EDEA 604 Blog 7: Towards Developing a Conceptual Framework

In trying to visually map out Hawaiian identity and higher education, this is what I came up with so far.  It's still in development, however, it helps me to realize what Hawaiian identity can be connected to.  This mind map is trying to help me develop a conceptual framework, like those is Maxwell's (2013) Chapter 3.  I'm still trying to understand this process and hopes to develop a Hawaiian identity framework.  This is what I initially had developed as a conceptual framework on Hawaiian identity and higher education.

All I imagined was a big right arrow with many small arrows connecting into the bigger one.  Because it deals with one's identity, it is an ongoing process that forms daily.  I did not want to make a concept map that seems too closed and looks like it isn't going anywhere.  Therefore, an arrow represents something that is heading into a pathway that may or may not seem to stop.  I think it is a little unforeseeable of where this arrow will turn.

I decided to distinguish the factors between the top and the bottom.  Where as on the top, they are very vital and are prioritized above education.  On the bottom, is where there is great influence through different factors in education.  Friends is definitely a determining factor, as you would like to have the same degree, keep in touch and socially interact on a daily basis.  The teachers and space will also bring culturally sensitive setting to students via the classroom, the campus, the environment, making it welcoming to the Hawaiian student to feel comfortable.  There is also a difference whether the teacher is of that same Hawaiian background, as there is a difference in the relationship.  The degree may or may not have some affect as well.

ʻOhana, language and culture are very vital and dependent on one another.  ʻOhana is the close familial, communal system of support.  Language and culture are the foundation of Hawaiian identity.