The Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education: Interview Protocol
Purpose of the Interview
- Assessment of the student’s developmental level (progress toward self-authorship)
- Understanding of experiences that promoted students’ development
- Understanding which experiences related to achievement of the seven liberal arts outcomes
Components of the Interview
- Getting Acquainted and Building Rapport: How do students’ entering characteristics affect their achievement of the liberal arts outcomes?
Sample Question: What did you expect it to be like to be a college student here, and how did the reality compare with your expectations?
- Encouraging Reflection about Important Experiences: What educational experiences do students regard as key to this development? Why?
Sample Question: What has been your most significant experience so far?
- Encouraging Interpretations of these Reflections: How do students interpret these experiences?
Sample Question: How has this past year influenced your everyday decisions and actions?
Baxter Magolda, M. & King, P.M. Constructing conversations to assess meaning-making: Self-authorship interviews. Manuscript submitted for publication.
