An Evaluation of Military Education Assistance Programs From ParticipantsF Perspectives
by
Ella Bolling-Harris
MS, Capella University, 2008
MS, Capella University, 2004
BS, Park University, 2000
Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education
Walden University
August 2015
Military education programs exist to assist military members in completing their college education prior to exiting the military. At a southwestern United States Army Installation, members have expressed dissatisfaction with the education programs. The purpose of this case study was to examine the education programs from the participants' perspectives. Mezirow's transformative learning theory was used as the framework for the study. The research questions elicited program participants' perceptions of various aspects of the programs, the potential for conversion of a basic skills program to a 2-year degree program, and suggestions for leaders for implementation of programs. The sample of participants included 15 military members stationed at the Army Installation who were enrolled in college and exiting the military within 12-24 months, were serving on active duty at the Installation, had been on repeated deployments, were 18 years or older, and had been in the military 4 or more years. Data were collected through interviews and responses were coded and analyzed for common themes. Results from emergent themes were used to develop a project that included strategies for military leaders to assist military members in their degree completion. Recommendations included a timeline for leaders to implement strategies to assist military members desiring an education, converting the current Basic Skills Education Program to a 2-year general studies degree program, implementing adjustments for deployment, and creating an education buddy team for military members enrolled in college. Implications for social change include improving military education assistance programs to allow more military members to complete their education in order to assist them in entering the civilian workforce in their own communities or others after their military obligation has expired.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:waldenu.edu/oai:scholarworks.waldenu.edu:dissertations-2252 |
| Date | 01 January 2015 |
| Creators | Bolling-Harris, Ella |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks |
| Source Sets | Walden University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies |
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