Issue
26(1)
Light
on the Path: A Christian Perspective on College Success.
(2006). John A. Beck
& Marmy A. Clason. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Thompson Publishing.
320 pp., $42.95 (paperback), ISBN # 0534272444.
Review
by: Stephanie Ritrievi
Assistant
Director, Undergraduate Student Affairs
College
of Natural
Science
This book
encourages the reader to develop faith-based strategies that foster
not only intellectual but personal and spiritual growth during
the college experience. I would recommend this book to advisors
who teach first year seminar classes or those who work with students
in academic jeopardy.
While
the book is written for students with a Christian background much
of the material is applicable for any college student -- regardless
of church affiliation or spiritual orientation -- who seeks to
develop the tools needed for college success. Chapter formats,
consistent throughout the book, aid the reader in quickly locating
sections of interest or those portions appropriate for use within
a public institution. Each chapter introduction relates the theme
to a biblical setting, such as the story of Mary and Martha's
choice of time use or Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The
authors then address not only academic health and success, but
spiritual welfare, physical health, and emotional wellbeing for
each topic, thus holistically addressing adjustment to college. Each
chapter concludes with a spiritual reflection journal exercise
that directs the reader to a biblical text and suggests prayer
topics and a listing of Internet resources.
Academic
topics applicable to first year seminar courses are included.
Chapters are well suited to a semester orientation class with
thirteen chapters of approximately 20 pages each. An especially
useful addition to any first year course would be the section
on critical thinking that describes logical fallacies that can
be used throughout college. Concluding chapter exercises encourage
students to think critically as they evaluate ideas; resources
help students put a plan into action as well as seek additional
information. The listed Internet resources are thorough,
covering areas addressed in the text as well as providing additional
topics such as managing money.
Instructors
who wish to cover topics in greater depth may need to find supplemental
texts for reference. For example, while Myers-Briggs personality
types are introduced, instructors seeking a more detailed supplemental
text might consider Introduction of Type in College
which goes into greater detail regarding decisions and issues
facing college students. A unique section of the Light
on the Path is the "Christian World View and Higher Education"
where the authors make a distinction between Christian and public
sector higher education and discuss the incorporation of the bible
within the Christian institution.
Light
on the Path is well organized,
thought provoking, and very readable. For advisors teaching an
orientation course, presenting workshops or advising individual
freshmen students at a faith based institution, this is worth
the purchase price.
Reference
John
Ditiberio, Allen L. Hammer. (1993). Introduction to Type in
College. Palo Alto ,
CA :
CPP, Inc.
