A Case Study Exploring the Development of the Jamaica Masters On-Line Project
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A CASE STUDY EXPLORING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAMAICA MASTERS ON-LINE PROJECT DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Phyllis Thelma P. Hill, Dip, Cert., B. Ed., M.A. * * * * * The Ohio State University 2006 Dissertation Examination Committee: Approved by Professor Michael Parsons, Adviser Professor Candace J. Stout ____________________ Professor Vesta Daniel Adviser Professor James Upton Graduate Program in Art Education ABSTRACT This study is a review of the Jamaica Masters Online Project, which was developed as a response to the need for a culturally responsive program of professional development for practicing art teachers in Jamaica. This population is currently underserved by conventional institutions at the tertiary level. The project is a collaborative effort between the Ohio State University Department of Art Education and the Edna Manley College in Jamaica. It will be conducted partly in Jamaica, partly-on- line, and result in an MA degree from the Ohio State University. The review covered the period June 2004 to June 2006 and examined the complexities involved in its development, framing these in the education-globalization debate and using a postcolonial mode of critique. The study examined the contemporary social, cultural, political and economic issues with which Jamaica currently grapples and showed how these are intensified by the phenomenon of globalization. This cultural context served as a foundation for understanding Jamaica’s cultural concerns in the current global environment and the need for culturally relevant art education programs at this time in the country’s development. It also provided a basis for understanding the value of education to Jamaica as a site of resistance against global pressures. ii The project has a ten year vision and its overarching goal is to assist the EMC to develop and deliver its own graduate programs. This process would begin with upgrading the EMC’s staff to the MA and eventually the PhD levels, equipping them with the necessary skill and experience to develop culturally relevant programs. The collaboration would also facilitate the expansion of faculty and student involvement in joint international research, education projects and publications. In examining the complexities involved in the development of the project the above mentioned goals were used as the criteria for evaluation. This review also looked at how the project participated in national development, in ways that supported Jamaica’s national interests and how it supported a culturally relevant program of learning. This was the first attempt at evaluating this project, and the findings are meant to assist in the continued development of the project. iii Dedicated In memory of my father Ewart Douglas Hill, Sr. & my sister Lorna Mae Clarke-Jerome To my family Especially to my children, Joelle and Johvan, and to my nieces and nephews. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the many persons who helped me throughout the compilation of this study. Thanks to my adviser and mentor Professor Michael Parsons for his faith in me and The Jamaica Masters Online Project. For me the project was but a dream, you made it a reality. Thanks for keeping me focused, for holding my hands and for guiding me over the many hurdles. Thank also for your encouragement, patience, and support and for your genuine interest in my development as a person. I thank Professors Vesta Daniel, Candace Stout and James Upton for their investment of time and their contribution to my professional growth. I also thank all the professors in the Department of Art Education who shared their wisdom and expertise, and who participated in the development of The Jamaica Masters Online Project. To Dr. Patricia Stuhr, I extend sincere appreciation for her commitment to the project and ultimately to the development of art education in Jamaica. My sincere gratitude to Mr. Burchell Duhaney and Mrs. Carol “Annie” Hamilton of The Edna Manley College for their hard work in the development of The Jamaica Masters Online Project and for adopting it as an integral part of their institutional development framework. v To my sister Hyacinth, who has been a surrogate mother to my children throughout the period of my absence I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. Without your assistance this opportunity would have remained only a dream. To my children, Joelle and Johvan, whose unfailing love gave me the courage to embark on this ‘adventure’, I will be forever indebted to you. May the strength, courage and sense of independence you garnered throughout this experience serve you well in life. To all the other members of my family, thanks for sharing this experience and for reinforcing in tangible ways that we are a unit and that “together all things are possible.” Thanks to the staff of the Art Education Department Office, Kirsten, Savenda and Holly, for their patience in answering questions and for pointing me in the correct direction whenever I got lost in paperwork and policies. A special thanks also for your involvement and encouragement with The Jamaica Masters Online Project I am grateful to my many friends both here and in Jamaica who provided support and encouragement and made this journey less lonely. Most importantly thanks to God whose infinite love and mercy I questioned on numerous occasions, yet he lifted and carried me at the times when I was weakest and felt most alone and helpless. vi VITA May 1, 1960………………………….Born - Mandeville / Manchester, Jamaica W.I. 2004………………………………... MA Art Education, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 2001………………………………... B. Ed Educational Administration. University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. 1990………………………………... Advanced Certificate in Textiles Design Central Academy of Arts & Design, Beijing, China 1989………………………………... Certificate in Language Studies - Mandarin Beijing Language Institute, Beijing, China. 1984………………………………... Diploma (Hons.) Secondary Education Mico Teachers’ College, 1A Marescaux Road, Kingston, Jamaica. 2003 – 2006……………………… Graduate Teaching Associate, The Ohio State University 1995 – 2002…………………….. Training Officer, Reform of Secondary Education (R.O.S.E.) Mico Teachers’ College, 1A Marescaux Road, Kingston, Jamaica. 1990-1994……………………........ Assistant Lecturer, Mico Teachers’ College 1 A Marescaux Road, Kingston, Jamaica. 1984 – 1988…………………….. Art Teacher, St. Andrew High School for Girls, Kingston, Jamaica. vii AWARDS 2006……………….. Manual Barkan Dissertation Fellowship Award, Department of Art Education, The Ohio State University 2002-2004………….. The Primary Education Support Project (PESP) Scholarship Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, Jamaica. 1988 – 1990………... The Jamaica – China Scholarship. Ministry of the Public Service, Jamaica. FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Art Education viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract..................................................................................................................................ii Dedication..............................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgment ...................................................................................................................v Vita.........................................................................................................................................vii List of Tables .........................................................................................................................xiii List of Figures........................................................................................................................xiv Chapters: 1. Introduction................................................................................................................1 Background to the Study............................................................................................1 Statement to the Problem...........................................................................................8 Research Questions....................................................................................................9 Definition of the Terms..............................................................................................9 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................16 Methodology..............................................................................................................17 Significance of the Study...........................................................................................18 Limitations of the Study.............................................................................................20 Overview of the Dissertation .....................................................................................20 2. Jamaica: A Cultural Overview...................................................................................21 Jamaica’s National Identity............................................................................21 The Politics of Identity.......................................................................22 The Struggle for Freedom......................................................23 The Struggle for Racial Identity ............................................23 Brown Nationalism