Date of Award
Spring 5-18-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Dr. Michele Forinash
Second Advisor
Dr. Kelvin Ramirez
Third Advisor
Rev. Ray Hammond, MD
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This qualitative research study examined the experiences of two Black female teachers and six White female teachers who participated in five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshops that incorporated Open Studio Process (OSP) using Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC). It is informed by research on defensiveness and resistance that often accompanies and presents barriers to effective DEI training.
All eight study participants were elementary school teachers, ages 22-56. Participants engaged in five workshops that used artistic mediums to explore DEI topics. Participants visually and metaphorically represented their experiences. Results were analyzed using qualitative techniques.
Findings are that OSP using ETC provided study participants with a safe and supportive environment to explore DEI topics. The no-judgment guideline encouraged participants to freely express themselves, facilitating self-reflection and personal growth.
Participants reported feeling empowered to challenge biases and beliefs, expanding their critical consciousness and DEI awareness. Expressive therapies tapped creativity and emotions, expanding consciousness and empathy with marginalized groups. Participants expanded their awareness of structural inequalities in educational systems. The study also highlighted the need for support and follow-up to sustain learning.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.
Language
English
Number of Pages
127
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Tiffany, "ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER’S EXPERIENCES OF OPEN STUDIO PROCESS IN EXAMINING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TOPICS" (2024). Expressive Therapies Dissertations. 134.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_dissertations/134
Included in
Counseling Psychology Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Elementary Education and Teaching Commons, Gender Equity in Education Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Holistic Education Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Other Communication Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, School Psychology Commons, Urban Education Commons
Rights
The author owns the copyright to this work.
Comments
Please contact Tiffany L. Thompson with any questions TLthompsoon27@yahoo.com