This week’s media segment traces the developmental journey of one college student. Jillian talks about the issues she has faced in defining herself, her path in life, and her relationship with others.

For this week’s first discussion, select the psychosocial development theory that, in your opinion, best describes Jillian’s journey (Chickering, Marcia, Josselson, Bronfenbrenner, Renn, or Helms). Consider Skipper’s descriptions of educational practices that are designed to support first-year students as they struggle with identity development issues.

Post your responses to the following questions:

• Utilize the theory to describe Jillian’s journey. How do key issues or events in her life “fit” with the theory?
• Reflect on one of Jillian’s decisions or choices. According to the theory you’ve chosen, how would her life have been different if she had not acted or if she had made a different choice?
• What role did Jillian’s environment (e.g., friends, family, college) play in her developmental process? Would Jillian have changed in the same ways if she had not attended college?
• Discuss programs or services that might have helped Jillian in her first year.

Required Readings

Patton, L. D. Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M., & S. J. Quaye . (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

• Chapter 5, “Racial Identity Development” pp. 93 -105
• Chapter 13, “Psychosocial Identity Development” pp. 287-313

Lloyd, J. M., Dean, L. A., & Cooper, D. L. (2007). Students’ technology use and its effects on peer relationships, academic involvement, and healthy lifestyles. NASPA Journal (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Inc.), 44(3), 481–495.

The following resources provide a guide in how to create the annotated bibliography. Annotated bibliographies may vary in format; however, all formats have 3 fundamental components for each resource that summarizes, analyzes, and describes the application of how the information in the reading can be applied to the selected topic.

Common Course Assignments: Annotated Bibliographies http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/as…

A Guide to the Knowledge Area Module: Making the KAMs Work for You

• “Writing the Annotated Bibliography” Pp. 24-26
• http://catalog.waldenu.edu/mime/media/7/648/KAM_Gu…

Required Media
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Understanding students: Learning, development, and diversity: Jillian’s story. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 16 minutes.

Case study: View this media segment with Jillian, a student in her fourth year at Cal State. Jillian discusses the choices and decisions she has made since high school and how they reflect her own personal growth and development.