Browsing by Author "Makki Alamdari, Sara"
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Item Building our capacity for relational program planning in GSL: Lessons from an institution -community partner action research project(2019-11-05) Price, Mary F.; Makki Alamdari, Sara; Luca-Sugawara, Carmen; Steele, Jeff; Leslie, Stephanie; Aguirre, Odette; Vuković-Čović, SanjaThe research on service learning notes the under use of program planning theory as an instrument to improve outcomes in Service Learning, not only for students but for our aspirational goals in host communities. Program planning, particularly, when focused on relationships, power and positionality, can further the ethical integrity of SL/GSL programs. In this session, our community-academic working group will discuss an ongoing action research project that brings together multiple NGO partners, student, faculty and higher education staff to examine their relational practices across four case examples and adapting three tools to support our learning and practice: Sandmann et al [2009] Service Learning Program Planning Model [SLPPM], Bringle et al’s (2010) Transformational Relationship Evaluation Scale (TRES) and our working group´s principles for ethical global community engagement [adapted from Lasker (2016). We will introduce our processes, findings and lessons learned.Item Child labor in Iran: Problems and solutions(Cheshmandaz-e Iran, 2010) Makki Alamdari, SaraThis work describes causes and consequences of a social problem of child labor in Iran. Poverty, discrimination, and inequality are the main causes of this social phenomenon in Iran, which leads to children’s abuse and deprivation. In this case, some children like girls and Afghan and Iraqi refugees’ children are more vulnerable. This work discusses how we can approach to this problem at the micro, meso, and macro levels to mitigate its negative effects on children in labor. It is recommended for people who concern regarding the conditions of child laborers to refer this group of children to existing non-governmental organizations that deliver educational and supportive services to them. It is also critical for the government to improve social welfare system through providing insurances for children in labor. Most importantly, it is necessary for the government and civil society to work together to eliminate child labor. Public awareness-raising is also imperative to improve people’s empathy regrading the condition of children in labor.Item Civic Engagement among Middle Eastern and North African Refugees and Immigrants(62nd Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, 2016. Atlanta, GA: Council on Social Work Education, 2016-11) Makki Alamdari, Sara; Alhajeri, Wafa; Kim, Hea-WonThis research explored the attitudes toward, frequency and predictors of civic engagement among the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) immigrants and refugees. Respondents (n=106) reported strongly positive attitudes and engaged in various civic activities. Attitudes were found as main predictor for level of civic engagement.Item DEAL Reflection Paper: Human Behavior in the Social Environment Theory(IUPUI ScholarWorks, 2019) Makki Alamdari, SaraThis DEAL (describe, examine, and articulate learning) reflection paper is to demonstrate my understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application in the context of agency in which I am placed. In addition to strengths-based approach, I selected ecological theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to explain the client system as well as practice in the agency. In this agency, I am involved in Family Strengthening program, and the main service is to address financial challenges and basic needs of clients.Item The Impact of paternal involvement and United States stay length on Latino youth’s depressive symptoms(University of Houston, 2019) Bishop, Christine; Makki Alamdari, Sara; School of Social WorkLatino youth in the United States are more at-risk for depression than youth of other ethnic backgrounds. This manuscript assesses the impacts of sex, age, United States stay length, and whether or not Latino children of immigrants’ fathers live with them on the youth’s depressive symptoms. For this purpose, data of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study was used. Using multiple regression analysis, the relationships among the aforementioned factors were examined among 1305 immigrant youth who were born in Latin America and Caribbean countries. The results of the study indicated that being male, living with one’s father and longer stay in the United States are significantly associated with less depression for Latino children of immigrants. The implications of the study can be applied to multiple settings including youth’s homes, social service agencies, and personnel who work with depressed populations. Raising awareness among immigrant parents, training mental health and social service providers, and developing culturally sensitive interventions were recommended. Although this study is a significant and timely topic, using data that are more recent could be more beneficial.Item Improving civic engagement: A strength-based strategy to address post-resettlement challenges(West Texas A&M University, 2017-03) Makki Alamdari, SaraOverview: Considering the benefits of civic engagement for integrating of refugees into new community, attitudes toward, frequency and predictors of civic engagement are examined among 14 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) refugees. Goals and Objectives: To demonstrate the importance of civic