPA 2015, p. 32). After student organization training, I was able to create an assessment of that training, allowing organizations to have input as to the direction of further trainings. From those assessments, the future trainings have been informed on the different ways of communication and variety of topics that the students observed and wished for.
Another way that I have been developing my competency level of Student Learning and Development has been in my current practicum role. As the practicum student for the Office of Residence Life, I have been working on resident assistant training and how to improve upon current trainings. Currently there is a lack of discussion facing triggers and crisis counseling. My work in my practicum is guided by the advanced outcome of “build and support inclusive, socially-just, and welcoming campus communities that promote deep learning and foster student success” (ACPA & NASPA 2015, p. 32). As I work within the Office of Residence Life, I strive to move current programs in a new direction so that the residential students can feel safe in their community, through their resident assistants’ abilities to create inclusive environments.
