Student Learning in College Residence Halls: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why

Grounded in current research and practical experience,Student Learning in College Residence Halls: What Works, WhatDoesn't, and Why shows how to structure the peer environment inresidence halls to advance student learning. Focusing on theapplication of student learning principles, the book examines howneurobiological and psychosocial development influences howstudents learn in residence halls. The book is filled withexamples, useful strategies, practical advice, and best practicesfor building community and shaping residential environments thatproduce measureable learning outcomes. Readers will find models fora curriculum-based approach to programming and for developingstudent staff competencies, as well as an analysis of what types ofresidential experiences influence student learning. An examinationof how to assess student learning in residence halls and of thechallenges residence halls face provide readers with insight intohow to strategically plan for the future of residence halls aslearning centers.

The lack of recent literature on student learning in collegeresidence halls belies the changes that have taken place. Moretraditional-age students are enrolled in college than ever before,and universities are building more residence halls to meet theincreased demand for student housing. This book addresses thesedevelopments, reviews contemporary research, and providesup-to-date advice for creating residence hall environments thatachieve educationally purposeful outcomes.

• Discover which educational benefits are associated with livingin residence halls
• Learn how residential environments influence studentbehavior
• Create residence hall environments that produce measureablelearning outcomes
• Monitor effectiveness with a process of systematicassessment

Residence halls are an integral part of the college experience;with the right programs in place they can become dynamic centers ofstudent learning. Student Learning in College ResidenceHalls is a comprehensive resource for residence hallprofessionals and others interested in improving students' learningexperience.