Books by Alexander W. Astin

Explores the many ways in which the obsession with "being smart" distorts the life of a typical college or university, and how this obsession leads to a higher education that short changes the majority of students, and by extension society's need for an educated population. The author calls on his colleagues in higher education to return the focus to developing the potential of each student.

Know thyself is something that has been advocated by great philosophers, psychologists, and religious leaders since the beginning of recorded history. This book aims to promote self-awareness through an understanding of how your mind works and by cultivating your ability to observe your own mind in action.

Assessment for Excellence introduces a philosophy of assessment based upon the talent development concept. Colleges and universities prioritize developing the talents of students and faculty, rather than gathering the most resources and status for their institutions. The Input...

Discover the true effects of attending college While there is no doubt that going to college has an effect on one's life, the question of what those specific effects may be remains somewhat elusive. Four Critical Years takes an in-depth look at those potential effects beyond those that are immediately obvious. The book investigates how one's attitudes, beliefs and sense of self are affected by going to college, how behavior is affected, what patterns of behavior emerge from going to college, and the permanence of the effects of attending college. For those students, policymakers and those about to make the crucial decision on whether - or where - to go to college, the book is an original and enlightening look at the subject.

Based on a study of students, faculty members and institutions, this work presents a study of how students change and develop in college, and how colleges can enhance that development. It shows how academic programmes, faculty and student peer groups can affect students' college experiences.