Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Dr. Boyd Dressler

Abstract

Student Perspectives Regarding School Failure at the American Samoa Community College

by

Siamaua Ropeti

MEd, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2006

BEd, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2000

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Education

Walden University

December 2014

Students taking remedial English courses at the American Samoa Community College are facing problems relating to school failure. The purpose of this study was to explore the stories and experiences of students who were not passing in remedial English courses. This study was guided by (a) Weiner's attribution theory, which posits that students achieve when they can identify the causes of their success or failure; (b) Bandura's social cognitive, which explains student efficacy; (c) Covington's self-worth theory, contending there is a connection between emotions and the perceptions of motivation; and (d) critical race theory, which gives voices to racial oppression. The research question addressed the stories of students taking remedial English courses at American Samoa Community College (ASCC). A qualitative paradigm of a narrative analysis formed the basis for the semi structured interviews. Results revealed confusion of many students about services offered by the institution; results also revealed the increased influence of peer pressure and the need for improvement in instructional strategies. Based on these findings, it was recommended that a systematic organizational approach to all ASCC services and facilities be implemented. Positive social changes implicated by this study are a change in students' academic experiences through a proper orientation into ASCC, thus avoiding confusion and allowing student feedback to inform decisions. Accommodating students' needs based on students' feedback will decrease school failure and increase quality learning and achievement.

Included in

Education Commons

Share

 
COinS