UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
McEnerny, Monica
Dept./Program:
College of Education and Social Services
Year:
2012
Degree:
Ed. D.
Abstract:
This Scholarly Personal Narrative is a study ofresilience at the middle level. The author's perceptions of her own experiences as an adolescent, parent of adolescents, and middle grades teacher provide universal insights into what builds resilience through challenges associated with adolescence in its early stages.
Original hypothesized concepts include understanding, purpose, perseverance, and hope. Emerging from the literature are themes of otherness, marginality and community, the impact of physical and social environment, flexibility, positive psychology, and the "charismatic adult", and the need to embrace diversity, vulnerability, communication, and self-care. Research in the fields of cognitive and developmental learning, positive psychology, and best teaching practices are complemented by photographs, stories, notes, epigraphs, and poems that focus upon the resilience of parents and teachers as well as students.
This study contributes to the literature available for new and future middle level educators.
Original hypothesized concepts include understanding, purpose, perseverance, and hope. Emerging from the literature are themes of otherness, marginality and community, the impact of physical and social environment, flexibility, positive psychology, and the "charismatic adult", and the need to embrace diversity, vulnerability, communication, and self-care. Research in the fields of cognitive and developmental learning, positive psychology, and best teaching practices are complemented by photographs, stories, notes, epigraphs, and poems that focus upon the resilience of parents and teachers as well as students.
This study contributes to the literature available for new and future middle level educators.