A retrospective study of academic resilience in successful Latino students from a rural California community |
| Author: |
Duran, David
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| Author Background: |
Stanford U., US
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| Date |
7/2000
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| Type |
Dissertation
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| Journal Title: |
Dissertation-Abstracts-International-Section-A:-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences
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| Volume/Pages |
Vol 61(1-A): 96
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| Publisher |
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| Subject Matter |
Research, Latino, College Students, Academic Resillence
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| Population |
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| Pedagogies |
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| Abstract |
This study examined the educational resilient characteristics of 60 academically successful Latino students from a rural community in California. The study also explored the role of parents and community in the fostering and support of student academic success. The data for this study was collected using two quantitative self-reports administered to all 60 respondents. A smaller subsample of 12 students were examined using life-history questionnaires. The parents of these 12 students were also given life-history questionnaires. Five community members were given life-history questionnaires to explore their role in the educational success of the students. One of these individuals was the high school academic counselor who served as an 'Education Brokers' for many of these academically successful students. In addition, a posthumous examination was done on the correspondence of one community member also known to have played a major role as an 'Education Broker' to students in the study. The dependent variables for the quantitative study were scores on the College Self-Efficacy Instrument and Educational Resiliency Scale. Responses to the life-history questionnaire comprised the qualitative results for the study. Responses on the life-history questionnaires were analyzed for thematic content. The study revealed that despite a large age range between the student respondents, all shared characteristics that define educational resilience. These characteristics seemed to be gender neutral with minor differences for male and female respondents. The study also found that despite their own limited education, parents were instrumental in the education process by providing emotional support and models of a strong work ethic to their children. Similarly, because of the difficulties faced by the parents they encouraged their children to receive a good education and viewed it as a means to a better life. Finally, results from the qualitative data indicated the critical role of 'Education Brokers' in transitioning students from a rural community to a private university environment. Recommendations for future research were presented including: Continued exploration into the area of educational resiliency, the use of comparison groups, and the generalizability of academic success to similar communities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2000 APA, all rights reserved)
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