Intergenerational PFRDG Project Investigating How Undergraduates Nurture and Sustain Their Curiosity and Learning

 

Charlene Désir, EdD, is a Professor in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice (FCE&SCJ).

Dr. Désir received a Presidential Faculty Research and Development Grant (now referred to as President’s Research Grant – PRG) for her project titled “In Their Words: Collaborative Assessment of Undergraduate Intellectual Curiosity“.

 

Tell me briefly about your recent grant-funded project.

The decline in college enrollment in the United States over the past decade has been a topic of concern, attributed to factors such as rising tuition costs and the disruptive effects of the pandemic (Welding, 2022). Simultaneously, there are apprehensions that digital technologies, notably AI, could transform the educational landscape, potentially diminishing the intellectual curiosity of younger generations (Marche, 2022). However, intriguingly, certain institutions like Nova Southeastern University (NSU) have defied this trend, experiencing enrollment growth during a period when national college enrollment has dipped by 7% between 2019 and 2022 (Welding, 2022). Much of the discourse surrounding these educational forecasts is generated by older generations, who perceive a shift in the way students learn.

This research study takes a unique and innovative approach to address these pressing issues. It collaboratively involves undergraduate students and faculty in intergenerational research to investigate how undergraduates, especially those at NSU, nurture and sustain their curiosity and learning. It delves into the complex dynamics of the learning process in various contexts, including classrooms, family structures, communities, and the digital realm. What sets this project apart is its focus on collaborative assessment, a relatively recent development in research on university student curiosity and learning. By bridging the generational gap, this research project aims to fill gaps in understanding and make meaningful research contributions. As a testament to NSU’s student-centered values, the researchers aspire to guide pedagogical approaches based on how students integrate family, school, and technology into their learning processes, particularly during the transformative period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of this intergenerational study promises to shed light on evolving educational dynamics and inform more effective teaching and learning practices for current and future generations of students.

 

Who is working with you on this project?

 

Rachel Panton, PhD, Assistant Professor, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Communication, Media and the Arts

 

 

 

Georgina Arguello, EdD, Assistant Dean/Associate Professor, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, Education Department

 

 

Amenia Farraj, Undergraduate, Honors College, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Political Science Major, Honors Transdisciplinary Minor, Legal Studies Minor, Writing Minor,

Jaylynn Sylvain, Undergraduate, Honors College, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Biology Major & Honors Transdisciplinary Studies Minor

 

What opportunities and/or benefits does this grant bring to the NSU community?

Our proposed study aims to understand undergraduate intellectual curiosity for learning in order for faculty/university to better implement best practices in supporting student learning needs, integrating technology in their learning, and honoring their learning cultures and stories.

 

How does this project connect with your other work at NSU?

The proposed study will build on my research on the needs for alternate curricula to support students, as well as partnering with them to co-construct knowledge (Desir & Seraphin, 2022) and on Dr. Panton’s liberatory pedagogy and curricular development on integrating digital technologies and scientific literacies into her NSU undergraduate courses (Panton, 2023).

 

How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself? NSU resources used?

NSU has played a pivotal role in helping me pursue and achieve my personal and professional goals. When I relocated to Florida to conduct research on Haitian children, NSU’s resources and supportive community proved invaluable. I came to the university with a unique academic journey, having started in remedial classes after migrating from Haiti and eventually earning a terminal degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Over my 15 years at NSU, I was driven by a commitment to research that would positively impact learning and teaching with cultural and innovative perspectives. Fortunately, I found administrators and faculty who not only embraced but actively collaborated with my non-traditional research vision.

My NSU experience has been marked by significant milestones. I was part of the inaugural cohort of the qualitative graduate certificate program under the guidance of Dr. Ron Chenail. This opportunity led to co-publishing my first research article and presenting at a national research conference alongside Drs. Robin Cooper and Ron Chenail. Early in my career at NSU, I was encouraged to apply for the President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant (PFRDG), which allowed me to create a study with colleagues and graduate students focusing on the perceptions of Haitian middle school students regarding their learning communities. Inspired by their suggestions, I developed a summer enrichment program. This initiative was further supported by senior faculty in my department, who encouraged me to pursue service grants. As a result, I was awarded these grants and was able to implement the summer program, providing valuable research insights while serving 100 Haitian children for seven years in Miami and five years in Haiti. Additionally, I had the privilege to present and publish on this project, culminating in the recent publication of my book, Edikasyon and Restoration of Pan African Haitian Youth: A Guide to Building Diasporic Literacy Programs.

Throughout this transformative journey, I received unwavering support from administrators, faculty, students, and the patient NSU librarians. I now serve as the lead professor for qualitative research in my department, guiding graduate students in their research endeavors. I am immensely proud to have been named the 2020 Professor of the Year in my department and to serve as the faculty advisor for an undergraduate club called “Magical Individuals Spiritually Trained (M.I.S.T.).” Furthermore, I was honored to be appointed in 2012 as the youngest president of the Haitian Studies Academic Association and created an emerging scholars’ program to support undergraduate and graduate students pursing research on Haitian studies. In summary, NSU has not only nurtured me as a scholar but has also embraced and supported my cultural contributions to the body of knowledge. This university has truly been a catalyst for my personal and professional growth, allowing me to make a meaningful impact on the community and the world.

 

What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?

Seeking grants for your research projects can seem overwhelming, but I have some advice that might make the process more manageable and successful. Collaboration is key, and it’s important to engage both senior and junior faculty members. Their combined experience and fresh perspectives can be invaluable. Don’t forget to involve students as well; they provide an intergenerational lens that is essential in understanding the rapidly changing landscape of higher education.

At NSU, we’ve witnessed a strong commitment to research, with investments in support and financial resources. Initiatives like the President’s Faculty Research and Development and Quality of Life internal grants are excellent opportunities to kickstart your journey toward securing external grant funding. These grants not only provide valuable funding but also foster a sense of research as a community practice.

As you embark on this path, remember to start small and build your way up. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t secure a large grant right away. Smaller grants can serve as stepping stones and help you gain experience and confidence. In the world of academia, it’s essential to develop a strong academic skin. This means being resilient and persistent in your pursuit of knowledge and research excellence. It’s a commitment not only to obtaining a terminal degree but also to the continuous contribution to intellectual pursuits that have the potential to change communities and advance wellness for all. Keep your passion for your research alive, and you’ll find that grant-seeking becomes a rewarding journey of discovery and impact.

 

What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda?

My next research project will continue to revolve around my passion for understanding how students interpret their higher education experience and ultimate career paths within the context of their socio-cultural backgrounds. This area of research has always intrigued me, as it’s essential to appreciate the diverse ways in which students navigate their academic and professional journeys. Moreover, I’m enthusiastic about pioneering innovative and unconventional teaching methods that can engage students and foster their persistence and enthusiasm in academic settings. This aspect of the project aims to reimagine how we approach education, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking to create more dynamic and effective learning environments.

Additionally, in my capacity as the current vice-president of Kosanba, the academic association for the study of Haitian Vodou and PanAfrican religions, I’ve had the privilege to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity of graduate students from the U.S. and South America at our recent conference. This experience has sparked an interest in exploring PanAfrican spirituality, its influence on research, and the epistemological challenges and contributions it offers across various disciplines, including education, psychology, and the health sciences. My next project will delve into these areas, seeking to uncover the rich insights and connections that PanAfrican spirituality can offer to these diverse academic fields.