Advising Undecided Students: Lessons From Chaos Theory
Chaos theory can be used as a metaphor for advising undecided students. Concepts from chaos theory viewed in this context include dependence on initial conditions, strange attractors, emergent behavior in complex systems, and fractals. Looking at advising in a new light often gives advisors new ways of responding to traditional problems. The lessons advisors can take from chaos theory may simply be “get back to the basics,” or they may open advisor and student minds to avenues for change.
Contributor Notes
Amy Beck, M.A., is an academic advisor in the University College at Southwest Texas State University. Her interests include advising undeclared students, retention, and use of technology in advising. To discuss the article, interested readers may contact Ms. Beck at AB20@swt.edu.
