Navajo Students' Motivation, Preparation, Challenges, and Solutions in Applying to Graduate Programs

• In Event: 72.052 - Indigenous Students Navigating Identity, Motivation, and Epistemology in Education: A Fireside Chat

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine Navajo male student experiences regarding access to graduate education. Understanding, documenting, and sharing Navajo male experiences of motivation and preparation could provide invaluable information about strategies to increase the number of Navajo male graduate students entering graduate school. Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Tribal Critical Race Theory (Tribal CRT) provide a lens to explore issues of access, preparation, race, cultural norms, tribal affiliation, challenges, and solutions. The study uses grounded theory and HyperRESEARCH software to organize and narrow down codes into four research findings of Navajo Epistemology, Educational Resiliency, Professional and Academic Strengths, and Motivational Factors. This study provided examples of how Navajo male students successfully accessed graduate school.

Author

• Colin Ben, University of Utah