Learning From College Students' Engagement in Collective Action: Divergent Values and Implementation

• In Event: Critical Explorations: Students Grappling With Critical Questions and Issues

Abstract

Activism is central at many college campuses, yet few studies have explored how courses engage students in thinking about and implementing effective communication tools for collective action. This study analyzed how college students described espoused theories and theories-in-use for engaging with collective action. Findings revealed that they valued communication tools connected with the purposes/goals and the target audience of the collective action. These espoused theories about effective communication tools did not, however, align with their approaches for their own collective action campaigns. Instead, they prioritized ease and comfort when they chose communication tools. Findings offer opportunities for educators to better support students’ mindsets, processes, and approaches to engage in collective action and implement espoused values for effective communication.

Authors

• Ricki Ginsberg, Colorado State University

• Jessica Barbata Jackson, Colorado State University

• Lauren Midgette, Teachers College, Columbia University