Sandra BradyFollow

Date

5-2018

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

Russell Yocum

Keywords

Idea Formation, Motivation, Self-Actualization, Spirituality, Transition

Disciplines

Education | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Psychology | Other Education

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the impact of a student’s spirituality on the decisions he or she makes during transition. For this study, transition will be defined as the process of moving from high school to post-secondary education and employment. Spirituality will be defined as moments of transcendence that can often provide clarity and guidance (Maslow, 1976). The process of transition can be both stressful and exciting. While supports and preparation can make an impact, it is possible that the student’s spiritual beliefs are a significant factor in the decisions that are made. The following research questions attempt to explain this phenomenon: How much of a spiritual emphasis is placed on a student's decisions regarding post-secondary education and employment? How does a student's level of spiritual development contribute to his or her feelings of academic and life success? and How does a student's level of spiritual development contribute to his or her idea of a career calling? The intended participants will be 10 students, either juniors or seniors, enrolled in a private Christian school. The research methods are based in transcendental phenomenology which chooses to collect individual stories and look at them as separate entities that create a phenomenon. The stories will be revealed through the collection and analysis of interviews, journals, and site documentation. Moustakas’ seven steps for data analysis will be used to analyze each experience to create common themes and develop a textural-structural description of the essence of the phenomenon.

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