Center for Teaching & Learning: Perspectives on Teaching & Learning

Meet Chickering and Gamson and Their 7 Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education

Arthur Chickering and Zelda Gamson's work, Seven Principles For Good Practice in Undergraduate Education, is based on solid research in teaching and learning in higher education.

The Seven Principles

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty
2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students
3. Encourage active learning
4. Give prompt feedback
5. Emphasize time on task
6. Communicate high expectations
7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning

The principles work on their own, but together they "employ six powerful forces":

• Activity
• Cooperation
• Diversity
• Expectations
• Interaction
• Responsibility

Chickering, A.W. & Gamson, Z.F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, (39)7, 3-7.