The Perception of Emotional Support of Young Adult Black Males in Predominantly White Jesuit High Schools and Their Transition to Post-Secondary Education
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Authors
Thomas, Alecia G.
Issue Date
2020-11-03
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Black males , Emotional support , Predominantly white institution , High school , Perception
Alternative Title
Abstract
“In the 21st century America, Black males’ perception of and experiences with the openness at PWI (predominantly White institutions) can have a significant impact on students’ learning experience” (Sinaan, 2012, p. 1). However, the true understanding of the kinds of experiences and support that Black males feel they receive directly from the institution is limited in its scope. The transition from high school to college presents the need for the kind of emotional support Black males receive in high school. Educational experiences are important for Black students to pave their educational journey. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of adult Black males regarding the emotional support experienced at a predominantly White Jesuit high school that facilitated the transition to an institution of higher learning. More precisely, through a qualitative methodology and utilizing House’s theory of social support, this study explored emotional support as it pertains to aid, affect, and affirmation. Major findings revealed teachers were seen as the most affirming source of emotional support by Black males. The study showed that connecting cultural competence with pedagogy is a way to connect with students. Similarly, the literature evidences the need for the administrators to be fully engaged in the life of Black males following a targeted approach (Davis, 2015). Black males felt that administrators should go beyond just providing resources and aim to establish a more personal connection. The limitation of this study was its small sample size, which means the findings are not transferable and limited solely to the research site. However, the need for White Jesuit high schools to create a more culturally competent environment through pedagogy and professional development to meet the needs of Black males is evident from the results.
Description
Citation
A.G. Thomas, "The Perception of Emotional Support of Young Adult Black Males in Predominantly White Jesuit High Schools and Their Transition to Post-Secondary Education", Ph.D. dissertation, School of Education, Univ. of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, 2020.