Pa'lante, Siempre Pa'lante: Pedagogies of the Home Among Puerto Rican College-Educated Families

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: Latin@ Generational Experiences of Educational Struggles and Success

Abstract

Research focused on Latinas/os in higher education often examines patterns of failure, while neglecting factors that contribute to Latina/o generational familial success. This study focuses on intergenerational strategies taught within college-educated Puerto Rican households that assist in academic achievement and success in higher education. Through analysis of educational oral histories of four college-educated Puerto Rican families, college-educated children identify sin pelos en la lengua (without mincing words), demystifying of privileges, pa’lante siempre pa’lante (always moving forward), and commitment to communities as strategies employed in navigating higher education. In rearticulating, pedagogies of the home for the Puerto Rican community, institutions of higher education can better respond to the various experiences of Latinas/os.

Author

• Nichole Garcia, Rutgers University