Publication Date

2016

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Flynn, Joseph E., Jr.

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations

LCSH

Culturally relevant pedagogy; Community college teaching; Minorities--Education (Higher); Learning--Social aspects--Cross-cultural studies

Abstract

This study was inspired by Gloria Ladson-Billings's work on culturally relevant pedagogy, which examined the common conceptions and shared aims of "Dreamkeepers" who were identified as particularly effective instructors of African American students. In addition to exploring the dispositions of Dreamkeeper faculty at the community college, the instructional practices of these faculty members were analyzed using the descriptive characteristics of culturally responsive pedagogy according to Geneva Gay. The implications of the study include deeper understanding of a culturally relevant pedagogy and cultural integrity as foundations for cultural responsiveness in the community college classroom. These concepts are clarified through qualitative analyses of the data from interviews and observations of faculty, followed by collaborative interpretation sessions with faculty, staff, and administrators at the research site. The findings show a variety of culturally relevant and responsive dispositions and pedagogical approaches that offer engaging and supportive environments for students from diverse backgrounds. Ways to identify and develop characteristics of culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy for the recruitment and training of community college faculty members are also explored as efforts to support the American dreams of freedom and social mobility.

Comments

Advisors: Joseph E. Flynn.||Committee members: Jorge Jeria; Laura R. Johnson.||Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

ix, 317 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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