This paper examines how Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship exists in high education through student organization involvement. First the paper provides a brief outline of Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship. Second it highlights the role of a student organization advisor in guiding the journey of self-authorship. Finally, the paper compares and contrasts two students’ journeys of self-authorship.
Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship
Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship consists of four phases:
- Phase one – Following formulas: rely on the advisor, seek approval from other members
- Phase two – Crossroads: begins to see need for their own vision and authenticity
- Phase three – Becoming the Author of One’s Life: …show more content…
As the advisor of a student organization, it is my role to guide students away from being shaped by the organizations rules and encourage them to shape the organization. Higher education is a practice field for a student’s future career. The student’s struggle to self-authorship needs to occur during their college experience so they can learn how to explore multiple perspectives, think independently, and defend their own informed viewpoints (CITE- Article). Here are examples on how an advisor can take steps in guiding a student through the phases of …show more content…
With that being said, I hope as an advisor my guidance is able to be mirrored in student’s personal lives and far past their college experience.
Examples of an Advisor Makes an Impact on the Journey to Self-Authorship As an advisor, I have worked with two presidents and have witnessed one president make it to self-authorship (phase three) and one president who cannot see past following formulas (phase one). One big difference to note in my president examples are the grade levels of the presidents, the President A who reached phase three was a fourth year student and the President B in phase one is a second year student.
Student A’s journey to defining her presidential role occurred within her first month and a half of her presidency. Her presidency was mapped out by her self determination to create a vision and authentic her role. Phase three was established during a conflict with another member who was not meeting the organization’s requirements. Student A stayed true to herself in this situation by confronting the situation with confidence and did not rely on me to advise her. She defined her identity as the president and kept her stance on the
Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship
Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship consists of four phases:
- Phase one – Following formulas: rely on the advisor, seek approval from other members
- Phase two – Crossroads: begins to see need for their own vision and authenticity
- Phase three – Becoming the Author of One’s Life: …show more content…
As the advisor of a student organization, it is my role to guide students away from being shaped by the organizations rules and encourage them to shape the organization. Higher education is a practice field for a student’s future career. The student’s struggle to self-authorship needs to occur during their college experience so they can learn how to explore multiple perspectives, think independently, and defend their own informed viewpoints (CITE- Article). Here are examples on how an advisor can take steps in guiding a student through the phases of …show more content…
With that being said, I hope as an advisor my guidance is able to be mirrored in student’s personal lives and far past their college experience.
Examples of an Advisor Makes an Impact on the Journey to Self-Authorship As an advisor, I have worked with two presidents and have witnessed one president make it to self-authorship (phase three) and one president who cannot see past following formulas (phase one). One big difference to note in my president examples are the grade levels of the presidents, the President A who reached phase three was a fourth year student and the President B in phase one is a second year student.
Student A’s journey to defining her presidential role occurred within her first month and a half of her presidency. Her presidency was mapped out by her self determination to create a vision and authentic her role. Phase three was established during a conflict with another member who was not meeting the organization’s requirements. Student A stayed true to herself in this situation by confronting the situation with confidence and did not rely on me to advise her. She defined her identity as the president and kept her stance on the