Response to Contested Issues Book Blog; Chapter 4
One of the contested issues as presented in the chapter four of the book ‘Contested Issues in Student Affairs’ is the partnership between academic and student affairs (Magolda & Magolda, 2011). From a personal view, the perspective of student affairs and academic partnerships depicts two scenarios whereby an academic system is solely focused on the academic prowess of a student and an academic system that focuses on both academic and student affairs. One is then able to weigh out on the best scenario that suits a student such that he or she is able to develop fully after completing studies. The approach can also be viewed on the aspect of a classroom situation whereby a teacher-centered approach tends to be less effective when compared to a learner-centered approach whereby, in a learner-centered approach, the needs of a learner are met(academic, social and emotional needs) and hence enabling them to gain from the system.
Partnerships with regards to academics and students affairs appear to be quite relevant especially when it comes to the relationship between a student and the teachers. Such partnerships promote the aspect of education being learner-centered such that a learner does not only exhibit intellectual growth but also social and emotional growth. When learners feel that they can easily approach the members of faculty whenever they are facing issues, they tend to become comfortable in their learning environment. Furthermore, such a partnership makes it easier to identify any problem that might be affecting students in addition to preventing situations such as strikes that are mostly caused as a result of misunderstanding. The author states, ‘To develop an integrated and transformational education experience, faculty and staff must work together to create synergistic relationships across institutional divisions particularly those responsible for educating students- academic affairs and student affairs,’ (Magolda and Magolda, 2011). It implies that that such a partnership makes students benefit from the educational experiences at a holistic perspective especially with regards to the relationship between the members of faculty and students.
Reference
Magolda, P. & Magolda, M. (2011). Contested Issues in Student Affairs: Diverse Perspectives and Respectful Dialogue. Sterling: Stylus Publishing, LLC.
