Integrative Approach to Help Student Succeed through Advising

Prof. Walter W. Yuen Vice President (Academic Development)

Dorinda FungDirector of Student Affairs

Preamble of Academic Advising (extracted from NACADA Resources accessed Feb, 2011)

• Integral to fulfilling the teaching and learning mission of higher education.

• Students learn to become members of their higher education community, to think critically about their roles and responsibilities as students, and to prepare to be educated citizens ...

Learning Outcomes of Academic Advising

• craft a coherent educational plan based on assessment of abilities, aspirations, interests, and values

• use complex information from various sources to set goals, reach decisions, and achieve those goals

• assume responsibility for meeting academic program requirements

• articulate the meaning of higher education and the intent of the institution’s curriculum

• cultivate the intellectual habits that lead to a lifetime of learning

• behave as citizens who engage in the wider world around them

Objectives of Academic AdvisingDickinson College, US (accessed Feb, 2011)

1) to explore intellectual interests and the learning opportunities available;

2) to articulate educational objectives;

3) to develop a coherent academic program;

4) to prepare and plan for the transition from college to the world of work and further education.

Cross-Domain Agenda• Intellectual Development– Understand academic demand– Develop a meaningful progression path

• Intrapersonal Development– Self understanding, acceptance and

confidence– Positive energy to grow and succeed

• Practical Competence– Set goals, make plans and follow through– Personal management

Our Tentative Mandate

To help students develop and succeed thro’ • clarification of life goals (including

academic choices, personal goals and career directions);

• Guidance in making relevant plans;• coaching students during the

implementation stages

Central Principles for Student SuccessCuseo, J. 2007

• Sense of Purpose• Personal Validation

• Self-Efficacy• Active Involvement in learning

• Reflective Thinking for deep learning• Social Integration

• Self-Awareness of learning strategies

VISION

Expanding ContractingAwareness Decision

World of Work

Expanding Self

Awareness

Expanding External Awareness Integrating External Awareness

Applying Self Concept

Self

Andersen, P. (2006). “The Career Diamond: A Teaching Tool Illustrating The Process Of Career Counseling .” In G. Watz, J. Bleuer, & R. Yep (Eds.) VISTA 2006,Compelling Perspectives on Counseling. ACA.

Andersen (2006) Career Diamond

Challenges to New Students

Who can be of Help on campus?

Professors

Tutors

Academic Advisors

Significant Others:

Professors

Tutors

Academic Advisors

Mentors

Wardens

Coaches

Career Counsellors

All of the leftCounsellors

Who Needs What and How Much Help?

DecidedBut

Immature

Decided&

Mature

Undecided&

Immature

UndecidedBut

Mature

Decided & Mature

Undecided &

immature

Sleeping Beauty

Who are the Majority?

Degree of Maturity +ve-ve

Student Needs

Nature of Advising

General

Specific

Simple Complex

Peers with prior experience + training

Experts/Specialists

Advisors

Supports

Mass

Programmes

E-learning

Self-help M

aterials

Self-help Le

arning

Community

Mass Programmes at PolyU

Common Orientation

First Year Seminar

Peer Mentoring Programme Extended Common Orientation Programme

Study Skills/Team Building/Explore my Future Learning Enhancement Programme Personal Management Workshops Hall Orientations for students of special needs

Other Programmes :

Critical Success Factors• An authoritative, consistent and clear source of

information on academic choices• Timely inspirational inputs to expand options• Sufficient peer catalysts to promote expansion

of awareness• A wide advising network for early identification

of students at risk• Partnership between academics and student

affairs

E-Portfolio as Advising Platform

a powerful tool that honors personal and professional history, celebrates present accomplishments, and encourages one's hopes and dreams.

SPECIAL ePortfoliowww.polyu.edu.hk/sao/special/portal

17

• Understand

• Plan & Implement

• Reflect

• Archive artefacts

• Showcase achievements

• Make connections

Student’s Individual ProfileOn e-Portfolio

My Score

PolyU Average

Features for Managed Learning: Being Self-Directed

Features for Managed Learning: Setting Career Goals & Plan

Personal & Professional Development Course in School of Nursing

Plan

Act

Reflect

2 classes of 155 students.

Year-long cycle throughout the

course