Former Bequia Teacher earns Doctorate in Education

When Bequia resident and former teacher Judith Tannis Diamond entered into her PhD programme, she chose a research topic which is not often viewed as an obstacle to academic success but which affects many Caribbean students studying at international universities.

Dr. Tannis-Diamond who resides in New York, recently attained her PhD in Post- Secondary and Adult Education from Capella University Minnesota, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey and setting a new standard for research in her field.

She earned her undergraduate degree with a dual concentration in Childhood and Special Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude. It was her passion for supporting marginalized students that prompted her pursuit of a Master of Education in Special Education.

Dr Tannis-Diamond told SEARCHLIGHT her research focused on adult learners from the Caribbean diaspora who enrol in American colleges as they seek to improve their academic ambitions and encounter challenges related to differences in culture and educational environments.

She explained how these differences can create a high-stress environment which can affect students’ academic performance.
“We often face particular stereotypes related to our identity, including our local dialect, accents, and colloquialisms. These can lead to misunderstandings, particularly in academic environments, resulting in unfair classroom settings that do not accurately reflect our capabilities.”

Financial challenges are another obstacle for Caribbean students abroad, Dr Tannis-Diamond noted, “[They] frequently need to work multiple full-time jobs to make ends meet while managing family responsibilities alongside their studies.”

She highlighted how instructional strategies employed to teach Caribbean students often do not adequately address their needs.

“Recognizing this gap led me to focus specifically on cooperative learning strategies as a way of addressing this particular problem. I believe that leveraging the diverse funds of knowledge that adult learners contribute to the learning community can significantly enrich the educational experience for everyone involved.”

She admitted that her area of research was motivated by first hand experiences with similar obstacles in her professional life, adding that she understands the emotional ripple effect these challenges can pose during tertiary study.

“By drawing from my own journey,I aim to contribute valuable knowledge and support to those who may feel isolated in their experiences, fostering a sense of community and resilience. My research is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a heartfelt mission to empower others facing similar challenges.”

She described her PhD journey as “immensely rewarding” but disclosed that the journey was fraught with numerous challenges.

“For me, the most significant challenge was maintaining motivation during the COVID lockdown, which made it particularly difficult to engage participants for my research.”

In addition to the extensive research she also had to compile reports of findings and communicate them clearly while working under strict deadlines.

The former Bequia Anglican Primary School and Questelles Government School teacher said she has a passion for advancing educational practice. She dedicated the dissertation to her family and friends, “…whose unwavering support over the years has and continues to assist in guiding me through life.”