Perry's Scheme

Perry’s Scheme describes how college students develop their thinking about knowledge and learning over time. It outlines nine stages, from basic: believing that knowledge is absolute and arriving at college, to more complex: understanding that knowledge is contextual, uncertain, and influenced by perspective. As students progress, they become more comfortable with ambiguous questions, question authority, and recognize multiple viewpoints. This model helps educators understand students’ intellectual growth and tailor instruction to support their evolving thinking skills.