Developing an understanding of cultural aspects and beliefs of Latino/a families experiencing the American educational system
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Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was three fold: (a) to understand the cultural context from where our Latino/a learners come from, (b) to explore how Latino/a families' perspectives of the American educational system influence their children's learning, and (c) to explore progressive, educational strategies and pedagogies which will empower educators to transform the education of our Latino/a students. This study was formulated by insights and questions developed from my personal and professional experience as a White educator and learner and as a mother of three bilingual/bicultural children of Latino/a descent. A heavy emphasis was placed on critical pedagogy and the sociocultural realities that impact the Latino/a learner and their education within the American educational system. How do educators begin to develop an understanding of cultural aspects and beliefs of Latino/a families experiencing the American educational system? I explored this question by interviewing and observing Latino/a families in North Central California. My sampling group consisted of a small group of Latino/a parents whose children attended an American elementary public school, whose first language was Spanish, and who where of Latino/a descent. I used four methods to collect data: a) five observations of a parent group, b) two small group parent interviews, c) one small group children interview, and d) my own personal experience as an educator and my experience with my own Latino/a children. The final analysis consisted of comparing the families' sociocultural experiences, educational experiences, cultural patterns, and the hopes and dreams they have for their children. Through this analysis the findings showed that Latino/a families are highly concerned about their children's education and have faced many challenges to provide their children with an American education. Through the voices of the families in this study you will hear that they want their children to have a good education, to have good jobs, and to be successful in life.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Literature review -- Design and methodology -- Discussion: Latino/a voices -- Results: synthesizing the data -- Appendix A. UMKC Social Sciences Institutional review Board Approval letter -- Appendix B. Estudio de Las Familias Latinos/as - Survey of Latino/a Families -- Appendix C. Focus group questions -- Appendix D. Individual interview questions -- Appendix E. Observational checklist -- Appendix F. Parent consent to participate in a research study -- Appendix G. Consentimiento de Los Padres para Participar en un Estudio de Investigación -- Appendix H. Focus group verbal consent script -- Appendix I. Guion del Consentimiento Verbal de La Entrevista Grupo -- Appendix J. Interview verbal consent script -- Appendix K. Guion del Consentimiento Verbal de La Entrevista -- Appendix L. Parental permission letter -- Appendix M. Carta de Permiso de Los Padres -- Appendix N. Child assent form -- Appendix O. Formulario de Aceptación de Los Niños -- Appendix P. Group Observation Verbal Consent Script -- Appendix Q. Guion del Consentimiento Verbal de La Observación -- Appendix R. Group interview questions children
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Ph.D.