Going back to my original blogs and reading through the various questions that came about from the research done to this point, I feel the most prevailing or burning question for myself is one that I asked in my very first blog. How successful is the HEP program? First off that is a broad question and one that cannot necessarily be quantified in the scope of this course. On the other hand if we first focus on the definition of success and how it pertains to a specific HEP program we can narrow the playing field. Let's take for instance the question " How successful is the BSU athletics program?" that question is a lot narrower than say " how successful are college athletic programs?" . While spending time tutoring the students at the BSU HEP center I was able to ask a few questions of a couple of the students while we got to know each other. I'll return to that later but for now it had a large impact on my choosing to find out if the BSU HEP program was successful.
How do I plan to quantify the success of the program? First off I feel a program like this is only successful if those utilizing it put forth an effort to be successful. The program provides all the tools necessary but it cannot make the student succeed. The student has to have a desire to pick up and use those tools. A sword in its scabbard is of no use to a soldier in battle if he doesn't draw the blade. Therefore I feel my main focus will be on individual success/failures of students in the program and how they view the program themselves.
Hi Travis: It sounds like you have an intriguing research question. I like it.
ReplyDeleteI a bit unclear about how you're defining success. Whereas this term seems related to outcomes, it seems like you are instead focused on the process students take to get to these outcomes? Am I reading this right?
I do like the idea of focusing on individual successes/failures in some way. I encourage it. Just make sure to review the syllabus policy on research ethics (keep your sources anonymous) and avoid overgeneralizing from brief encounters.
Thinking ahead to your final product, I can see a couple different areas you'll probably want to address. 1) Some sort of statistics from a somewhere might be helpful to contextualize your discussion. 2) You might need to narrowly define your definition of "success," using both your own words and that of your sources. My suspicion is that the term "success," in relation to the HEP program, will be a contentious one. You'll want to nod toward this complexity while developing your own well-reasoned perspective. 3) Some sort of discussion of the students you worked with, and how it impacted your own perspective. You'll want to nod toward the idea that you're only getting a glimpse of their lives.
This sounds like an exciting project. I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses!
Hi Travis,
ReplyDeleteThe question you chose is one that I also thought of asking. Sounds like you have a good start in the right direction to answering this question. I agree with Jeremy that you need to define what you consider to be success. I am guessing you have thought about it. I think it is important to give props to those who choose to step out and try something new, while hopefully advancing their lot in life (if we have the right to define advancement, migrant workers perform a vital function). In that is where I again agree with Jeremy when he said, "the term "success", in relation to the HEP program, will be a contentious one." I have a feeling from our discussions you will no doubt be able to address it with sensitivity.
I would be curious to ask those who have completed the program and those who are in the current program what success means to them. I think that what they consider to be success is the most important, for it is them that are going through the actions. I think getting background information from individuals as to why they are doing the program would be interesting. There are probably many different reasons. I would think it would be cool to give attention to the individuals in the program, it gives them props for a job well done, atleast that is how I would look at it if it were me in their shoes.
Travis,
ReplyDeleteGreat question. I have thought much about the different types of “success” the HEP students face, as well as the overall success of the program its self. I have contemplated much about what makes this program a functioning tool to students as well as how many students are there to succeed in and after the program. Trying to take an objectively approach to this question was something that I struggled with and think you have taken the correct view of the topic. By looking at individual successes I believe you will have an opportunity to evaluated the students separate of the program. I really look forward to reading your research unfold as you write more on this topic. As far as narrowing your scope of the question Glenny and Jeremy nailed down the main point of defining “success” the only other question or concern I have is how you will collect your findings into an argument towards or against the success of the program, or if these to aspects will remain separate? I think by defining success it will help clearly demonstrate whether you gauge the success of HEP by the proficiency of student achievement, or the success of the Students by the teaching of the program?