The Implementation of English and Western Education in the Chamorro Community of Guam: A Qualitative Focus Group Study / Ellen, Deborah
- Bib ID:
- 7124246
- Format:
- Book and Microform
- Author:
- Ellen, Deborah, author
- Description:
-
- Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2014
- 295 p.
- ISBN:
- 9781321327144
- Summary:
-
The findings of this study substantiate literature relevant to experiences of Indigenous community members: (a) a perceived lack of relevancy of the educational programs and materials to the lives and cultural identities of students on Guam, (b) a desire to implement greater relevancy, (c) a recognition of the role of attitudes as a deterrent or catalyst in the promotion of greater relevancy, and (d) an awareness of factors that can abet student learning. The comments and attitudes of participants reverberate with connotations of marginalization and colonialism: the language, culture, and educational epistemology of colonial powers is perceived as being superior to those of Indigenous peoples and the perceived conflict of believing that one must choose between a colonial or Indigenous identity. Future studies including a more substantial number of participants could provide greater insight and, possibly, different perspectives.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide insight into the emic perspective of Guam's community members regarding the lack of persistent academic progress among Guam's schools and the declining proficiency of the Chamorro language. The Chamorro people, whose native language is Chamorro, are the original inhabitants of the Mariana Islands. American educational programs, policies, and materials have been implemented within Guam's schools since the time of American military governance. Concern has been expressed within the community regarding academic test scores that have remained consistently lower than national scores and regarding the vitality of the Chamorro language. Further understanding of community members' perspectives regarding the lack of persistent academic progress among Guam's schools and the declining proficiency of the Chamorro language is needed.
This qualitative study investigated attitudes of community members toward curriculum and instructional practices implemented within Guam's schools as well as community perspectives regarding the current status of the Chamorro language through the use of focus groups. The conversations of 24 participants from five focus groups provided the raw data, which were recorded using audio and video equipment, transcribed verbatim, and subsequently analyzed using the NVivo10 program. Resulting data were examined for common themes in attitudes relevant to curriculum, instructional practices, and the status of the Chamorro language.
- Notes:
-
- Advisors: Daniel Pitchford Committee members: Grania Holman.
- Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 76-03(E), Section: A.
- English
- Subject:
- Other authors/contributors:
- Northcentral University. School of Education, degree granting institution
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
- Published status:
- Published
- Publication date:
- 2014
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