College Student Socialization and Social and Emotional Learning in an After-School Program

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 4:20 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Interventions and Teacher Socialization (Table 19)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of participation in a physical activity-based, social and emotional learning-focused after-school program as a personal and professional socialization experience. Undergraduate students (N = 25) from a variety of ethnic backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews and reflective journaling. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively through the lens of occupational socialization theory. Four themes were developed: (a) career confirmation, refinement, and reevaluation that occurred from volunteering; (b) career development through hands-on experiences; (c) personal and interpersonal development through working with others; and (d) development in relationships and emotional health. Participation in the program was both relevant for pre-professional career development and social and emotional growth among the college students.

Authors

• Kevin Andrew Richards, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Alyssa Trad, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Jake Simms, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Jules Woolf, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign