Dissertation
The aftermath of trauma: an intrinsic, case study in the African American community
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Sep 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000593
Abstract
Trauma affects one's ability to thrive and succeed throughout life. In the academic setting, students affected by trauma tend to exhibit behaviors of withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and aggression, hindering optimal learning performance. Traditional teaching programs do not equip, prepare, nor train future educators for the aftermath of trauma. Leaving educators with a sense of incompetency, under-respected, and not equipped for the profession. This study examined current research on the effects of trauma within the African American community, particularly school-age children, including academic achievement, environmental influences and factors, and explored professional development and training. Such research aided in identifying solutions for effectively educating students affected by trauma. Attempting to close the achievement gap between average performing students and those affected by trauma required an in-depth observation and immersion into the African American community by exploring shared culture, behaviors, and perceptions of trauma. Literature streams included (a) examining the effects of trauma in school-aged students, (b) noting environmental influences and factors, and (c) exploring professional development and training to aid in effectively educating students affected by trauma. This study encompassed an intrinsic, case study design that included data collection from semi-structured interviews from parents/guardians, and a focus group of school staff via virtual platform. The following results emerged at the conclusion of this study: in the African American community trauma is viewed and perceived as a stigma and/or secret and oftentimes do not seek help or acknowledge the lasting effects of trauma, and professional resources are essential to eradicating trauma inside and outside of the school setting.
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Details
- Title
- The aftermath of trauma
- Creators
- Sherese M. Johnson
- Contributors
- Christina M. Vorndran (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 110 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991015684143904721