Abstracts Education

A qualitative study of adult Latin Americans' perceptions of their secondary school education in Montreal

by Moya Milagros Calderon

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of adult Latin Americans on their secondary school experiences in the city of Montreal. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews conducted with participants, three other involved stakeholders, and from my own reflective memos. The study was guided by the three main research questions: How do they describe their educational experiences? What are the highlights and/or challenges of having been in their schools? How do they describe the process of integrating into a new society? Constant comparison analysis of participants' interviews revealed three major themes, each comprising categories that ran through the data. Under the theme 'Taking the New School Path', the categories were: transitioning; passing into the expected class; and experiencing adaptation. The categories under the theme 'Attaining Integration' were: gaining familiarity with the French language; interpreting the Quebec culture; identifying the barriers; and sharing collective wisdom. The 'Thriving with a Hybrid Identity' theme was supported by two categories: being Latino-Canadian and embracing the Spanish language. Findings suggest that the genuine support from noteworthy teachers, strong social relations made at school and constant parental support played salient roles in participants' school adaptation and integration. Nevertheless, this study raises questions about the realization of the current educational needs of immigrant students in Montreal public schools. The study concluded that in order for the Quebec education program to better respond to the increasing linguistically and ethnically diverse student population in the city of Montreal, policy makers need to redefine curriculum content as well as cultural competencies of current and future school teachers so they better reflect their goals concerning the successful integration of immigrant students into Quebec. Cette étude qualitative explore les conséquences liées à l'expérience des latino-américains dans les écoles secondaires de la ville de Montréal. Les données ont été recueillies à partir d'entretiens en face-à-face menés avec les participants, et trois autres personnes concernées, ainsi que mes propres notes. L'étude a été guidée par trois principales questions de recherche: comment décrivent-ils leurs expériences pédagogiques? Quels sont les points forts et/ou les difficultés rencontrés dans leur école? Le Comment décrivent-ils le processus d'intégration dans une nouvelle société? Constant analyse de comparaison des entretiens des participants a révélé trois grands thèmes, chacun comprenant différentes catégories. Le premier thème «Prendre le chemin de la nouvelle école», les catégories recueillies étaient: faire la transition, passer dans la niveau suivante; et s'adapter. Les catégories du deuxième thème «Réussir l'intégration» étaient: se familiariser avec la langue française, découvrir la culture canadienne, identifier et franchir les obstacles, et partager les expériences collectives. Enfin, le troisième thème «Réussir… Advisors/Committee Members: Lynn Butler Kisber (Internal/Supervisor).