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Examining The Impact of Christian Spirituality on Academic Attitudes and Behaviors of African American Students: A Qualitative Case Study

Williams, Angela Yvette

Abstract Details

2004, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Educational Leadership.
This study examines the perceptions and behavior of five African American students who are in grades seven through nine, and how they practice and use their Christian Spirituality in school and other life choices. The five students, three male and two female, attend schools in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The students are members of the New St. Paul Baptist Church located in the West End of Cincinnati. Additionally, these students are members of the Youth Ministries of the New St. Paul Community Outreach Development Program. Within this agency are ministries that provide programs and social groups for the youth of the church. Within this qualitative inquiry, the questions that I ponder include: How is Christian spirituality manifested in the education of African American students? How do students alter their academic experiences based on these Christian spiritual commitments? Do these students pray, read the bible, or talk about church in school? How do students and parents make meaning of Christian spiritual practices in their learning environment? Throughout the use of constant comparative analysis, four themes readily emerged. The students share similar belief systems about Christian Spirituality, education, family, and community. First, adherence to Christian biblical principles as taught in the home and church permeate the decisions and experiences of education and life choices of the students. Second, they agree on the importance of education and the impact that it has on the success of their lives. Third, family support is valued as a buttress to contend with the adversities in life. Last, the students have a desire to help people in the community. Through interviews, observations, and artifacts the students have expressed the importance and their understanding of Christian Spirituality and how this particular religious experience relates to their education and life choices. Moreover, they articulate goals that focus on helping the community and of future aspirations to go to college and be productive citizens.
Raymond Terrell (Advisor)
99 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Williams, A. Y. (2004). Examining The Impact of Christian Spirituality on Academic Attitudes and Behaviors of African American Students: A Qualitative Case Study [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1092081969

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Williams, Angela. Examining The Impact of Christian Spirituality on Academic Attitudes and Behaviors of African American Students: A Qualitative Case Study. 2004. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1092081969.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Williams, Angela. "Examining The Impact of Christian Spirituality on Academic Attitudes and Behaviors of African American Students: A Qualitative Case Study." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1092081969

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)