Learning Beyond the Content

Abstract

In this article, we present an example of a student’s recently completed dissertation in practice (DiP) to demonstrate how the DiP can serve as culminating evidence of a student’s successful preparation as a scholar-practitioner. The purpose of this DiP was to determine to what extent students develop workforce skills while completing a community college education and what institutions can do to better prepare students to be successful upon graduation. Results from this mixed-method study (N = 77) suggest that graduates perceived learning a considerable amount of workforce skills during their time at the institution. However, respondents also reported that more hands-on learning would have enhanced their skill development. Through this study, the doctoral candidate was able to gain substantive results while addressing key CPED guiding principles.

Keywords

• workforce skills
• soft skills
• community colleges
• experiential learning
• teaching and learning