Connecting Learning Across the Institution

Book by: Pamela L. Eddy (Ed.)
Review by: Amy Burns
Technical Division & Business Division
Northwestern Michigan College

Student success is a common term and top priority within higher education. Learning plays a key part in achieving that success. The volume, Connecting Learning Across the Institution, not only addresses the role of student learning, but all of the roles learning encompasses within higher education.  The main task the volume undertakes is breaking down existing learning silos and broadening ones perspectives, regarding how to view the experience of learning within higher education.

The volume is set up to explore four main areas:  identifying key issues stakeholders encounter, how integration of learning is occurring for the stake holders, identifying transferable approaches, and creating all-encompassing learning theory. These areas are explored throughout the three sections the volume is divided into so that one thoroughly understands how these issue effect learners. The common theme is one of learning integration, which is stated as happening in and out of the classroom.  In many instances students are developing these connections on their own or through conversations with peers. Many academic advisors are already having these conversational interactions with students where they provide an environment for students to reflect and make meaning of their experiences and learning.  However, research is identified in the text that concludes many students lack mentors to guide them to make connections between learning across contexts.

The section of the book that would resonate with academic advisors the most is Chapter 5, Promoting High-Impact Student Learning: Connecting Key Components of the Collegiate Experience. As a student affairs professional, high-impact advising is key in mapping a student’s experience in college. All of the activities students participate in play a role in their learning development. The experiences they face outside the classroom can resonate with what they have learned in the classroom. When academic advisors meet with students they can help them see how all of their classes and activities are connected and how learning can occur beyond a classroom environment.  The chapter outlines what high-impact education practices are and how to link them to learning.

This volume is beneficial for faculty, administrators and student affairs professionals who are interested in any of the following: student learning, faculty development and organizational learning. It provides concrete examples of learning on multiple levels within stakeholder groups. 

Connecting Learning Across the Institution (2014) Book by Pamela L. Eddy (Ed.). Review by Amy Burns, Wiley.  136 pp., $29.00, (paperback), ISBN #978-1-118-88346-4