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The Development of Faith and Vocation in College Students and Faculty

The Development of Faith and Vocation in College Students and Faculty. Research and Assessment Sponsored by the Lilly Endowment Don Thompson & Cindy Miller-Perrin. Introduction. Lilly Voyage Project The impetus for our work was funding related to research and assessment

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The Development of Faith and Vocation in College Students and Faculty

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  1. The Development of Faith and Vocation in College Students and Faculty Research and Assessment Sponsored by the Lilly Endowment Don Thompson & Cindy Miller-Perrin

  2. Introduction • Lilly Voyage Project • The impetus for our work was funding related to research and assessment • A Positive Psychology Perspective • Our focus is on what is good, healthy, growth-oriented about college students and faculty

  3. Method of Information Gathering • Students • Longitudinal study including baseline assessment and evaluation each year over the course of 4-year undergraduate career • Faculty • Pre/Post-test study assessing impact of Voyage Project • Ongoing writing assignments tied to Center for Faith and Learning seminars

  4. Assessment of Students • Quantitative Survey • Identity Development • Vocational Discernment and Action • Vocation as God’s purpose enacted through service • Faith • Strength of faith measured by attitudes/behaviors • Faith maturity includes horizontal and vertical dimensions • Spiritual Transcendence as prayer fulfillment, universality of humanity, and connectedness to others • University’s Mission and Impact of Faculty

  5. Assessment of Students • Qualitative Interview Describe for me your personal vision of your vocation. We often hear about people who “dedicate their lives to service.” What would a life dedicated to service look like to you? Do you consider yourself a religious or spiritual person? Describe a recent event that challenged your faith (e.g., either something that caused you to question your faith or something that caused your faith to grow). Considering your entire time here at Pepperdine and all of the experiences you have had over these four years, what has been the most meaningful experience or event in helping you develop your sense of vocation?

  6. Assessment of Faculty • Quantitative Survey • Assesses definitions of vocation, methods of discernment, potential barriers to vocational development • Qualitative Autobiographies • Essays that focus on turning points, key mentors, potential barriers

  7. I believe in God.

  8. My faith/religion is NOT very important to me.

  9. I continually look for ways to strengthen my faith.

  10. I have a good sense of God’s purpose for my life.

  11. I am unsure about what God is specifically calling me to do.

  12. I am motivated to choose a career that will provide/fulfill…

  13. The following individuals have played an important role in mentoring my development: Academic Spiritual Life Purpose Friends 58% 73% 71% Family Members 74% 76% 85% Pepperdine Faculty 72% 32% 48% Church Members 22% 51% 31% *Percent responding with “Agree” or “Strongly Agree.”

  14. Visions for the Future • Center for Christian Higher Education Research • National presence similar to Astin’s project but with explicitly Christian focus • Extension of developmental model to incorporate alumni • Summative Measures and Formative Processes

  15. Visions for the Future • Student Intern Teams – Focus Groups, Surveys, Interviews • Publications – Authored and Centralized • Thompson/Miller-Perrin book on Student Calling – an Anti-Binge resource • Networking with other Colleges • Conference Hosting • External Funding

  16. Potential Research Questions • Freely Ye Have Received ... • How has your Pepperdine educational experience contributed to your spiritual growth? • Freely Give • In what ways are you giving yourself to others? • How are you sensing an integration between your faith and your learning experiences?

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