ERIC Number: ED660155
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 209
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3835-8194-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Exploring the Concept of Transformation in the Doctor of Education Program at Oral Roberts University
Abner Suarez
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Oral Roberts University
Purpose and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of transformation by studying the transformative experiences of the faculty and graduates of ORU's Doctor of Education Program (Ed.D.). The theoretical framework for this study was Young's (2013a) transformational learning theory reframed (TLTR). An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was used for this study. Findings and Conclusions: Each of the five professors interviewed in this study described experiences they would define as transformational. Each professor could also explain how their transformational experiences shaped their practice of faith integration. Each professor affirmed the Bible as the basis of their worldview and, therefore, their pedagogical approach, and each professor sought to teach and encourage students to frame their worldview through the lens of the Bible. Additionally, this study revealed that the ORU philosophy of Christian Education and the resulting school culture facilitates the process of transformation that invites students into transformative experiences. Participants overwhelmingly agreed with the professors' perceptions of their practice of faith integration. Every respondent agreed that they were transformed by their experience in the Ed.D. program at ORU. Every graduate affirmed four institutional standards that the Graduate School of Education at ORU envisions for the graduates of its doctoral program. The findings in this study suggest that the Graduate School of Education faculty have experienced transformative experiences that directly shaped their practice as Christian educators. The overwhelming majority of graduate program students agreed that professors practice what they claim to practice as pedagogy. It is the pedagogy professors practice that facilitates and invites students into transformative experiences. [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: Educational Change, Doctoral Programs, Religious Colleges, Transformative Learning, Christianity, Religious Factors, Student Experience, Doctoral Students
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A