Dissertation
Narrative inquiry explorations in the lived experiences of African American males who graduated community college during COVID-19
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001333
Abstract
The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the stories of six African American men who graduated from a community college in the Mid-Atlantic region in 2020 during the COVID-19 global pandemic. These stories are important, as they contrast with numerous deficit-framed studies that showcase completion data on how African American males academically lag in juxtaposition to their collegiate peers; these stories of success are even more important now, as the enrollment of Black males in community colleges has declined during the global pandemic and community college leaders have been focused on increasing recruitment and completion rates among all students, including African American males. By applying Bush and Bush's (2013) African American Male Theory, this research sought to elevate the voices of Black men, particularly regarding the stories they shared that gave credence to the supports and interventions they used to complete their degrees. The three research questions that guided this study were: 1) What stories do Black males share about their academic experiences throughout community college during COVID-19? 2) What stories do African American males share about their personal lives, beyond academics, throughout their community college experiences during COVID-19? 3) What stories do African American males share about people or support programs that assisted them in successfully graduating community college during COVID-19? Data were collected using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews and restorying. The responses of six African American males who graduated from a Mid-Atlantic community college in 2020, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, shaped the findings of this study, along with also helping to shape the summary and implications for future studies. The data analysis, using narrative thematic analysis, indicated that the participants found ways to create familial and cultural connections between and across academic and non-academic contexts, which ensured their ultimate successes, even with multiple barriers and often elusive supports. It was significant to note the lack of employment security for some of the participants, as well the direct impact that COVID-19 had on the instructional reception of the participants in this study.
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Details
- Title
- Narrative inquiry explorations in the lived experiences of African American males who graduated community college during COVID-19
- Creators
- Brandon C. S. Wallace
- Contributors
- Deanna Hill (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 161 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991019104705504721