ERIC Number: ED625058
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 376
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-4387-2348-6
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Critical Reflection on Faith Formation of Indonesian Female Students Attending Selected Colleges in Southern California
Rusliana, Santa
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Biola University
This study explored the role of critical reflection on faith formation of Indonesian female Christian students who study in selected colleges in Southern California. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants and the age of interviewees ranged from 19 to 26 years old. Data analysis was carried out using NVivo 12. From the inductive data analysis nine themes emerged: Two themes related to the classification of critical thinking and culture, four themes related to the classification of critical thinking and Christian faith, and three themes related to the classification of critical thinking and self, others, and the church. The research findings indicated that critical reflection helps Indonesian female students experience a deeper understanding of God and the Bible, experience spiritual maturity and a deeper commitment to follow God and to serve Him in the church, to better analyze values and beliefs, and to better understand themselves and others. Students who live and receive education with socio-cultural backgrounds that highly emphasize patriarchy, hierarchy, collectivism, high power dynamics, and gender inequality are not assisted and encouraged to think critically and exercise self-reflection; however, students who live and receive education with socio-cultural backgrounds that highly emphasize freedom of opinion and speech, and gender equality are encouraged to think critically and exercise self-reflection. Some practical suggestions for educators, church leaders or teachers, and parents include: (a) to encourage young adults in discussion and asking questions--help them appreciate differences of opinion, and to seek further information for a deeper understanding; (b) to provide one-on-one mentoring to help young adults make good judgments, establish an identity in Christ; and (c) to encourage young adults thinking for themselves in the process of faith formation. While this study acknowledges that participants may be biased in answering interview questions, especially those relating to culture, and given that in qualitative research, the focus is on describing participants' experiences, the findings of this study are not intended to be representative of all people in both cultures. Longitudinal studies to examine and understand how students can grow spiritually and have more mature faith with critical reflection are recommended. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Religious Factors, Foreign Students, Christianity, College Students, Critical Thinking, Cultural Influences, Cultural Background, Reflection, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Indonesia; California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A