Sociologists look at our world, identify our human habits,
trends, or issues, and like archaeologists they dig deeper. The “shovel” of
their trade is research. Sociologists use formal, step-by-step research to
confirm or deny their observations or questions. Unlike archaeologists, sociologists
can’t just order their shovels online. Sociologists must learn and develop their
research skills through education and application.
Reynolds Professor of Sociology Dr. Gayle D’Andrea knows
excellent research skills are essential for the success of her students. She
also knows how excellent research skills and solid data can be used to unearth
our most pressing human needs and lay the groundwork for solutions and change.
So, in 2017 when she was looking for a project to challenge
her Honors students, build their research skills, AND help them comprehend how
their intended profession could change the world, like a true sociologist she
posed a question . . . a question embedded deeply in her students’ world.
Do the trends of Reynolds students match those of other
college students throughout the US? A major national research study found students
experiencing food and housing insecurity had lower academic success than students
without those pressures. Dr. D’Andrea challenged her students to use their
sociology “shovels” and dig out an answer: were the pressures of student life
at Reynolds the same as those of students in California, Texas, Missouri or
Maine?
Her students began to dig. Following a standard research
model they reviewed the literature, got permission from the college for their
study, developed a survey instrument, put together a student sample, and
conducted their research. The answer: yes, Reynolds student success was
affected by food and housing insecurities in the same way as other students
across the country.
But that wasn’t all. Dr. D’Andrea’s students compiled their
data into a presentation delivered at the Faculty Symposium. Their work was so
sound, Dr. D’Andrea then submitted their findings for publication to the VCCS
academic journal, Inquiry. The paper
is currently under review.
Aside from the excitement, the learning, and the full circle
completion of the project, there was another important outcome. Not just one
for the students, but an outcome for the whole of the Reynolds community:
awareness of an issue. Then the question became, if food and housing insecurity
affect enrollment and retention, what can we do to address these challenges?
In the fall of 2018 Dr. D’Andrea posed a new question to her
next group of Honors students. A follow up national study had found that mental
health and substance abuse also affected the success of college students. Was
this true at Reynolds as well? Again, the students were challenged to follow
the rigors of academic research to find an answer. Again, it was a resounding
“yes”: Reynolds students experienced the same pressures.
And again the students prepared a presentation and delivered
it, along with their professor, at the annual Faculty Symposium. Dr. D’Andrea remembered
their comments: “I can’t believe I am doing this! I can’t believe teachers are
listening to US!” For them, the project wasn’t just something to list on their
resumes, they were excited that their efforts had an impact, and they
understood for the first time on a visceral level that the academic process is
relevant and can be used to influence change.
Indeed, what the students discovered – that food and housing
insecurity, mental health and substance abuse impact the success of Reynolds
students – could not have come at a better time. With the decline in enrollment
and retention, the college administration is looking at all factors that
contribute to student success and well-being, and like Dr. D’Andrea, they are
asking questions: What can we do differently? How can we change? How can we use
our knowledge and resources to help our students?
Thanks goodness for sociologists! With the help of Dr.
D’Andrea, and the diligence and digging of her students, meaningful answers to
these questions are beginning to surface.
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