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Dr. Zell's Recent Publications

Zell, M. (2009). "Achieving a College Education —The Psychological Experiences of Latina/o Community College Students"
(Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, SAGE Publications, September 23, 2009.

Abstract: The study examines the psychological and subjective experiences of Latina/o community college students. The impact of these experiences on their persistence toward achieving their education goals is also examined. Interviews with 17 community college students yielded eight themes: overcoming personal and social challenges, maturation, self-discovery and college adjustment, self-efficacy, continuously strategizing, sense of purpose, perception of faculty, perception of advisors, and guided and groomed by family to succeed. Implications for practice and recommendations for community colleges are discussed.

Zell, M. (2006). "The movement of the landless rural workers: issues of development in Brazil. Journal of Comparative Social Welfare"

(Currently being reviewed for publication)

Abstract: Development and modernization are thought to go hand in hand. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have compelled nations to ‘modernize and develop’ through free enterprise capitalism, increased economic growth and GDP, inclusion in global markets, privatization of national assets, and cuts in social spending. However, even when countries achieve some level of economic prosperity and development, the majority of their people lag behind, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Drawing on Sen’s social choice theory, this paper examines the alternative development model proposed by the Movement of the Brazilian Rural Landless Workers (MST). Two aspects of the MST alternative approach to development are examined: collective production and education.

Zell, M. (2006). “Child Welfare Workers: Who They Are and How They View the Child Welfare System.” Child Welfare, 85 (1)

Abstract: This article examines the characteristics of child welfare caseworkers, their views of the child welfare system, their clients, their agency of employment, and child welfare policies, and whether these views vary according to caseworkers’ characteristics. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze in-depth interviews conducted with caseworkers in New York and Chicago. The major themes that emerged from the analysis indicate caseworkers believed that the child welfare system lacks the resources to appropriately serve clients, and often establishes goals that cannot be attained by the biological parents. Caseworkers held negative views of the biological parents and, although most described their organizations as well equipped, almost as many reported that their organization lacks technical, administrative, and personnel resources. Caseworkers’ views of child welfare policies emphasized the need for reforming the system and reevaluating funding priorities.

Zell, M. (2004). What is an International Curriculum? Governors State University’s International Colloquium Occasional Papers: University Park, IL

Abstract: During the last 20 years, institutions of higher education have been pushed to “adapt” to the increased demands of economic and political globalization. Higher education institutions have a responsibility to prepare students to understand world affairs and to work effectively in increasingly multicultural environments in the U.S. and abroad. This paper focuses on curriculum internationalization and discusses essential elements that can support this process at Governors State University. Suggestions and recommendations are made throughout the paper. An integrated, across the campus approach was favored. To illustrate the process, this paper provides examples of the internationalization process carried out in various universities in the U.S. A framework was suggested incorporating desirable student outcomes, curricular, and co-curricular activities.