engagement in post-resettlement adjustment in overcoming individual challenges and becoming integrated in new community; To present results of a quantitative study on civic engagement among refugees from the Middle East and North AfricaItem Influencing proactive and reactive aggression: C-SELF The socio-emotional learning fortification program in Antigua and Barbuda(JGET, 2020-10-25) Bird, Nicola; Makki Alamdari, Sara; Walwyn, Leslie; Gomes, Alicia; Gentle-Genitty, Carolyn; School of Social WorkThere are no structured programs to respond to youth violence amongst students in the Caribbean. There has been little data collected and organized research conducted on the efficacy and impact of programs which may combat youth violence. Without rigorous impact evaluations, the region continues to lack effective and sustaining strategies for preventive programs. This manuscript shares outcomes from the implementation of the Children and Youth Social-Emotional Learning Fortification (C-SELF) strategy embedded into the curriculum in five schools in Antigua and Barbuda. In 2020, using data from 2017 to 2018, a mixed method study was conducted with 482 (intervention) and 152 (control) primary school students. Data was analyzed for the influence of the intervention on 16 factors. The findings suggest positive outcomes, without significance, in self-control and competence. It demonstrates the importance of social-emotional learning curriculum changes to increase children’s mastery of self-regulated behaviors, decision-making, self-management, and self-leadership skills.Item Integration of war-affected Arab refugees in the U.S.(Council on Social Work Education 2020 Annual Program Meeting, 2020-11) Makki Alamdari, Sara; Kim, Hea-WonThis research explores factors affecting integration among war-affected Arab refugees in the U.S. Two indicators of refugee integration including local language proficiency and social connections are examined as outcome variables. This study finds education, health status, and the U.S. length of stay as significant factors predicting these outcomes.Item International service learning in post-war Croatia: Capacity building for social work profession(20th Biennale International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) Symposium, Zagreb, Croatia, 2017-07) Luca Sugawara, Carmen; Carlson, Joan; Makki Alamdari, Sara; Vukoviæ-Èoviæ, SanjaBuilding on a strong partnership with University of Zagreb, Department of Social Work, and a local community organization serving a post-war community in the Osijek and Vukovar region, in 2011, the Indiana University School of Social Work developed an international service-learning course that aims at strengthening social work students’ competencies to work with post-war communities. This study examines learning outcomes of a five-year study abroad experience in post-war Croatia. All 49 students who completed the International Service-Learning course in the past five years were emailed and invited to participate in this study. Drawing on a data set of 30 student respondents to a survey, and one focus-group of six students, the study examines key learning outcomes gained through participation in the program. For purposes of this study, four subscales were developed: (1) critical thinking/academic development, (2) cultural competence, (3) personal and leadership developments, and (4) civic participation/global mindfulness. Average scores for each subscale were calculated. The results show substantial improvement in learning outcomes as a result of taking the course in all subscales, especially in cultural competence (Mean=4.48, SD=0.55) and global mindfulness (Mean=4.38, SD=0.60). More specifically, through focus group data, we learn that international service-learning experiences become a powerful learning platform that goes beyond teaching students professional competencies, shaping their leadership skills, as well as positively influencing their roles as agents of change in their own communities. Preliminary results indicate that, through living in a post-war community even for a short time, and working with local Croatian organizations, students begin to confront their own realities and prejudicial notions, and become more inclusive of different views that question their personal assumptions, and prepare them to interact with refugees in Indiana and other parts of the world. More importantly, students appear to begin shaping a sense of pluralism, question their upbringing, and build on the ability to work in dissonant and unequal environments. The implications for practice, teaching and research are also explored.Item Perceptions of IUPUI Faculty and Staff Regarding the Center for Service and Learning Faculty/Staff Development Programs(IUPUI ScholarWorks, 2019-08-06) Makki Alamdari, Sara; Hahn, Thomas; Price, Mary F.; Studer, MorganThe purpose of this evaluation was to understand perceptions of IUPUI faculty and staff regarding the influence of the Center for Service and Learning’s (CSL) programs and resources on respondents. Specifically, the evaluation was intended to deepen CSL’s understanding of respondents’ experiences as community-engaged professionals at IUPUI. Additionally, the evaluation sought to gather input on new ideas to strengthen CSL services and programming going forward. IUPUI faculty and staff who have participated in CSL workshops, trainings, and/or requested information from CSL were emailed during the fall of 2018 and asked to participate in the Qualtrics survey. The survey was anonymous. This report shares overall findings from the survey and provides general recommendations.