ERIC Number: EJ1272030
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1066-8926
EISSN: N/A
Success Factors That Shape Black Male Transfer and Academic Experiences in Engineering
Qaqish, Olgha; Grant, Christine S.; Bowles, Tuere
Community College Journal of Research and Practice, v44 n10-12 p885-898 2020
Although many Black male students begin their collegiate experience at community colleges, a greater understanding of their four-year transfer experience is needed. This qualitative narrative study critically explores pathways of Black male engineering students who transferred from community colleges to four-year research-extensive institutions. The following research question guided the study: How do personal, social, and environmental factors shape the transfer experiences of Black male engineering students who attend four-year institutions? Thirteen engineering students between the ages of 21 and 56, with a mean age of 26 years, were selected for semi-structured interviews. Complementary data from online demographic surveys, researcher observation guides, memos, and field notes were obtained. The researcher used the constant comparative method to analyze and interpret data. Findings indicate that collaborative interactions within engineering communities of practice, especially with other transfer students, foster the development of Black male transfer students' engineering mind-sets and complex problem-solving skills. Study habits and/or peer-led study groups established at community colleges translated to the four-year institution, influencing engineering student-success and enhancing knowledge through communities of practice. Lastly, participants' responses suggest that faculty and staff interactions can influence their academic, social and professional experiences on campus. This study suggests the importance of communities of practice in the development of Black male transfer students' engineering career at four-year institutions.
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, African American Students, Males, College Transfer Students, Community Colleges, Undergraduate Students, Black Colleges, Research Universities, Adults, Communities of Practice, Sense of Community, Peer Relationship, Teacher Student Relationship, Skill Development, Engineering Education, Student Experience
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A