A Conceptual Framework for Theories in Higher Education.

Overview & Synopsis

In this paper the author attempts to offer a conceptual framework on which to hang some theories of higher education. These theories can be couched in the context of six major concepts: (1) outcomes or the products or results of the activities of institutions of higher education; (2) institutions or the structures that perform higher educational activities; (3) goals or the purposes, intentions, and objectives of higher education; (4) people or the individuals and groups of individuals involved in the activities of institutions of higher education; (5) activities or the characteristic, goal-seeking functions of people in institutions of higher education; and (6) environments or the settings wherein institutions of higher education pursue their goals. Using the outcomes concept as the point of departure, as the dependent variable, the author explores the beginnings of some theories as they relate to (1) student development outcomes, (2) research outcomes, and (3) societal impact outcomes. (HS)