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Theory and Practice of Advising

$300 member
$500 non-member

The Theory & Practice of Advising eTutorial explores both informal and formal theories, including instrumental, descriptive, and normative theories, that have been taken up by advisors in their practice.

[All content is self-contained within the eTutorial. No additional materials are required.]

What you'll learn:

  • Understand what theory is and why it is important to the practice of advising
  • Identify instrumental, descriptive, and normative theories as well as informal theories
  • Practice applying theory to practice
  • Gain tools to continue learning about and applying theory to practice beyond those theories introduced in the course

Who this is for:

  • New to mid-level advising professionals
  • Those interested in engaging in theory-informed advising practice with students

About this eTutorial:

One of the hallmarks of a profession is the creation and use of specialized knowledge to inform practice. As advising professionals, applying theory to practice is an important dimension of our work. But what is theory and how can it be used in advising? This eTutorial explores both informal and formal theories, including instrumental, descriptive, and normative theory, that have been taken up by advisors in their practice. Participants will explore models for applying theory to practice and try using these skills through assignments. Theory offers perspectives on everything from how advisors should interact with students to what the nature of the advising profession is. By participating in this eTutorial, advisors will gain a toolkit for understanding and using theory that will help them continue to learn and apply theory in their practice, even beyond those theories introduced in the course.

Module One: Introducing Theory to Practice

Topics Covered:

  • Defining Terms
  • Why Theory is Important
  • You Already Use Theory
  • Theory to Practice
  • Questions to Consider When Reading About Theory

Module Assessments:

  • Discussion Board

Module Two: Instrumental Theories

Topics Covered:

  • Instrumental Theories in Advising
  • Learning and Using Instrumental Theory
  • Student Development Theories
  • Theories from the Humanities
  • Critical Theories

Module Assessments:

  • Discussion Board

Module Three: Descriptive Theories

Topics Covered:

  • Learning and Using Descriptive Theories
  • Advising is Advising
  • Analytic Induction
  • Grounded Theory

Module Assessments:

  • Discussion Board

Module Four: Normative Theories

Topics Covered:

  • Learning and Using Normative Theories
  • Developing a Normative Theory
  • NACADA Core Competencies as a Theory?

Module Assessments:

  • Discussion Board
  • Theory to Practice Case Study (Worked on throughout the eTutorial)
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What is an eTutorial?

An eTutorial is 3.5 week learning experience. Generally starting on the first Wednesday of the month and concludes on a Saturday 3.5 weeks later. Participants will have learning opportunities with their peers and experts in the filled. Additionally participants will read and watch curated content on specific topic.

Are eTutorials self-paced?

No, eTutorials are asynchronous, not self-paced. Participants can log in at any time, but the eTutorials have weekly assignment due dates. So, participants will need to log in at least weekly to review the eTutorial's content and submit any assignments that are due.

Do I need to buy a book?

It depends. The following eTutorials require the purchase of a book:

  • Advisor Training and Development: Foundations

  • Advisor Training and Development: Advanced

  • Advising LGBTQ+ Students

All other eTutorials' content are self-contained within the Canvas LMS.

Do I have to login at a specific time?

No. But... the eTutorials do have weekly assignment due dates. So participants will need to login at least weekly in order to review the content of the eTutorial and submit any assignments that are due.

How do I earn a microcredential?

Upon successful completion (80% or better within the eTutorial) of all 3.5 weeks, the participant will receive a NACADA microcredential. This will include a digital badge through the badging platform Credly, which can be utilized in email signatures, LinkedIn, and other applications.

Are there facilitators?

Yes, facilitators will be assigned to each section of an eTutorial. Facilitators are there to assist those taking the eTutorial by posing questions for discussion, sharing successful practices, and answering questions. Facilitators will grade all discussion boards and assignments, providing feedback on work completed.

What is the format of the eTutorials?

Participants will complete in-depth readings, post replies to discussion boards, and complete quizzes and other assignments. Participants can work at their own pace each week. There will be weekly assignments but no set time to be online. Participants will have the entire week to complete that week's content, which could be completed in several days or during the week as their schedule allows. By offering this information online, participants are provided a learning opportunity that can be accessed in their home or office and at a time that works best for their schedules. Assignments, including discussion posts, quizzes, and readings, will be required each week.

eTutorials are 3.5 (3 1/2) weeks in length. Participants should expect to spend between four and eight hours per week completing the reading, posts, and assignments.

This eTutorial is structured to allow the participants to develop an international network through interaction with other cohort members through Zoom-based office hours and discussion boards.

How much time/work is expected each week?

Participants should expect to spend between four-eight hours per week completing the reading/videos, posts, and assignments.

What is the transfer policy?

A transfer of registration fees to a future offering of any eTutorial offering may be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed ([email protected]) to NACADA.

The request must be received three (3) business days (Central US time) prior to the start of the eTutorial offering. There is no charge providing the written request is received three business days in advance:

  • Transfer fee – $0.00 USD*

Requests made after three (3) business days and through four (4) business days into the eTutorial offering will incur the following charge:

  • Transfer fee – $100.00 USD

*If registration fees have been transferred at least once before, any future transfer fee is $100.00 USD, at any date.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation of registration fees for an eTutorial offering can be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed ([email protected]) to NACADA. Cancellations after certain dates will incur charges:

Any date ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus $50.00 USD for administrative fees

Any date between three (3) and ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus 50% for administrative fees

Any date after three (3) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • No Refund, due to faculty and technology obligations
When will I get my login information?

You will receive your login information 1-2 business days prior to the start of the eTutorial. FYI, the login credentials are different than your myNACADA login information. If you have any trouble logging in, please email Eilsa Shaffer at [email protected].

Where are eTutorials hosted? Where do I login?

eTutorials are hosted in NACADA's Canvas LMS at https://nacada.instructure.com/. You will need to utilize the login information provided to you.

What are the computer specifications that I need to access the eTutorial?

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.

Visit the Instructure Community Page for current browser and computer requirements.