[Managing Diversity in Education and Student Perceptions: Best Strategies to Adopt]

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare, that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for the academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is two tiered. First, this study analysed whether there is a significant difference between student perceptions of school climate before and after taking part in a diversity education initiative at a small graduate school within a prestigious university. The second part of the study used descriptive statistics to identify what types of diversity education students believe are useful and/or important. The quantitative data was collected through two on-line surveys with the goal of generalizing from a sample to a population and allowed inferences to be made about diversity education and school climate. The research study period spanned from one month prior to the diversity education program through several months after the program so pre- and post- perceptions can be measured. The data collected for this study was subjected to treatment by both inferential and descriptive statistical analysis. Uni-variate inferential methods involved a paired t-test and an ANCOVA of the pre and post data. Descriptive analyses included the use of frequency distributions and percents. This finding is supported by research by Seaman et al. (2009, p.123), which suggests that participation in experiential education enhances people's appreciation for diversity. Students overwhelmingly demonstrated recognition that understanding diversity is important on a personal and professional level and that it is also important to the success of their field. Finally, these findings may help administrators identify the types of diversity initiatives that are considered useful and important to graduate students.

Table of Content

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

Statement of Problem1

Purpose of the Study1

Background of the Study2

Research Questions2

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Diversity4

The Purpose of Diversity Initiatives4

The Benefits of a Positive School Climate6

College Campuses as Learning Environments7

Literature With Reference To Thesis Findings7

Other Findings7

Other Findings9

Opportunities for Future Research11

Diversity Education Significantly Influences Student Perceptions Of Campus Climate12

Resulting Actions13

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY14

Introduction14

Research Methodology14

Research Design15

Population16

Student Demographics16

Instrumentation17

Data Analysis18

CHAPTER 04: FINDINGS19

Demographics19

Pre-test Demographics of the Population19

Post-test Demographics of the Population20

Paired t-test Demographics21

Instrument Data23

Findings by Research Question24

Research Question 124

Analysis of Covariance27

Research Question 230

Summary33

CHAPTER 05: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS35

Introduction35

Summary of Major Findings36

Research Question 136

Paired t-test Attendees37

Paired t-test Non-Attendees38

ANCOVA for Attendees and Non-attendees39

Research Question 240

Conclusions42

Paired t-test Attendees42

Paired t-test Non-Attendees42

ANCOVA for Attendees and Non-attendees43

Diversity Initiatives Identified as Useful and/or Important44

Recommendations45

Conclusions46

REFERENCES48

APPENDICES64

Table 01:64

Table 02:66

Table 03:68

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Table 05:72

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Table 18:87

Appendix A88

Appendix B89

Appendix C94

Appendix D97

Appendix D: Description of Diversity Initiative97

Appendix E99

Appendix E: Limitations/Delimitations99

Appendix F101

Appendix G109

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Statement of Problem

Training is typically designed to uniformly form the habits, thoughts, or behaviour of a person by discipline and instruction. Because there is no set diversity programming standards, ...