In over Our Heads: Applying Kegan's Theory of Development to Community College Students

Abstract

Kegan's constructive-develomental theory builds on the work of Piaget, Erickson, Kohlberg, and Perry to conceptualize the process of human development from infancy through adulthood. Kegan emphasizes the period of adolescence onward, encompassing the ages of community college students. The authors outline the basic concepts of Kegan's theory, particularly as it applies to education. Based on their teaching experiences, they illustrate how Kegan's theory can be used by instructors to understand the dynamics of the community college classroom using entries from student journals. The illustration provided can be used by instructors to explore their own expectations when they make assignments and to begin understanding how students develop during a semester.