Description of the TYDE Project
In this study we are formulating grounded theory about developmental processes
that occur in youth programs. We studied 12 exemplary youth programs, including
arts programs, service, and leadership programs. Most
are programs oriented to youth who are economically disadvantaged, or at
risk in other ways. In order to obtain data on developmental processes we
studied each program over a period of 2-10 months. We conducted weekly
or biweekly interviews with adult leaders and a sample of 8-12 youth in
the program. We also carried out weekly observations.
These data are being used to develop theories about how
developmental change occurs in youth programs and what effective adult
leaders do to support it. We
are using established methods of grounded theory to systematically analyze
the data and develop these theories. In the first phase of this research,
we used data from the study of individual youth programs to begin
formulating concepts about a set of social and psychological developmental
processes, ranging from acquiring social capital to "bridging
difference" to identity development. In the second phase,
currently in processes, we are testing and revising these concepts to encompass
the diversity in developmental processes observed across the 12 programs.
|
