Current Search: UWF Dissertations (x) » Adult education (x)
-
-
Title
-
Transformative learning within social work diversity education: a mixed methods study.
-
Author
-
Anzaldo, Lauren Marie
-
Abstract/Description
-
Recent societal shifts underscore the importance of preparing social work students for effective practice with diverse populations. Lack of cultural competence among social workers is a problem that can negatively impact communities (Sue et al., 2009). Diversity education is thus a fundamental component of accredited social work graduate programs. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to explore the transformative impact of diversity education on the cultural competence of...
Show moreRecent societal shifts underscore the importance of preparing social work students for effective practice with diverse populations. Lack of cultural competence among social workers is a problem that can negatively impact communities (Sue et al., 2009). Diversity education is thus a fundamental component of accredited social work graduate programs. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to explore the transformative impact of diversity education on the cultural competence of graduate social work students at a public university in the Southeastern United States. Transformative learning theory, which addresses the change process in education (Mezirow, 1991), offered a framework to explore emergent cultural competence for one cohort of 49 full-time social work students selected as a case study. A convergent mixed methods design with an embedded case study approach offered a multifaceted understanding of participant experiences. Extant field assessment data served as a quantitative data source. Classroom observation and interviews provided qualitative data. Data sets were analyzed then merged and compared. A paired-samples, two-tailed t test indicated a statistically significant difference in mean cultural competence scores on the field assessment between midterm (M = 41.43, SD = 8.12) and final (M = 47.18, SD = 9.63); t(27) = -5.9, p < .01, d = 0.65. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed themes of developing cultural competence as well as constructs and phases that are associated with transformative learning. Integration and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data offered an expanded understanding of emergent cultural competence within social work diversity education.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2020, 2020
-
Identifier
-
1233653956, WFE0000753
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
