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A Case Study Concordia University St. Paul DigitalCommons@CSP Concordia University Portland Graduate CUP Ed.D. Dissertations Research Spring 4-3-2020 Factors Influencing Hmong College Students’ ersistenceP and Retention in Laos: A Case Study Kou Xiong Concordia University - Portland, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/cup_commons_grad_edd Part of the Higher Education Commons Recommended Citation Xiong, K. (2020). Factors Influencing Hmong College Students’ ersistenceP and Retention in Laos: A Case Study (Thesis, Concordia University, St. Paul). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/cup_commons_grad_edd/463 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Concordia University Portland Graduate Research at DigitalCommons@CSP. It has been accepted for inclusion in CUP Ed.D. Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@CSP. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Concordia University - Portland CU Commons Ed.D. Dissertations Graduate Theses & Dissertations Spring 4-3-2020 Factors Influencing Hmong College Students’ ersistenceP and Retention in Laos: A Case Study Kou Xiong Concordia University - Portland Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.cu-portland.edu/edudissertations Part of the Higher Education Commons CU Commons Citation Xiong, Kou, "Factors Influencing Hmong College Students’ ersistenceP and Retention in Laos: A Case Study" (2020). Ed.D. Dissertations. 439. https://commons.cu-portland.edu/edudissertations/439 This Open Access Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Theses & Dissertations at CU Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Ed.D. Dissertations by an authorized administrator of CU Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Concordia University–Portland College of Education Doctor of Education Program WE, THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE DISSERTATION COMMITTEE CERTIFY THAT WE HAVE READ AND APPROVE THE DISSERTATION OF Kou Xiong CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF EDUCATION Libi Shen, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Dissertation Committee John D’Aguanno, Ed.D., Content Specialist Toni Carr, Ed.D., Content Reader Factors Influencing Hmong College Students’ Persistence and Retention in Laos: A Case Study Kou Xiong Concordia University–Portland College of Education Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the College of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in Higher Education Libi Shen, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Dissertation Committee John D’Aguanno, Ph.D., Content Specialist Toni Carr, Ed.D., Content Reader Concordia University–Portland 2020 Abstract Student persistence and retention in higher education is a phenomenon that has been studied for years, yielding many theories and frameworks. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing the persistence and retention of Hmong college students in Laos. This study adopted a qualitative method with a single-case study design to explore the experiences of 10 Hmong students who were attending a university in the Lao’s People Democratic Republic (LPDR). Data for the study were collected via individual interviews and reflection journals. The findings of the study showed that there were seven emergent themes that influenced Hmong college students in Laos to persist. The themes were: (a) it was difficult being a Hmong college student, (b) family was a factor that motivated, (c) goal was a motivator to persistence, (d) Hmong students were confident in their abilities, (e) there was a sense of belonging, (f) the curriculum was the top in Laos but a nonfactor, and (g) the professor was their supporter. Based on the results of the study, it was recommended that institutions of higher learning in Laos adopt student support services such as counseling, student mentoring, and goal workshops to support the persistence of Hmong students. Keywords: higher education, persistence, retention, institutional departure model, a model of student motivation and persistence, Lao PDR, Hmong, college student ii Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to all the Hmong who dreamed about the attainment of an education but never had the opportunity to pursue it. Don’t ever give up. Dream it, work for it, and achieve it. iii Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents. Without both of you, I would not be where I am today and I would not have dared to dream of this achievement. You two were my main reason and motivation to persist in the face of adversity. To my wife, Linda. Thank you for your support and for giving me the strength when I needed it the most. This achievement would not have been possible without you. To my children, Anastasia, Catherine, Alexander, and Elizabeth, thank you for sacrificing your time with daddy. Now and into the future, we will have plenty of time to make up for the last three and a half years. To my two older brothers Neej Npis and Zoov Cais. Thank you for paving the way. As the two oldest children of the family, you both were good role models for myself and the rest of the younger siblings. To my sisters, Nyiaj, Zuag, and Ntsis, thank you for your continued support. Your honesty and your compassion were invaluable during during this journey. To my little brother Nkias Tub Fwj, thank you for showing me the definition of perseverance. Witnessing how devoted you are to your progam really helped motivated me to continue mine. To my sister-in-laws, my brother-in-laws, my nieces and nephews, and my extended family, thank you for your words of encouragement, your support, and for being there whenever I needed to talk. To my in-laws, Yawm Txiv Txoov Xeeb Vaj and Niam Tias Maiv Lis, thank you for your support and encouragement. To Yawm Txiv Tsav Xeem Vaj and Niam Tias See Lis, thank you for sacrificing your time to help me with this study. To my friend Tswb Muas, thank you for your assistance. To my colleague and classmate, Arvi. Thank you for your support, your generosity, and your friendship. We started this educational journey together and we will finish it together. iv I want to thank my committee chair, Dr. Libi Shen. She was with me every step of the way and her words of encouragement and guidance were invaluable. Without her expertise, I would not have completed this dissertation. I want to thank my committee members, Dr. John D’Aguanno and Dr. Toni Carr. Thank you for your guidance, expertise, and professional insights. This dissertation would not be as polished as it is now without your guidance. Lastly, I want to thank all the Hmong students who participated in this study. Thank you for taking time away from your responsibilities and for participating in this study. Without your help, this study could not have been completed. Thank you. v Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. x Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction to the Problem ................................................................................................ 2 Background, Context, History, and Conceptual Framework for the Problem .................... 3 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................. 16 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................... 18 Rationale, Relevance, and Significance of the Study ....................................................... 19 Definition of Terms........................................................................................................... 21 Assumptions, Delimitations, and Limitations ................................................................... 22 Chapter 1 Summary .......................................................................................................... 23 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 25 The Study Topic .................................................................................................... 25 The Context ........................................................................................................... 26 The Significance ................................................................................................... 28 The Problem Statement ......................................................................................... 31 The Organization .................................................................................................. 32 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................... 34 Review of Research and Methodological Literature ........................................................ 37 Undergraduate Dropout Process
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