Capstone Proposal

Capstone Proposal Presentation Link 

YDEV Capstone Brainstorm

At the moment this is where I stand regarding the story I want to explore for my capstone. I feel I might still need help in narrowing things down and getting it down in an organized way that makes sense. Right now it still feels untamed!

The story to pursue: What factors influence self-efficacy and career development of youth in BIPOC groups?

This inquiry draws me to explore what is working for youth career development. In the youth workforce area do we integrate elements that promote youth empowerment in their own capacity to obtain the goals they seek. 

Are the opportunities offered an effective influence to their lives?

I wonder what variables positively influence their lives and aspirations.

As programs are in place as a youth worker we implement and intend to build students up. Still, what elements actually contribute to a positive experience for youth in the delivery and set-up arranged for their development and transition to the workforce.

Enjoy this Clip!

Suspending Damage

Eve Tuck, Suspending Damage article addresses the negative effects of studies that ask participants to describe unpleasant experiences. The article informs us on "damage-centered" research's effects. According to Tuck, this kind of research frequently reinforces a one-dimensional view of oppressed populations as exhausted, wrecked, and hopeless while using resources or compensation for them. As suggested by the author, we must rethink characterizing the underprivileged as broken.

This article helps to consider how we conduct research. It caused me to think about articles that I have read in the past that share data of marginalized groups. I begin reflecting on the image they set in their reporting and find that many do reinforce marginalized groups as wrecked and hopeless. Which encourages me to consider my own ethics when approaching work that I do and/or research when working with others. Because research participants are human, it is important to keep in mind that asking people to describe unpleasant events may have an influence. So how can I include that mindfulness in how research is shaped? 

I appreciate the author concluding with a way to move forward. Tuck shares with us that in order to preserve longevity and autonomy, the speaker recommends preventing damage-centered research in communities. This will give stakeholders time to evaluate previous research findings, create rules for researchers, and reevaluate research roles, with the goal of updating theories of change and establishing ethical standards.

In closing, enjoy this: Click here.

What do you do that can't be measured?

 

Restler, highlights the value of intangible behaviors such as mentoring, emotional support, and personal connections in helping people develop resilience, confidence, and growth. It highlights the importance of relationships, empathy, and understanding in promoting resilience and significant growth. These type of intangible behaviors have a great impact to the humans one serves. This is the type of work that is not valued enough in the work field.  As this chapter makes you think how can it be measured? Still, it is producing positive outcomes.

I think about the emotional investment it takes to create safe spaces for young humans. The planning in being intentional in interactives that allow mentorship and more. The time commitment extended so that a voice is heard. These things don't have numbers but they have value!

Enjoy this clip: HERE

Coding Qualitative Data

Reading Insights: 

Maxwell's reading served as a guide to qualitative research and the components involved with research and formulation of questions.

Some insights on the development of questions concerning the significance of events and activities to individuals and the impact of the physical and social setting were discussed. Qualitative researchers' approach are more open-ended, inductive queries that deal with situation-specific experiences. This tells me it takes time to develop suitable, manageable research questions and demands careful consideration of how they relate to other elements of the design. As the reading suggests considering objectives, implications for the conceptual framework, methodologies, and risks to validity. Qualitative research methodologies' applicability and viability rely on the particular context and study design.

System of Care

In the Rhode Island Behavioral Health System of Care Plan for Children and Youth, what stood out to me is the amount of collaboration needed for addressing the concerns of the youth behavioral health crisis. The reading identified the various partners needed to implement this System of Care. Partnerships among communities, youth, families, schools, government, businesses, non-profits, and provider agencies are needed to improve outcomes, increase access to services, and promote positive change. Parents, community leaders, providers, policymakers, and philanthropists are encouraged to participate in the plan's design, participate in planning groups, and provide feedback on the system's effectiveness.

A statement that stood out to me in the reading is the following;

"Our government and private partners have the opportunity to take important, specific steps to improve the system by reducing behavioral health stigmas and encouraging Rhode Islanders to seek the care they need; increasing investments in help and prevention opportunities for all Rhode Island communities; prioritizing the needs of our behavioral health workforce; and combatting systemic racism that leads to trauma" (Pg.3)".

This stood out because prevention is crucial to break cycles of unhealthy outcomes. This is an area I feel typically lacks true investment in most systems. Today we are always reactive to most issues. Preventative work is very short lived, poorly funded and/or supported.

I associate words like "findings", "results", with the word "data". A collection of results from exploring a hypothesis is how I would also associate to "data". 

YDEV MA Capstone Observation

 

After looking at the various YDEV MA Capstone projects what stands out is just that - the various projects. It gives me hope that I can eventually determine what I want my capstone to be seeing that they vary. Many are unique, creative, simple, extensive, and more. Overall, it is not a one size fits all type of project - which I like.

I'm not sure what mine will focus on but after viewing the different topics I appreciate how some of these are personalized by the experience of the grad student. I see how the focus of what one values and is most passionate about is at the forefront of many of the capstones. 

It is helpful to see what previous students have done. It encourages me as I think of creating my own to be honest with myself and interest while tying that in with the scope of YDEV.