Dissertation
Engaging students in the anchor mission of the university: a mixed-methods study utilizing the Delphi method
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
May 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6881
Abstract
Institutions of higher education (IHEs) have a responsibility to educate students to be knowledgeable, responsible, and participatory citizens in society. IHEs also have a responsibility to consider themselves citizens within society and serve as anchor institutions within their local communities. An increasing number of IHEs recognize these discrete commitments as central to the role of higher education. However, few IHEs maximize the complementarity of these responsibilities and acknowledge that the dual concepts are inextricably linked. This mixed-methods study aimed to develop a strategic framework in which IHEs serving as anchor institutions can facilitate civic learning and democratic engagement by involving students in the institution's anchor mission. This mixed-methods study utilized an explanatory sequential design. Research methods included a three-round Delphi study featuring a panel of 29 national higher education experts, and two focus groups comprised of nine engaged students at Drexel University. Results of the Delphi study shaped an emergent framework comprised of 36 engagement items across five key areas that articulate how IHEs can involve students in their anchor strategies. All items included in the framework ranked as having potential positive impact on student civic learning and democratic engagement. Students offered their feedback on the framework and its possible implementation at their institution. Implications of this research include the potential for IHEs to consider critically both how they serve as anchor institutions within their local communities and how they can enhance civic learning and democratic engagement by intentionally involving students in their institutions' anchor strategies.
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Details
- Title
- Engaging students in the anchor mission of the university
- Creators
- Jennifer Johnson Kebea - DU
- Contributors
- Kristen Betts (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xiii, 214 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6881; 991014632055704721