Differences in selected personal and educational characteristics for Hmong and non-Hmong students at Fresno City College
Author(s):
Farley, Lee, Jr.
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : University of Southern California, 1992.
Pages:
1
Language:
English
Abstract:
Problem. The purpose of this investigation was to determine demographic and educational characteristics of Hmong students at Fresno City College and to compare their characteristics with those of the general Fresno City College student population. Another objective was to form a profile of the typical Hmong student. This information should be useful to community colleges that desire to form curricular models and to introduce special services to assist the growing Hmong student population. Methodology. In this descriptive survey study, two parallel questionnaire forms were prepared--one for a sample of Hmong students and the other for a sample of non-Hmong students. Altogether 86 questionnaires were collected from a population of approximately 400 Hmong students, and 95 from non-Hmong students in general education courses. Data were analyzed in terms of frequencies and percentages of responses of members in each of the two samples to each of several selected items. In addition, both chi-square and t tests of statistical significance were employed to ascertain whether members of the two samples differed in their patterns of response to particular items or in mean scores on continuous variables. Five in-depth interviews were carried out with Hmong students concerning their life histories and current aspirations. Conclusions. (1) The population of Hmong students at Fresno City College with males outnumbering females by an approximate ratio of 2 to 1 is relatively younger and more homogeneous with respect to age than is the population of non-Hmong students with females outnumbering males by a ratio of about 2 to 1. (2) Hmong students perceive themselves more competent in spoken than written English. (3) Typically enrolled in a full-time program the population of Hmong students, of whom the majority has had some post-secondary education, tends to achieve at a lower level, but nevertheless satisfactorily, than the general population of students, nearly all of whom have had no post-secondary school experience. (4) In general, Hmong students appear to be somewhat more satisfied with the educational program than are non-Hmong students. (5) Both populations appear committed to a program allowing them to transfer to a four-year college or university. (Copies available exclusively from Micrographics Department, Doheny Library, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182.)