Integrative learning as a developmental process: A grounded theory of college students' experiences in Integrative Studies

摘要: Title of dissertation: INTEGRATIVE LEARNING AS A DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS: GROUNDED THEORY OF COLLEGE STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN STUDIES Bonne Jean Brown Leonard, Doctor Philosophy, 2007 Dissertation directed by: Associate Professor Marylu K. McEwen Department Counseling and Personnel Services The purpose this grounded theory study was to learn how students in an explicitly integrative learning environment make meaning understand learning. research questions that guided included: Do experience learning? If so, do learning, which experiences identify as contributing their ability integrate? What challenges successes with Consistent constructivist methodology (Charmaz, 2000, 2006). I developed emerging about students’ is the data. interviewed 10 enrolled Integrative Studies program at a university greater Washington, DC region. Students defined very broadly. To capture range described by students, created continuum different forms integration vary complexity: application, comparison, understanding context, synthesis. developmental emerged from study. engaged least complex form integration, finding coursework personally relevant applying what they own lives. Through class discussion reading identified multiple perspectives, led comparison. When perspectives are conflict, began engage context. Context important consideration when evaluating competing claims arguments. By reconciling may reach most integration: needed wrestle ambiguity complexity resist automatically adopting externally provided solution trusted authority figure. rarely if ever reached synthesis, but agreed it ideal. Students’ level cognitive well pattern course work affected progress listening student voices, learned compared faculty expectations. This both celebrates strengths offers recommendations for improvement. discuss implications future higher education practice. Leonard submitted Faculty Graduate School University Maryland, College Park, partial fulfillment requirements degree Philosophy Advisory Committee: McEwen, Chair Carolyn A. Haynes Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas Susan Robb Jones Linda C. Schmidt © Copyright