Education and Identity

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses A. Chickering's theory of identity formation as it occurs during one's college years. The paper specifically shows the ways in which the writer's own college life conformed to and differs from the theories of Chickering. It describes the concept of seven main vectors in college students' development and applies this to the writer's formation of identity.

From the Paper:

"Such was my own life during this period. It was when I changed my major to communication sciences in my junior year that I effectively completed the cycle of vectors as described by Chickering. With the help of my significant other, I was able to see that I had a knack for helping people. I was able not just to be supportive of others, but I could really connect with people and help them. I also had a great knowledge of course planning for almost every major at UConn, because I liked to read through the course booklet and see what kinds of classes were out there and see the different majors and what the requisites were for each. Also, I realized that I often helped my friends with their course selections and major planning before they went to their own advisors. Therefore, I decided to major in Human Services, where my concentration was in academic advising."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chickering, A. W. Education and Identity. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1969.
• Straub, C. and Roberts, R. F. "An Exploration of Chickering's Theory and Women's Development." Journal of College Student Personnel, 1986, 27, pp. 216-224.
• Reisser, L. "Revisiting the Seven Vectors." Journal of College Student Personnel, 1995, 36, pp. 505-512.

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