I am glad that we went through past capstone projects. For some reason I had a misconception that a capstone should be a specific research project that follows a linear path of abstract, literature review, data collection/ methods, data analysis, implications and then conclusion. Seeing the different varieties of projects from past cohorts, I now have a better idea of what capstone projects can be.
My ideas at the moment......................................
Before this program, I did not know much about youth work. I had many questions like, what can I do with this degree? Where can I work? And a plethora of other questions about the field. Thanks to YDEV 501, I am getting introduced to what Youth work is, the history, the evolution and where we currently are. I think one of the highlights from what I have learned so far is that the field is highly under-professionalized. Now my interest definitely lies with the matter of professionalization, but it is too broad for a capstone project. However, as a result of underprofessionalization, there is an excessive heterogeneity in the sets of requirements for jobs within the field (Baldridge, 2019). For example, different organizations ask for different sets of requirements, there is no consistent training, a lack of uniformity in the practice, and only little understanding of youth work. This can place people looking to get into the field in a confused state of mind. To address this, my question is “what knowledge, skills, attributes and other characteristics are required in youth development roles/ jobs?”
My goal is to do a comprehensive work analysis and synthesize findings into a manual for new professionals. I think this may help establish clarity in roles and competencies required/ necessary in this field. Hopefully, this data can help provide a roadmap and foundational guidance for new professionals in the field, or even veterans as they make lateral transitions within the field.
What a read that was. I liked the discussion about stereotypes vs humantypes, and the incorporation of the story Girls like me . Kiri Davi...
I am glad that we went through past capstone projects. For some reason I had a misconception that a capstone should be a specific research...
ORGANIZATION TITLE OF RESEARCH/ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION Breakfast for Banter (Bogad, 2002) CRUST (type of research) Qualitative SAUCE (ideolo...
YESSSSSSS, Aji!!!! I too appreciated seeing all of the different directions a YDEV capstone could go, have also recognized under-professionalization within the field, and could see such!!!! fruitful benefit coming from your goal "to do a comprehensive work analysis and synthesize findings into a manual for new professionals."
ReplyDelete"To address this, my question is “what knowledge, skills, attributes and other characteristics are required in youth development roles/ jobs?”
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question,
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I added a link from the Philadelphia City School District. What qualifies as a step in their eyes? Is it years of teaching? years working with youth? In what setting? Does being a camp counselor for 8 years from the age of 14 account for a step 5 or 6 or higher?
Or
Would it hold more weight that I am 22 and fresh out of college? Had never actually worked with youth, but received a degree. Says who?
So interesting. I would love for you to talk with our former YDEV BA co-Director, Corinne McKamey. She has been looking into the Youth Development "standards" that RI used to have and what or if they should be in the future. I will connect you !!! I think this will be a fabulous topic
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