Looking Back to Go Forward: Student Evaluations of Experiences in African-Centered Educational Institutions

• Main Author: Vassall, Ivan N, III
• Format: Others
• Published: ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University 2016
• Subjects: Program evaluation; African-centered education; culture; pedagogy; Independent Black Institutions (IBIs); phenomenology
• Online Access: http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/aas_theses/34; http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1036&context=aas_theses

In educational research, a prevalent topic of discussion is African-centered pedagogy. This phenomenological study records the unique perspectives of adults who specifically grew up in African-centered learning environments from a young age. The sample includes 10 African American adults, aged 18-45, from various cities in the United States. Mixed methods are applied in this study: group concept mapping strategies are implemented to yield both qualitative and quantitative results for analysis. Data is further supplemented with one-on-one interviews, and a review of themes from interview transcripts using multiple coding processes. Findings from this particular demographic can add another dimension to the current literature on the relevancy and need for culturally relevant pedagogical practice for African-American children. The ultimate goal of this generative study is to serve as a resource for educators, parents and students – which includes documented practices and methods for further consideration and application.