The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 36, No. 2 - 64

Jane Fried

milieu for the United States. Rarely is a political pivot point as obvious as this one. We are observing a transformative, visionary approach to leadership on the national level because the leadership is calling for self-organizing, grass roots involvement. Along with the federal programs that are being organized, a second substantial emphasis calls for creative, engaged

WHAT ELSE HAS CHANGED? WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?
Since the creation of the IDC model, there have been substantial changes in our understanding of learning processes and the kinds of educational activities that are most likely to stimulate changes in behavior and perspective (Caine, Caine, McClintic, & Klimek, 2005; Mezirow et al., 2000). We now know that learning can be either informative or transformative (Kegan, 2000). That is, one can learn by acquiring new information or one can learn by becoming aware of the ways in which perspective influences our understanding of information. When a student becomes aware of personal perspective, she or he simultaneously develops the capacity to change or broaden perspective. This process involves changes in thinking, feeling, and behavior as well as an ability to question one’s previous ideas and behavior patterns. Transformative learning is most likely to occur in an environment where a student feels safe, is known to the other members of the community, and has the opportunity to reflect privately and in conversation about shifting perspectives and meaning patterns (Caine et al., 2005). Living-learning communities provide ideal environments to support both informative and transformative learning because students are constantly exposed to new information and a range of perspectives about what that information means. If the learning community focuses on democracy, students must engage in dialogue, make decisions, and take action to solve problems. The entire learning process is encapsulated in the living environment. As a nation we seem to be moving from an individual, acquisitive notion of education (What’s in it for me? I’m going to college so I

Living in a residence hall with an intentionally designed curriculum that calls for learning new information, engaging in new experiences, and understanding multiple points of view provokes powerful learning . The IDC model is one approach to engaging students in a powerful learning experience and preparing them to become effective community members in their towns and neighborhoods and within their families and their civic and religious organizations.

citizens to organize locally and to address local issues. These programs will be far more effective if community residents have training in the skills of democratic decision-making as well as an understanding of our national politics, history, economy, and sociology.
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THE JOURNAL OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITy STUDENT HOUSING

The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 36, No. 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 36, No. 2