Navigating the Political Ecosystems: A Bounded Exploration of What Language Local Elected Officials Use, Where They Acquire It, and How They Learn It Erica Christina Davis-Stribling

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Davis-Stribling, Erica Christina, author.

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania. Educational and Organizational Leadership., degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

0449.

0514.

0515.

Local Subjects:

0449.

0514.

0515.

Physical Description:

1 electronic resource (213 pages)

Contained In:

Dissertations Abstracts International 87-07A

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 2025

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Politics constitutes a complex and multifaceted domain that significantly influences the language development and self-directed learning journeys of local elected officials (LEOs). Previous studies have explored different facets of political communication such as rhetoric, framing, persuasion, and priming (Kuklinski and Hurley, 1994; Peng and others, 2020; Soukup, 2014), yet the self-directed learning methods through which LEOs develop and enhance their language abilities remain underexplored. This case study investigated how LEOs learn as they confront challenges within their political ecosystems, employing an embedded case study approach to explore the learning processes that occur in these contexts. The study described the complex political ecosystems and self-directed learning processes of elected officials through an integrated theoretical framework that combines self-directed learning theory (Knowles and others, 2005), ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 2005), and Discourse theory (Gee, 2015). Utilizing a qualitative approach with a sample size of eight participants over a 2-month period, the researcher sought to understand LEOs' learning patterns, developmental processes, and language practices. The results revealed three primary findings: (a) the identification of critical political microsystems that shape LEO language learning development; (b) the dynamic nature of LEOs' self-directed learning as they navigate the immersive and predatory natures of their political environment; and (c) the development of specialized language practices through two interconnected dimensions of "language in use" (little-d discourse) and broader "ways of being" (big-D Discourse). These findings addressed significant gaps in the current literature concerning formal training structures, knowledge construction, and language skills vital to local elected officials, providing critical insights into how LEOs engage in self-directed learning of the language needed to navigate their complex political ecosystems.

Notes:

Advisors: Kane, Andrea M. Committee members: Rho, Kathy; Tinari, Marilyn; Lammers, Jayne

Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 87-07, Section: A.

Ed.D. University of Pennsylvania 2025

Vendor supplied data

Local Notes:

School code: 0175

ISBN:

9798276005560

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license