Determining the Factors That Impact Enrollment in Cooperative Education at the Community College Level.

Determining the Factors that Impact Enrollment in Cooperative Education at the Community College Level by Lawrence R. Miller Jr. MLA, Auburn University, 2005 BS, Auburn University, 2003 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University May 2018 Abstract The benefits of involvement in work-integrated learning programs, also known as cooperative education have been touted since inception in 1899. Unfortunately, little research has been published related to the factors that impact enrollment within these programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that have influenced the historically low enrollment numbers within the cooperative education program at a public community college located in the southeastern United States. Guided by Kolb’s experiential learning theory, the conceptual framework provides a direct link between classroom learning and work experience. A qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of 11 cooperative education program alumni. Data were collected via a semistructured interview process using open-ended questions during focus groups. The data collected were transcribed for coding and triangulated for validation by comparing the multiple data results. Through data analysis, 3 fundamental themes emerged: recruitment, communication, and experiences. A 4th theme, website development, was highlighted within the policy development as an essential part of the initial 3 themes. The results may allow administrators to gain insight into how cooperative education enrollment numbers are being influenced by specific variables within the classroom, college, industry, community, program marketing, and programThe benefits of involvement in work-integrated learning programs, also known as cooperative education have been touted since inception in 1899. Unfortunately, little research has been published related to the factors that impact enrollment within these programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that have influenced the historically low enrollment numbers within the cooperative education program at a public community college located in the southeastern United States. Guided by Kolb’s experiential learning theory, the conceptual framework provides a direct link between classroom learning and work experience. A qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of 11 cooperative education program alumni. Data were collected via a semistructured interview process using open-ended questions during focus groups. The data collected were transcribed for coding and triangulated for validation by comparing the multiple data results. Through data analysis, 3 fundamental themes emerged: recruitment, communication, and experiences. A 4th theme, website development, was highlighted within the policy development as an essential part of the initial 3 themes. The results may allow administrators to gain insight into how cooperative education enrollment numbers are being influenced by specific variables within the classroom, college, industry, community, program marketing, and program experiences. The implications for social change reach far beyond the study site. Through the determination of factors that impact enrollment numbers within a specific program, other institutions may be provided guidance in how to address the enrollment issues within the institutions’ programs. Determining the Factors that Impact Enrollment in Cooperative Education at the Community College Level by Lawrence R. Miller Jr. MLA, Auburn University, 2005 BS, Auburn University, 2003 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University May 2018 Dedication I would like to dedicate this qualitative case study to everyone that inspired and helped me throughout my educational journey. Without all of you, I would not be where I am today. To my students, workers, and tutors within L.C. F. , you guys are one of the main reasons I began and have continued this education endeavor. To my father, Lawrence Sr., thank you for making me the man I am today, and there is not a day that goes by that I do not miss you. To my mother, Joanne, thank you for always supporting me in all my endeavors. To my wife, Megan, thank you for pushing me to obtain this degree, and thank you for not letting me quit (even when I wanted to). Finally, to my daughter, Callie Ray, you are my true inspiration, and I hope that I can make you as proud of me as I am of you! Daddy loves you! Acknowledgments I would like to personally thank Dr. David Mathieu, Dr. Richard Braley, and Dr. Sidney Parent for being patient with me throughout this entire research process. While it has not been easy, it has been a wonderful learning experience that I will always treasure. I truly value all of your guidance and insight throughout this process. Thank you all!