Education
Student Services
What made these partnerships work?
The partnerships that were discussed in Forging Educational Partnerships That Advance Student Learning were all successful because they all addressed two key concepts. They all focused on addressing institutional issues while creating seamless learning environments. The key to having successful student services is to have collaboration with everyone that is involved,
Collaboration involves engaging all aspects of the community in the development and implementation of institutional goals and reminds participants of the common commitment to students and their learning (Blimling & Whitt, 1999, 135). Everyone must be on the same page if there is going to be success achieved. A very important aspect of collaboration is the idea of open communication. Those that involved in the development of institutional goals should always engage in open communication. Good communication allows for good planning and proper follow through.
Creating a seamless learning environment, while focusing on specific institutional issues is the best way to achieve successful change. Having specific goals that are being worked towards allows for a plan to be developed and followed so that everyone knows what their role is and what they are supposed to be doing. Creating a seamless learning environment consists of creating an environment where in class and out of class experiences are mutually supporting. It is important that students devote more time and energy to educationally purposeful activities. Resources should be channeled to achieve complementary learning outcomes so that students can take advantage of all resources that are available for learning (Blimling & Whitt, 1999, 135).
Setting a specific goal and then having a plan that identifies a starting point and ending point and a plan to get there will enable any organization to accomplish what they set out to. Practicing good communication is a key to keeping everyone informed and on the same page.
References
Blimling & Whitt. (1999). Good Practice in Student Affairs: Principles to Foster Student
Learning. San Francisco: Josey-bass.
