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Dissertation
Composition students' research experiences at a rural community college: a qualitative case study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
May 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4543
Abstract
This qualitative case study investigated community college students' experiences with conducting research for academic papers in transfer-level composition courses at a rural community college. The problem stated in the study was as follows: Little information exists on how rural community college students enrolled in transfer-level composition classes approach the process of searching for sources for an academic research paper; neither instructors nor librarians know if existing theoretical models match their students' experiences, what their students' academic research paper processes are, how students choose and evaluate information sources, or what major challenges and frustrations they encounter. The following research questions were posed: 1) What are the Yuba College English 1A students' research experiences when creating academic research papers? 2) What processes do students follow when conducting academic research? 3) How do students choose and evaluate their sources? 4) What challenges and frustrations might they encounter? This study was informed by information literacy theories, existing models of information-seeking behavior, and previous research on student use of online resources for research. The researcher collected thirty four reflective essays from two sections of the English 1A class during Spring 2013, and conducted two focus group interviews with four participants each and three individual interviews during Fall 2013. Upon coding and analyzing data for emerging themes and recurring ideas, the following three major themes emerged: 1) Research Process, 2) Library and Help, and 3) Mental Process. The results were as follows: 1) Students struggled with finding, evaluating, and using sources for their research papers, 2) Respondents followed an established process in order to complete their research assignments, and 3) Study participants did not seek help throughout their research process. Recommendations for practical action are made for librarians, instructors, and community colleges. The study concludes with recommendations for future research to include other composition courses taught by other instructors, other courses, and urban community colleges.
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Details
- Title
- Composition students' research experiences at a rural community college
- Creators
- Elena B. Heilman - DU
- Contributors
- Holly Carpenter (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 4543; 991014632345004721