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SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN AMERICAN TEACHERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF TEACHERS' JOURNEYS TO SUCCESS

GRIFFIN, THOMAS DANIEL

Abstract Details

2010, Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, Cleveland State University, College of Education and Human Services.

Successful European American Teachers of African American Students in Urban High Schools: An Ethnographic Study of Teachers’ Journeys to Success

THOMAS D. GRIFFIN

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research study describes how one person, a successful European American teacher of African American students in an urban high school, can have a major impact on the educational outcomes of his students. Using ethnographic methodologies, the researcher conducted observations and interviews with successful teachers. The construction of ideas and patterns, which teachers have formed from their own experiences in successfully working with African American students, were brought to light. Personal characteristics identified in the study included items such as having high expectations, building relationships, caring about students and possessing a sense of humor. In addition, the beliefs that influence teaching practices which allow them to be labeled as “successful” were identified and included having a shared philosophy regarding teaching, classroom procedures and students obtaining mastery of material taught. An unanticipated third finding also emerged, that of cultural sensitivity. It is the belief of the researcher that simply possessing the aforementioned personal characteristics and teaching practices is not enough. The dimension of cultural sensitivity seems to be the key component of successful European American teachers of African American students in urban high schools.

JOANNE GOODELL (Committee Chair)
FREDERICK HAMPTON (Committee Member)
ANTHONY MENENDEZ (Committee Member)
MITTIE DAVIS JONES (Committee Member)
MARK STORZ (Committee Member)
137 p.

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Citations

  • GRIFFIN, T. D. (2010). SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN AMERICAN TEACHERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF TEACHERS' JOURNEYS TO SUCCESS [Doctoral dissertation, Cleveland State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1291930882

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • GRIFFIN, THOMAS. SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN AMERICAN TEACHERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF TEACHERS' JOURNEYS TO SUCCESS. 2010. Cleveland State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1291930882.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • GRIFFIN, THOMAS. "SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN AMERICAN TEACHERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF TEACHERS' JOURNEYS TO SUCCESS." Doctoral dissertation, Cleveland State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1291930882

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)