Psychosocial Factors and the Persistence of Underprepared, African American Community College Students

Psychosocial Factors and the Persistence of Underprepared, African American Community College Students by Denise Michelle McCory MEd, Cleveland State University, 2001 BA, Ohio University, 1998 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University November 2015 Abstract This study examined a problem at a large community college in the Midwest United States, where African American students experienced poor developmental education outcomes and low degree completion. Those outcomes had negative effects on the institution and the surrounding community. This qualitative case study was framed in Astin’s theory of involvement, which attributes students’ behaviors, whether productiveThis study examined a problem at a large community college in the Midwest United States, where African American students experienced poor developmental education outcomes and low degree completion. Those outcomes had negative effects on the institution and the surrounding community. This qualitative case study was framed in Astin’s theory of involvement, which attributes students’ behaviors, whether productive or unproductive, to their levels of motivation. Purposeful sampling was used to select 20 African American students who successfully completed the developmental education sequence. The participants were interviewed to determine how psychosocial factors impacted their decisions to persist through their courses. The data from the interviews were organized using coding software and then analyzed using a manual coding process. The data revealed that students’ attitudes were the most influential in explaining their persistence. Having a positive, no-quit attitude was deeply salient among participants, and it helped them persist, despite obstacles and setbacks. Faculty influence was another factor that was deeply salient in the data, as most participants attributed their persistence to having positive relationships with faculty. In an effort to leverage this powerful dynamic to benefit more students, it was determined that a faculty training program would be the most effective way to address the problem at the case study site. The faculty training program is the culminating project for this study and is intended to equip faculty with strategies to promote more positive attitudes in students. This study and the resulting project may create positive social change by increasing degree attainment for underprepared African American students. Psychosocial Factors and the Persistence of Underprepared, African American Community College Students by Denise Michelle McCory MEd, Cleveland State University, 2001 BA, Ohio University, 1998 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University November 2015 Dedication I dedicate this work to my colleagues in higher education, who serve as role models, mentors, and guides to the next generation of leaders. This is also dedicated to students who faithfully and relentlessly pursue their dreams, despite obstacles and challenges. I hope that this study provides encouragement and inspiration to all who read it. Acknowledgments There are many individuals who supported me throughout this journey. First, I owe many thanks to my family who endured this process along with me. They have earned this doctorate as much as I, and I am extremely grateful for their support, patience, and sacrifice as I pursued this long-awaited goal. Many thanks to my life-long friend, Erica, who is a solid confidant and sounding board, keeping me encouraged and motivated through this program. Your friendship is priceless. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my committee, Dr. Elizabeth Bruch, Dr. Therese Kanai, and Dr. Anita Dutrow, who helped me become a better writer and provided me with immensely helpful feedback. I am blessed and grateful to be surrounded and supported by a host of extraordinary people, and I owe this accomplishment and so many others to them.