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ENGAGE Theory

Learning Partnership Model
In 2004, Miami University distinguished professor Dr. Marcia Baxter Magolda proposed a theory based on her twenty plus year longitudinal study of self-authorship in college students. Self-authorship is defined by Baxter Magolda (2004) as the “Capacity to internally define a coherent belief system and identity that coordinates mutual relations with others (2004, p.8).  Self-authorship is the developmental foundation for the outcome of effective citizenship. “Aspects of the process toward self-authorship include accepting the uncertainty of knowledge, constructing one’s own internal belief system, intensive self reflection in order to develop internal values and identity, and exploring relationships which challenge one’s internal values and identity with those of other (Gehrke, 2006, p. 16).
            In creating this model, Baxter Magolda (2004) based her theory on the idea of holistic development. The concept and term holistic development was introduced by Robert Kegan (1994) to illustrate the interconnectivity between cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal development. The interconnectivity between the three dimensions is illustrated below:

The Learning Partnership Model is a learning theory built around fostering self-authorship. The model is based on the idea of providing students with the adequate amount of challenge and support that helps them move towards a self-authoring state. The challenge and support is presented through three assumptions and principles.

Assumptions (Challenges)

1. Knowledge is socially constructed and complex (cognitive)
2. The self is central to knowledge construction (intrapersonal)
3. Authority and expertise are shared in the construction of knowledge among peers (interpersonal)

Principles (Support)

1. Validate the students ability to know (cognitive)
2. Situate learning in the learners experience (intrapersonal)
3. Mutually constructing meaning (interpersonal)

With this in mind we have created a seamless leadership program based in this theoretical framework; we believe that the program design will help students develop the capacity for self-authoring their lives.