How Faculty Can Use Cognitive Development Theory To Increase Student Retention

It is essential for faculty in the two-year college classroom to understand how traditional-age and adult students mature and develop intellectually. Although critically important to the effectiveness of classroom instruction, this subject is not easily addressed and understood. This session will present traditional cognitive development theory adapted for the classroom instructor. By examining different "levels" of cognitive development, we will explore:
How students "hear" and process what the instructor is saying
How instructors can challenge their students to mature intellectually while still providing the support necessary for them to learn the academic content
How instructors can present academic content to best reach students at different developmental levels
How students at different levels assess the effectiveness of an instructor, and what this means for student evaluations of the course
Participants will gain theory-based knowledge to understand, hear, and respond to their students for better learning outcomes and classroom environment. This information is particularly valuable for adjunct instructors at the community and two-year college level and full-time faculty who may not have had formal training in cognitive development theory, as well as deans, department heads, and academic advisors.