Searching for Heroes: A Critical Examination of Student Emotional Responses Following Mandatory Social Justice Training Workshops

Abstract

<p>This study examines undergraduate students’ emotional responses following required social justice training workshops at a predominantly white urban university in the northeast. Journal entries from 24 participants were qualitatively analyzed in two undergraduate education courses based primarily on reactions to the documentary <em>Waiting for Superman.</em> This study is informed by critical multicultural education and a thematic and discourse analytic research design was employed. A thematic map and thematic chart emerged from the data analysis. Implications for pedagogical practice and recommendations to move beyond best practices in social justice student engagement are offered.</p>