The First Hmong-American community college students' experiences and their educational success
Author(s):
Her, Xao Saychou
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Alliant International University, 2016.
Pages:
185
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study considers the journeys of the First Hmong-American community college students (Hmong students) from Laos regarding their cultural adjustments and educational adaptations into American mainstream educational environments. During the past four decades, their enrollment at public community colleges identified the major challenges due to their limited educational backgrounds while in Laos or from living too long in Thai refugee camps. The difficulties included language barriers, older ages, living in poverty, poor study habits and skills, and the lack of motivation to achieve academic success. The researcher followed a qualitative methodology by analyzing personal interviews and a focus group session transcript of 10 Hmong students. He used the methods of thick description of cross-cultural intersections suggested by Ponterotto (2006) for analyzing the voice inflections, feelings, actions, and meanings of the individual participants. The collective information expressed and noted during the process of personal interviews and the focus group discussion provided the response patterns that led to the research results. Thus, the data revealed patterns based on values, behaviors, beliefs, and languages that identified the ways the student participants successfully struggled through their academic difficulties toward success and graduation. The Hmong students’ successful outcomes resulted from setting early goals, committing to meet instructors’ expectations, and their willingness to overcome challenges with newly formed confidence. The Hmong students committed great amounts of time and efforts toward their studies. Supporting their individual efforts were effective institutional programs and student support services that facilitated successful transitions toward graduation in two years and future careers.