Browsing by Subject "Adult Education"
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Item Application of Faith Development Theory for Understanding Students' Transformational Learning as a Result of Bonfire at Texas A&M University(2012-07-16) Petersen, Brent RussellConsiderable attention by scholars for the last two decades has focused on issues of spirituality and higher education. Literature in the field of college student affairs suggest that, in order promote the development of the whole student, practitioners in the field should consider adopting theories of faith and spiritual development. This study considered the application of faith development theory, as developed by James W. Fowler, for contextualizing students' response to the 1999 Bonfire tragedy at Texas A&M University. The primary intent of this study was to (1) understand how a student's level of faith development relates to the transformational learning resulting from the Bonfire tragedy, (2) whether such a tragedy was a trigger for transformational learning, and (3) how student affairs professionals can utilize faith development theory for understanding students' narrative account of the tragedy and their commitment to the university. This study utilized a comparative case study approach. Nine respondents were recruited and participated in a semi-structured and the classic Faith Development interviews. The accounts provided by three respondents were selected for in-depth analysis. The investigative tools used for this analysis were hermeneutical and included constant comparative methodology and narrative analysis. Results from the study indicate that transformation of meaning schemes and meaning perspectives are key components of young-adult faith development. Evidence indicates that Bonfire was a student activity that was unique to Texas A&M University and had the potential to become a center of value and power for many students. Findings suggest that faith development theory can be an effective tool for exploring the structure of students' faith relationships and their commitment thereto. Based on an analysis of the narrative accounts, the Bonfire tragedy was a source of cognitive dissonance but not necessarily a disorienting dilemma. For some students the 1999 tragedy was part of a longer cumulative process that advanced the faith development process. Implications from the research findings and recommendations for future research are explored at length.Item Consumer and Industry Professional Perceptions of the Farming Industry in Trinidad and Tobago(2013-04-26) Sandlin, M'Randa R.Agricultural producers and consumers are experiencing a communication disconnect as the population shifts from rural to urban societies. It is critical to assess producer and consumer perspectives to create a functional agricultural environment. The purpose of this study was to describe the consumer market and the farming industry environments in Trinidad and Tobago through consumers? perceptions of their produce, a comparison of student and consumer perceptions of their produce, and agricultural professionals? perceptions of the industry environment. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to complete this study. The study of consumers? perceptions of their produce provided a quantitative description of attitudes held about produce origin and growing methods and their effect on pricing. An instrument was developed to measure the three constructs. Data were collected in farmers markets. Descriptive statistics were used for reporting consumer perceptions and demographics. The results of this study suggest that consumers are supportive of local, organically grown produce for their health and environmental benefits. A second study described students? perceptions of their produce in comparison with consumers? perceptions. The Culture and Consumer Behavior Interaction Model of Luna and Gupta provided the framework to explore the effects of cultural values and market communications on consumer behavior. Data were collected from university students using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for reporting student perceptions and demographics; the data were compared with the consumer data from the first study. The results of this study suggest students and consumers have different cultural values and access to marketing communication and, therefore, behave differently when purchasing produce. The third study was a qualitative case study exploring agricultural industry professionals? perceptions of the industry environment. Rogers? theory of diffusion provided the framework to explore information access for producers in Trinidad and Tobago. Data were collected through interviews. Crop production methods, sources of information, and perceived needs to improve the industry emerged as themes. The results suggest the need for a standardized definition of organic growing methods, a centralized location of information and training materials, governmental support and public recognition of agriculture efforts, and career potential for youth interested in the farming industry.Item Skin Bleaching in Jamaica: A Colonial Legacy(2012-07-16) Robinson, Petra AlaineLight skin color sits within a space of privilege. While this has global significance and relevance, it is particularly true in Jamaica, a former British colony. The majority of the population is of African descent, yet there is an elevation of Eurocentric values and a denigration of Afrocentric values in many facets of life, specifically in the promotion of light skin as an indicator of beauty and social status. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological and socio-cultural factors that influence the practice of skin bleaching in the postcolonial society of Jamaica. Additionally, the study outlined the nation's efforts to combat the skin-bleaching phenomenon. The naturalistic paradigm of inquiry was used to frame the study and to collect and analyze data. The sample consisted of fifteen participants?twelve participants (six males and six females) with a history of skin bleaching; a retailer of skin lightening products; a local dermatologist who has written and published in local newspapers on the practice; and a representative from the Ministry of Health who was integrally involved in the national educational efforts to ban the practice. Data came from three sources: in-depth interviews with respondents; observation of participant's skin-bleaching practices; and a review of local cultural artifacts from popular culture and the media. Data from the audio recorded and transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Some of the findings reveal that there are multiple and inconsistent definitions of bleaching; skin bleaching enjoys mixed reviews?much attributed to economic and social class distinctions; bleachers demonstrate and boast of their expertise in managing the bleaching process suggesting, that because of this expertise, they are immune to any negative side-effects of the practice; the bleaching practice was found to be intermittent, time consuming and laborious, costly and addictive; there are several motivations for the skin-bleaching practice, and these are primarily connected to issues of fashion, beauty, popularity, self-image and acceptability; there is a certain level of defiance towards the government?s efforts to ban bleaching yet an expressed sense of responsibility among bleachers. The overall findings show that there is a bias in Jamaica for light skin over dark skin and these values are taught in non-formal and informal ways from very early in life. The practice of skin bleaching is of social and public health concern, and this study has implications for national policy, practice and theory.Item Transformation from Developmental Mathematics Student to Mathematics Teacher: Narratives of Adult Learning Experiences(2010-01-16) Wright, Gary L.The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of developmental mathematics students who, after successful completion of their developmental courses, chose a career in teaching and to gain a better understanding of how those experiences helped shape their decision to go forward with a career in mathematics education. With the intention of exploring the text and the context of the experiences of former developmental mathematics students as they have reflected on them and storied them so as to make meaning of them, I determined that a qualitative methodology was indicated; and the qualitative method selected was narrative analysis. Altogether 13 respondents met the criteria and were interviewed. Interviews conducted during the spring and early summer of 2008 were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for data relevant to the goals of this study. Analysis revealed that developmental mathematics students not only have the capacity to become competent students but they have the potential of becoming outstanding teachers and scholars. This potential is closely tied to affective qualities, such as self-efficacy, which are often profoundly impacted and enhanced by a teacher or mentor. The developmental student who has chosen a career in education frequently views the teacher/mentor as (i) a role model who he/she desires to emulate thereby extending that profound impact, and/or as (ii) a hero for whom future endeavors are viewed as a form of payback. The narratives also revealed that women developmental students typically had greater struggles and difficulties in meeting their educational goals because they bore the responsibility for caring for children and, in most cases, for their family?s financial support. Areas of study that warrant further investigation were uncovered while doing this research and include (i) an identification of teaching methodologies that both enhance mathematics capability and also bring a greater self-awareness of the increased capability, (ii) a determination of the impact of faculty/institutional behaviors and attitudes on adult developmental mathematics students who dropped out of their programs and did not complete their college education, (iii) the characteristics of the educational experiences of single mothers who passed through developmental mathematics and on to the teaching profession, and (iv) a deeper understanding of the teacher recruitment potential of cooperative learning groups, tutoring centers, and supplemental instruction.