Seven Principles:

Since 1987, when the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education were first published in an AAHE Bulletin, institutions of higher learning have largely embraced the suggested principles to improve the undergraduate learning experience. The essence of Chickering's work is that learning is an active, involved, and deliberate process. Effective learning requires students who are motivated to learn, and educators who are committed to crafting engaging learning opportunities. Chickering's Seven Principles are listed below:

  1. Encourages contact between students and faculty
  2. Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students
  3. Encourages active learning
  4. Gives prompt feedback
  5. Emphasizes time on task
  6. Communicates high expectations
  7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning.

Maryville College faculty have been using the Seven Principles to provide engaged and active learning for students for many years. In part, because the Seven Principles are traditional tenets of a liberal arts education; but also because to effective educators, the principles are an intuitive part of an enlightened pedagogy.

The Instructional Technology Department embraces the Seven Principles, along with subsequent research, as a framework to highlight best practices in both instructional technology and faculty professional development. Each workshop will be identified as it corresponds to one or more of the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.

Additionally, we will incorporate work by Art Chickering and Steve Ehrmann (Teaching, Learning and Technology Group) entitled Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as a Lever , to illuminate the potential of instructional technology in implementing the Seven Principles.

Chickering, A.W, and Gamson, Z.F. "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education."
AAHE Bulletin, 1987, 39(7), 3-7.

Chickering, Arthur and Stephen C. Ehrmann (1996), "Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever," AAHE Bulletin, October, pp.  3-6.