Reviews the evidence for differences between the sexes in their experience of higher education. Describes and compares research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Argues that a primary educational objective should be enhancing the academic integration of women in a supportive environment in which interpersonal understanding can be…

A study examined the administratively sponsored rituals of academic and student life at a long-established, women's liberal arts college as metaphors for the ways students make meaning from the college experience. It is concluded that rituals can embody institutional mission, explain important educational processes, and shape views of the…

Qualitative case studies of graduate students, focusing on student socialization, are critical for understanding the student experience. Because of the departmental nature of graduate study, cross-departmental studies may be not be as revealing. The qualitative case study approach is particularly useful in examining minority student experiences.…

This article discusses the use of qualitative research to document stories of individuals with disabilities. A case is made for broadening the view of qualitative research in an effort to challenge both the nature of the stories as well the frameworks by which these stories are disciplined. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

The second language student experience of group work at university is not often transparent in survey evaluations, although the multicultural nature of the student population in Australasia would suggest that culture and language should be on the research agenda. Culture and language, notwithstanding, is used in the higher education literature to…

In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 deaf adults (ages 17 to 56) who had been educated in South Africa, to determine their impressions about the education system there. Ten of those interviewed had moved to the U.S. while the remaining 13 were still living in South Africa . The interviews were administered in sign language, with video…

Twelve graduate students from a variety of fields who were enrolled in a qualitative research class met in an informal setting that facilitated a collaborative learning mode--defined in this presentation as a method of group interaction whereby all members learn from each other's experiences, scholarship, and skills. The first of the six papers…

The theory underlying qualitative research design and a specific formative evaluation study that includes qualitative methods are discussed. The focus is the data analyses methods and procedures employed in the evaluation study, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the inquiry. Qualitative research focuses on the idiographic and operates on…

Based on the work of Paulo Freire (1970), this study employed dialogical research methods (Padilla, 1993) to reveal overt and hidden aspects of Latina/o doctoral student experiences. Six Latina/o doctoral students, representing various Research I institutions, participated in the study. The design of the study included two phases. The first phase…

This chapter summarizes theoretical perspectives and research findings on developmental education, and emphasizes the importance of considering students' voices and experiences in determining how best to facilitate growth and development in college.

Following approaches consistent with the qualitative research tradition, attempts to capture the essence of the full-time graduate student experience. Using the constant comparative method, analyzes several sources of data to arrive at a grounded theoretical model of the graduate student experience. Findings suggest that stress is at the core of…

Biracial students represent a growing number of students on many campuses and an increasingly significant segment of the population of the United States. Nevertheless, this group of students rarely has been studied with respect as to how their experiences affect persistence at colleges and universities. This case study reports on the experiences…

This study was conducted by seven graduate students to investigate their experiences in the Center for Excellence in Education doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Northern Arizona University. The purpose of the study was to provide the graduate students with experience in conducting qualitative research. Aspects of the doctoral program…

A qualitative study was conducted of the contributions that institutional leaders make to fostering conditions that encourage high-quality out-of-class experiences for college students. A nine-member research team conducted the study. A process of nominations, recommendations and review yielded the selection of 14 institutions for the study. Site…

This qualitative study describes the experiences of an adolescent with learning disabilities at risk of becoming a dropout. Intervention focused on teaching him anger control strategies and providing a vehicle for him to talk about his relationships with teachers, peer interaction, and engagement with education. (Author/JDD)