Resident assistant training design : a narrative analysis

Abstract

The Resident Assistant (RA) position is arguably the most demanding and time-intensive student leadership position on a university campus with responsibilities that include crisis management, counseling, referral, administrative tasks, teaching, leadership, community building, individual student assistance and role modeling (Blimling, 2003). The critical functions of the Resident Assistant role necessitate training with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare them for their role; "because of the importance of the RA role, high quality and effective training is imperative" (Taub & Servaty-Seib, 2011, p.13).This qualitative narrative study examined the experiences of five residence life practitioners whose experience with Resident Assistant training design ranged from 9-17 years.Participants each represented different institution types including a specialized institution of higher education, a large public institution, a small private religiously-affiliated institution, a mid-sized public institution and a gender-specific institution. Each participant was interviewed twice and data were analyzed using holistic, in vivo and evaluative coding.The analysis produced five primary research-based themes for Resident Assistant training design with an additional twenty-five sub-themes. These primary themes included holistic approach to the training design process, training session considerations within training design, alignment of training to the unique needs of the Resident Assistants receiving the training, logistical considerations in training design and use of assessment in training design.

Exploring the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships through e-Health support: A narrative analysis of therapist experiences

“…The balance between structuring the narrative interview to maintain confidentiality and focus on the topic while not interfering with the participants narrative was upheld. 53,54 Interviews were conducted by the first author, who had received interview training through the university and was supported through the process by the final author.…”