David D. Hof

Becoming Confident in Addressing Client Spiritual or Religious Orientation in Counseling: A Grounded Theory Understanding

The process of how counselors develop confidence in addressing the spiritual or religious orientation of the client during therapy was explored using a qualitative, grounded theory framework. Results suggest that developing this confidence, as well as avoiding pitfalls when incorporating spirituality or religious orientation in the therapeutic process, are shaped by the counselors personal spiritual journey. Formative factors include having opportunities to socially construct knowledge and skill, the level of reverence and respect for spirituality, and the degree of internal drive on the part of the counselor to become more confident. Implications of these findings for counselor practice are discussed.

The Platte River Corridor Project: A University/K-12 Collaboration to Meet the Needs of Latino Students.

This article discusses the development and impact of the Platte River Corridor Project, a successful university/K-12 partnership designed to address the inequality in learning outcomes for Latino students by increasing the effectiveness of K-12 classroom teachers in educating Latino English Language Learner (ELL) students and by facilitating access to higher education for Latino students. The project includes components that train K-12 educators, provide financial and social support for Latino students to attend college, provide ELL resources to school systems, and establish a regional teacher information network. Assessment data specific to each program component is provided. Challenges and recommendations are included for others who may be interested in creating a similar project.

ASSESSING GLOBAL SERVICE-LEARNING: A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH TO EVALUATING STUDENTS’ INTERCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Research problem: Global Service-Learning (GSL), as service-learning that takes place outside of an institution’s home culture, has long been touted as an important contributor to student’s intercultural development. However, GSL practitioners have not yet established effective and consistent methods for evaluating the growth that students experience as a result of GSL experiences. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of cultural immersion as a service-learning project and to use the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to better understand the changes in student development as a result of this project. Methods. A mixed method approach was used to assess students’ intercultural development, utilizing a functionalist instrument (quantitative), alongside critical-reflection guided student journals and participant observation (qualitative). Results. The results showed that the program accomplished some of its goals, however, the structure of the program was not facilitative (at least short term) of allowing all students to access the learning and transformation which was available for them. Conclusions. In conclusion, the authors note emphasizing participation, critical reflection, and intercultural growth, while also using the interplay between functionalist instruments, student generated reports, and the researcher-as-an-instrument through ethnography seem to be a natural and helpful contribution to service-learning.Â