Intergenerational Family Learning Programs: Stories of Latinx, Immigrant Families and Their Journeys to and Through Higher Education
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National Louis University Digital Commons@NLU Dissertations 6-2020 Intergenerational Family Learning Programs: Stories of Latinx, Immigrant Families and Their Journeys to and through Higher Education Monica Ramos Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss Part of the Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Chicana/o Studies Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, and the Latina/o Studies Commons Recommended Citation Ramos, Monica, "Intergenerational Family Learning Programs: Stories of Latinx, Immigrant Families and Their Journeys to and through Higher Education" (2020). Dissertations. 512. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/512 This Dissertation - Public Access is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons@NLU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@NLU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY LEARNING PROGRAMS: STORIES OF LATINX, IMMIGRANT FAMILIES AND THEIR JOURNEYS TO AND THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION Mónica Haydeé Ramos EDD in Teaching and Learning Major: Curriculum, Advocacy and Policy Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Doctor of Education in the National College of Education National College of Education National Louis University June 2020 Copyright by Mónica Haydeé Ramos, 2020 All rights reserved ABSTRACT This research presents the stories of three Latinx families who participated in an intergenerational family program. I endeavored to understand their experiences navigating the American system of education and their immigrant stories. Their narratives revealed significant details that can serve as integral elements in the development of an intergenerational learning curriculum based on culture, language, and traditions, and that steps away from the assumptions that perpetrate the deficit-based narratives about Latino families and higher education. Their hopes provide points for further research and advocacy. In this qualitative study, I collected data using semi-structured interviews, including documents and artifacts. The most relevant literature includes intergenerational learning, lifelong learning, culturally relevant pedagogy, and funds of knowledge. Moreover, I suggested national and international intergenerational family education programs. In closing, I present the reader with my various identities and my reflections as part of the validity of the study as I am a researcher of color investigating an issue that affects People of Color. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Since the beginning of my higher education journey, I have been fortunate to have professors who inspired me and who believed in me. In my undergraduate studies, Dr. Luis Ceja and Professor Rayo Valles were so special to me. Dr. Luis Ceja’s love for literature and philosophy will always stay with me. Professor Rayo Valles showed me what engaging classrooms looked like. Her mastery of pedagogy and her assertiveness are something I continue to aspire to. During my graduate studies, I treasured Dr. Sweeney’s conversations about authentic writing, evoking students’ voices. In my doctoral studies, I continued to be very fortunate. I want to thank my professors in the Curriculum, Advocacy, and Policy program, especially Dr. Sara Efron. I would have not gone this far without her guidance and patience. You have a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful for her wisdom and kindness. My profound appreciation to Dr. Terry Smith and Dr. Carlos Azcoitia. Thank you for never doubting me and for making me feel that I could do this. I am forever grateful to all of you for teachings and your suggestions for this work. Thank you, Dr. Efron, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Azcoitia for pushing me to embrace and amplify my voice. Additionally, I want to extend my gratitude to the families who made this research possible, and to all the families and students who have crossed my path during my career. You are my inspiration. Thank you for allowing me to walk along with you on your educational journey. Lastly, I cannot ignore the violence and oppression perpetrated against People of Color in the United States. With this work, I want to honor brothers and sisters of color unjustly taken from us by acts of violence motivated by racial hatred. Along with that, I acknowledge the grief caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. vi DEDICATION This work is dedicated to: My son, Aidan Sebastian. You are the light of my eyes, the fire of my heart, the source of my energy, my confidant, and the most beautiful gift God has given me. Thank you for your patience during these long five years. My mother, Maria del Socorro. You always wanted the best for me and my brother. Ever since my teen years, I envisioned this day. This accomplishment was inspired by your principles of a well-done job and persistence. My husband, Martin. You are a good man and a noble soul. I appreciate your support and cheers. Thank you for your endless words of encouragement. My dearest friend, Leo. I treasure your friendship. I deeply appreciate your support during the hardest times in this journey. Thank you for those many days you listened to me when I most needed to be listened to. You are like a brother to me; you are an example of compassion and hard work. My grandmother, Doña Leonor Reyes. You are my inspiration; your essence is what makes this work so meaningful. You will always live in my heart. I wish you could see me now. Grandma, I am the first in the family with the highest academic degree. I made it, Grandma!, ¡Lo logré!. ¡Lo logramos! We did it! Abuelita Leonor this is for you, for our ancestors, and for our generations to come. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................. vi DEDICATION List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................xv List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. xvi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................1 Teaching and Learning in the Family: My Lifelong Learning Story.................................. 5 My Uneven Journey through Higher Education in a Foreign Land……………....…….…7 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................11 Purpose Statement ..............................................................................................................12 Definition of Key Concepts ...........................................................................................................12 Intergenerational Learning .................................................................................................12 Lifelong Learning ..............................................................................................................13 First-Generation College Students .....................................................................................14 Historical and Theoretical Frameworks ....................................................................................... 15 History of Lifelong and Intergenerational Learning ..........................................................15 viii Lifelong Learning ..................................................................................................16 Basil Yeaxlee and the New Lifelong Learning Era in the 20th Century ...............17 Intergenerational Learning .....................................................................................18 Immigrant Families in the Hull House Settlement from 1889 to 1935 ................. 19 Critical Theory .............................................................................................................................. 22 Critical Race Theory ......................................................................................................... 23 Latino Critical Theory .......................................................................................................23 Research Questions ............................................................................................................25 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................. 27 Summary of Chapter One ..................................................................................................31 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................33 Philosophical Roots (Paulo Freire & John Dewey) ...........................................................34 Critical Theory ...................................................................................................................39 Critical Theory Approach to Intergenerational and Lifelong Learning .................42 Critical Race Theory ..........................................................................................................42 Latino Critical Theory........................................................................................................44