Diversity Matters: As Told By AHRD Alumni
Faculty Advisor Name
Dr. Noorie Brantmeier
Description
Considering that we live and work in a world of rapidly shifting demographics and are more connected to those around the globe than ever before, diversity education and training is more relevant than ever. Alumni of the Adult Education and Human Resource Development (AHRD) graduate program at James Madison University often become organizational leaders and supervisors, tasked with helping to foster inclusive workplace environments and advocate for diversity. To best prepare current and future graduate students for this reality, hearing the voices of alumni allow faculty and staff to learn from alumni experiences and build toward more promising approaches for teaching and learning about issues of diversity. Though diversity plays a crucial role in everyday life, especially in academic and workplace settings, higher education and organizations often do not provide adequate diversity initiatives to prepare students and employees for diverse environments.
Therefore, the purpose of the poster will be to present data that was collected from Fall 2017 regarding diversity experiences and training trends from the perspectives of the AHRD graduate program alumni. Selected research questions are included:
-What percentage of AHRD alumni have taken a diversity course as part of their formal education?
-In what areas related to human diversity are AHRD alumni least and most knowledgeable?
-Based on experiences in the field as a professional, how can graduate education best prepare students for the actualities of work in a diverse environment?
-How often do alumni participate in diversity training as part of their current roles?
-How does globalization affect AHRD alumni’s current position?
The research methodology included a discussion of the research design used in this study, the population and sample, instrumentation, data collection and procedures, data analysis, and human subjects’ protections. The data collected focused on alumni conceptions of diversity, what inclusivity looks like in the workplace, the prevalence and types of diversity training received post-graduation, as well as their insights regarding ways their graduate education could have been strengthened. By utilizing a mixed methods survey approach, it allowed the research to determine AHRD alumni’s perspective on workplace diversity trends and their preparation to work in diverse work environments through training or formal education. Participants also provided their recommendations and suggestions based on their experience in the AHRD field about ways to strengthen AHRD students after graduation. Based on the literature review, mixed methods survey approach, and data analysis, the researcher discovered diversity education should be required in higher education, specifically for graduate students, as it will positively influence future work environments and prepare students entering the workforce.
Diversity Matters: As Told By AHRD Alumni
Considering that we live and work in a world of rapidly shifting demographics and are more connected to those around the globe than ever before, diversity education and training is more relevant than ever. Alumni of the Adult Education and Human Resource Development (AHRD) graduate program at James Madison University often become organizational leaders and supervisors, tasked with helping to foster inclusive workplace environments and advocate for diversity. To best prepare current and future graduate students for this reality, hearing the voices of alumni allow faculty and staff to learn from alumni experiences and build toward more promising approaches for teaching and learning about issues of diversity. Though diversity plays a crucial role in everyday life, especially in academic and workplace settings, higher education and organizations often do not provide adequate diversity initiatives to prepare students and employees for diverse environments.
Therefore, the purpose of the poster will be to present data that was collected from Fall 2017 regarding diversity experiences and training trends from the perspectives of the AHRD graduate program alumni. Selected research questions are included:
-What percentage of AHRD alumni have taken a diversity course as part of their formal education?
-In what areas related to human diversity are AHRD alumni least and most knowledgeable?
-Based on experiences in the field as a professional, how can graduate education best prepare students for the actualities of work in a diverse environment?
-How often do alumni participate in diversity training as part of their current roles?
-How does globalization affect AHRD alumni’s current position?
The research methodology included a discussion of the research design used in this study, the population and sample, instrumentation, data collection and procedures, data analysis, and human subjects’ protections. The data collected focused on alumni conceptions of diversity, what inclusivity looks like in the workplace, the prevalence and types of diversity training received post-graduation, as well as their insights regarding ways their graduate education could have been strengthened. By utilizing a mixed methods survey approach, it allowed the research to determine AHRD alumni’s perspective on workplace diversity trends and their preparation to work in diverse work environments through training or formal education. Participants also provided their recommendations and suggestions based on their experience in the AHRD field about ways to strengthen AHRD students after graduation. Based on the literature review, mixed methods survey approach, and data analysis, the researcher discovered diversity education should be required in higher education, specifically for graduate students, as it will positively influence future work environments and prepare students entering the workforce.
