Analysis Of Robert Kegan's Theory

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Robert Kegan states there are two theories of knowledge: developmentalism and constructivism that support his constructive-developmental theory. Developmentalism “proposes that the way in which people make meaning can develop over time and across the lifespan. (Kegan 18-5). Humans are constantly developing and will continue to develop. Kegan says there are six stages of development in which adolescent and adults develop. For adolescence and adulthood stages 2-4 are the most important which includes imperial, interpersonal, and self-authoring orders (Kegan 18-5). I believe I fall under Stage 3, the interpersonal order of mind. Stage 3 is for people who understand the needs of the team are greater than personal needs. I was granted a special …show more content…

He says that constructivism “posits that people actively construct, or make sense of their experience, and create their realities given their current capacities” (Kegan 18-5). He means that humans construct an understanding of the environment they are in and how they are developed by it. When I try to understand my challenge I am able to look at my holding environment. Kegan says that humans are subjects to specific holding environments that provide both adaptive challenges and support for growth (Kegan 18-12). These challenges are provided in certain holding environments so that a person can overcome with a support system. Also, Kegan explains “effective holding environments must match the individual’s stage of development – that there must be a goodness of fit” (Kegan 18-12). I believe my holding environment matches my stage of development. I am able to think interpersonally because of the constant challenges West Point offers. I was out of school for a long time and I did not take any advanced courses in high school. All of a sudden the college level courses and workload was difficult to manage. However, because of these challenges that affect my emotion, time and time again I remind myself of the bigger picture, to not let others down to succeed and become a leader. The environment at West Point expect a lot from the cadets, but all the cadets that were admitted were because the admissions decided that these cadets showed the potential to succeed. My holding environment offers an endless amount of support that is helping me grow as I continue to strive for perfection. I am currently enrolled in RS101, student success course, where I am taught the methods to effective time management and note taking skills. My company academic officer is constantly checking up on my grades and setting me up with peer tutors. Every one of my instructors has been more than available to provide additional instruction when

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