Exploring Student Development Theory in Enhancing Learning through Supervision

Abstract

Learning takes time and patience and it is a process or a journey. In supervising students, the learning process is a challenging and a variety of different factors that need to be taken into account. Successful supervision for student requires that all parties must play their part. The objective in this article is to discuss the role of one such role player, that of the supervisor in the learning process, that views the learning process as a partnership between the student as the learner, and the supervisor as facilitator of the learning process towards the student development. The theoretical framework of the article is based on the Chickering’s seven vectors of development theory. The review of selected student development theory aims to provide professionals with a foundation from which to work with students in varying degrees of development. Student development theory is useful for suggesting strategies to promote student learning and for understanding and managing change. Knowing the theory also helps us to better examine how we challenge, support and determine how we might do it more effectively. It is
hoped that this article will contribute to a better and for some (renewed) understanding of the important role that supervisors fulfill in the learning process in supporting student development.